philadelphia police department directive 7a. when broadcasting crime/flash information from (1) a...

PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVE 7.1

SUBJECT: POLICE RADIO ______________________________________________________________________________

INDEX

SECTION TITLE PAGE NUMBER

1 Policy 1

2 Procedures 1

3 Broadcasts and Services 8

4 District Control Numbers (DC#s) 10

5 Issuance and Repair of Radio Equipment 10

6 Disposition Codes for C.A.D. System 10

7 311 Call Transfers 12

8 Mobile Data Computer (MDC) 13

9 Requests for Compact Discs (CDs) and/or 14

CAD Messages

Appendix “A” Cancelling Radio Assignments

Appendix “B” Foreign Language Translator Service

Appendix “C” 800MHZ Radio Inter-Operability Policy and Procedure

For Inter-Departmental Radio Communications

*4 Appendix “D” Emergency Communications: DVRs – Digital Vehicular Repeating

Systems

ASRs – Astro Site Repeaters

Issued Date: 03-08-13 Effective Date:03-08-13 Updated Date: 12-05-19

DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 1


SUBJECT: POLICE RADIO PLEAC 3.3.1, 3.3.2(a,b,c), 3.3.4 ______________________________________________________________________________

1. POLICY

A. Police Radio will receive the complaints and requests of the public through the use of

the telephone number 9-1-1. Police Radio, through the use of the Computer-Assisted

Dispatch (CAD) system, will dispatch police by order of priority during all tours of

duty (PLEAC 3.3.1).

B. Police Radio will provide support services to all district/unit personnel of the

Philadelphia Police Department as needed.

C. The district where the complainant is located should be responsible for handling the

initial assignment and report. The district of occurrence will assist with the

investigation along with the respective investigative unit. In cases where

the complainant is at a medical facility outside the city limits, the closest district will be

responsible for the initial assignment and report.

D. POLICE PERSONNEL WILL NOT REQUEST COMMAND DECISIONS

FROM POLICE RADIO. POLICE RADIO IS A SERVICE FUNCTION ONLY!

E. Police Radio has the capability of immediate playback of recorded emergency

telephone and radio communications while it maintains a continuous recording of radio

transmissions and emergency telephone communications to and from Police radio.

(PLEAC 3.3.2)

______________________________________________________________________________

2. PROCEDURES

A. Radio Dispatchers will:

1. When broadcasting assignments, broadcast the Unit number, location, whether the

call is an Emergency Call for Service (i.e., Assist or Priority 1) or Non-Emergency

Call for Service (Priority 2 to 6), the priority number and the nature of the incident.

The assignment will be broadcast until acknowledged at least three (3) times using

this format:

Issued Date: 03-08-13 Effective Date: 03-08-13 Updated Date: 12-05-19

DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 2

NOTE: Dispatching the emergency level of each assignment is necessary for

officers in the field to determine the appropriate driving mode to

respond to the assignment. Dispatchers may also upgrade any

assignment as deemed necessary. For example, if the dispatcher feels

that a specific assignment based on the 911 call(s) and/or information

received that would typically be classified as a Priority 2 or lower

should be responded to as a Priority 1, the dispatcher has the

discretion to upgrade the call and can instruct the unit to respond as

a Priority 1.

2. Give supervisors the assignment when police fail to respond or no police are

available.

3. Assign “backup” personnel as needed or requested. Notify a supervisor when

“backup” personnel are not available and dispatch the assignment.

*2 4. Broadcasting Reports of Crime/Flash Information

a. When broadcasting crime/flash information from (1) a police officer, (2) a

caller who provided their name or (3) flash information relating to any

Homicide, Sexual Assault, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Theft, Auto

Theft or Arson, the dispatcher will advise responding officers that the, “Flash

information is verified.”

b. When broadcasting flash information for all other incidents and the caller

cannot be identified (i.e. anonymous), the dispatcher will advise responding

officers to, “Use caution, this information is not verified.”

NOTE: For purposes of this directive, the following definitions shall apply:

Information from an Anonymous Source shall include all calls where the

name of the actual caller is not provided or cannot be confirmed. Confidential

Caller Information (CCI) is not sufficient to identify the actual caller.

UNIT

NUMBER

LOCATION EMERGENCY

or NON-

EMERGENCY

PRIORITY

CODE

NATURE OF

ASSIGNMENT

1931

6364 Drexel Road

Non-Emergency

Priority 2

Domestic Incident

2623

500 W. Girard

Ave

Emergency

Priority 1

Assist Officer

3511

261 W. Olney

Ave.

Emergency

Priority 1

Robbery in Progress

DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 3

Verified Flash Information is flash information with an indication of reliability

with the capability to test the caller/informant’s knowledge or credibility. This

includes (1) flash information from a law enforcement officer, (2) flash

information from a caller who has identified themselves, and (3) flash

information relating to any Homicide, Sexual Assault, Robbery, Aggravated

Assault, Burglary, Theft, Auto Theft or Arson.

B. Broadcasting Protocol for Assist Officer Call

1. The handling of Assist Officer calls is one of the most difficult jobs for a

dispatcher. The dispatcher must get help to the officer in need without stripping

districts and divisions of officers who want to help a fellow officer.

2. There is also extreme danger to other officers and the general public when officers

respond to an Assist Officer call in Emergency Driving Mode.

3. For these reasons, the following additional protocols shall be followed in Assist

Officer calls:

a. With an Assist Officer Call, the divisional Police Radio Dispatcher shall

broadcast the Assist on the radio band of occurrence and “J”. The “J” Band

Dispatcher shall broadcast the Assist over the closest adjoining districts, as

well as “J”, “T”, and “M” bands. The dispatcher shall use “Assist Officer”

as the nature of assignment.

b. The dispatcher will assign a supervisor from the district of occurrence. If none

are available, assign a supervisor from the nearest district to respond.

4. The first responding officer will notify Police Radio of arrival and determine if

additional resources are needed to respond.

a. If additional resources are needed, the divisional Police Radio Dispatcher shall

broadcast the assist on the radio band of occurrence and “J” Band. The “J”

Band Dispatcher shall broadcast the Assist over the original group of bands

listed above plus the next closest adjoining districts, as well as “J”, “T” and

“M” bands. The dispatcher shall use “Assist Officer” as the nature of

assignment.

b. Radio Dispatchers will keep the Assist Officer Call open until no additional

resources are needed. The terms “First Assist”, “Second Assist”, or “Third

Assist” will not be used.

DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 4

c. The determination to broadcast the assist over additional bands will be made

when the first responding officer and/or the assigned supervisor confirms the

need for more resources at the scene. The Police Radio supervisor or “J” Band

dispatcher may determine to broadcast the Assist over additional bands based

on the information coming from the scene.

d. The first responding officer will maintain contact with Police Radio until a

supervisor arrives at the scene.

5. The assigned supervisor will keep Police Radio informed about the incident and

the need for any additional resources.

a. The assist will not be broadcasted to bands, other than those listed above,

unless the on-scene supervisor makes the request. By this time, the on-scene

supervisor should be requesting specific resources, such as, Canine, MIRT

officers, and/or EPWs.

6. Any officer or supervisor on-scene can resume the Assist via Police Radio.

C. Founded Officer Shot or Severely Injured Calls

1. In the event an officer is shot or seriously injured, the following additional

protocols shall be followed:

a. If additional units or equipment are requested by the first supervisor on the

scene or by responding officers, the units and equipment will be dispatched to

respond in Emergency Driving Mode.

b. Once the highest ranking supervisor on scene has resumed the Assist Officer

Call and provided the location of a staging area, all units responding from the

division of occurrence, bordering districts, and any Citywide Units shall be

dispatched to respond to the staging area in Non-Emergency Driving Mode,

unless otherwise upgraded by the highest ranking supervisor on location.

c. Any additional units or equipment requested will be directed to the staging area

in Non-Emergency Driving Mode unless otherwise upgraded by the highest

ranking supervisor on location.

D. Police personnel will:

1. Acknowledge assignments/messages by responding with complete unit number and

the term “O.K.”

2. Respond without delay notifying Police Radio of arrival by responding with

complete unit number and the words “On Location.”

DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 5

3. Upon completing the assignment, return to service by responding with complete

unit number, disposition code, and the words “Back in Service.”

NOTE: If further notifications are to be made to Police Radio, contact the

Police Radio Operations desk at (215) XXX-XXXX.

E. Additional Responsibilities:

*3 1. Personnel will carry hand-held radios at all times. The radio will be attached to

their belt by the use of a belt loop and radio holder.

2. When requesting acknowledgment by Police Radio, respond with complete unit

number and await response.

3. If additional personnel/equipment are needed, inform Police Radio and describe the

specific purpose for which they are needed (e.g., additional backup, highway wash

down, etc.).

4. All sworn police personnel are required to respond to a radio assignment while in

service, no matter what district/unit they are assigned to or the type of patrol to

which they are assigned.

5. When temporarily leaving their assigned division, personnel will switch to the

city-wide “J” band.

EXCEPTIONS: Officers involved in a pursuit who leave their division and

officers who leave the city to assist or support an officer in a

neighboring township will stay on their divisional radio band.

6. All city-wide units operating in a specific Division shall operate on the Divisional

Radio band, unless operating on such band would compromise officer safety or an

ongoing investigation.

7. Personnel making a traffic stop will inform the radio dispatcher that they are

stopping a vehicle, then transmit the location, reason for stop, number of occupants

(with description when possible), and pertinent information on the vehicle stopped.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL JARGON SUCH AS “OCCUPIED

2X, etc.” BE USED.

F. Lost or Stolen Radios and/or Equipment

1. Personnel are responsible and financially accountable for stolen, lost, or damaged

radios and radio equipment where circumstances indicate the officer was negligent.

DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 6

b. If the radio is not found the involved officer will:

1) Notify the appropriate Operations Room Supervisor.

2) Make out a Complaint or Incident Report (75-48).

3) Notify the Detective Division of occurrence.

4) Notify the Mobile Communications Unit.

c. Damaged or defective radios and/or radio equipment will be taken to the Mobile

Communications Unit accompanied by a memo from the respective

Commanding Officer. Mobile Communications will not accept a damaged radio

unless accompanied by a memo which outlines how the radio was damaged.

2. The respective ORS or Unit supervisor will also notify the Mobile Communications

Unit of all lost or stolen radios.

3. Mobile Communications will notify districts/units of any deletion from inventory

and will update the Radio Control Logs (75-507).

G. Police personnel will not:

1. Use first names, surnames, or nicknames over Police Radio.

2. Provide false or misleading information to Police Radio.

3. Fail to respond to an assignment while in service.

4. Interfere with radio broadcasts and/or tamper with equipment.

NOTE: Violation of Section 2-G, 1, 2 or 3 may result in disciplinary action.

Violation of Section 2-G, 4 subjects an officer to dismissal.

H. Operations Room Supervisor (ORS) Responsibilities:

1. Be responsible for the security and issuance of hand-held radios to personnel under

their supervision and record their issuance on a Portable Radio Control Log (75-

507).

2. Send the Unit-Radio ID Availability Report (SEND/RADP/264) to Police Radio

each tour of duty. Provide the status, radio identification number (not property

number), and assignment of all police personnel. This will be done as soon as

possible before the start of the tour, but no later than 15 minutes into the tour.

REDACTED – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE

DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 7

3. Dispatch police personnel by calling 9-1-1 and utilize telephone number

(215) XXX-XXXX for administrative functions.

4. Indicate substitute vehicles used in place of regular patrol vehicles on the Unit

Radio ID Availability Report preformatted computer screen. Substitute vehicles

will be identified by their regular patrol vehicle number.

5. Any changes of vehicle or radio assignments during the tour of duty will be sent to

Police Radio using the Unit-Radio ID Availability Report.

6. Refer to Appendix “A,” Section 3-A of this directive for additional responsibilities.

I. Detective Division/Special Unit Supervisor Responsibilities:

1. Be responsible for the security and issuance of hand-held radios to personnel under

their supervision and record issuance on a Portable Radio Control Log (75-507).

2. Send the Unit-Radio ID Availability Report (SEND/RADP/264) to Police Radio on

each tour. Provide the status, radio identification number (not property number),

and call-number assignment of all personnel. This must be done as soon as

possible before the start of the tour and no later than 15 minutes into the tour.

3. Whenever a radio is assigned to personnel at any other time during a tour of duty, it

is the responsibility of the Detective Division Supervisor or the Special Unit

Supervisor to ensure that Police Radio is immediately updated with the particular

radio identification number and the Detective or Special Unit call-number

assignment.

J. Radio Complaints from Outside the City

*4 1. The Radio Room ORS or dispatcher will determine the nature of the problem and

location of occurrence, and will connect the caller to the respective district. They

will also provide the caller with the number to the district in the event that the line

is busy or the call gets disconnected.

2. Exceptions:

a. The Radio Room ORS or designee must advise a complainant that they should

report any incident that will require the complainant’s signature to the pertinent

police district/unit in person (e.g. Missing Persons).

b. Reports of recovered property and all recovered autos should be reported in

person to the complainant’s local police department. The appropriate NCIC

“Locate” message will then be sent via the PIIN System to our Department for

approval.

DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 8

______________________________________________________________________________

3. BROADCASTS AND SERVICES

A. SPECIAL BROADCASTS

1. Assist Officer – Where a police officer or other person is in danger of death,

serious bodily injury or if riotous conditions exists which the police can no longer

control.

2. Priority Override Button – May be used to call for assistance in a life threatening

or riotous situation, when immediate contact with Police Radio is needed or when

an officer cannot get through to Police Radio by using the “Push To Talk” button.

Other examples for use of the “Priority Button” may include: crimes in progress,

serious accidents, hospital cases, supervisors wanting to call off a pursuit etc.,

or any time an officer feels they must have the airwaves.

When using the “Priority Button,” an officer should press the “Orange Button”

located on the top of the radio and then use the “Push To Talk” button. Anyone

transmitting at the time of the Priority will be pre-empted.

NOTE: In all cases of accidental activation of the Priority Override Button, the

Officer will supply their badge number to the Dispatcher.

3. Police Pursuits – The emergency operation of a police motor vehicle to apprehend

suspects as defined in Directive 9.7, “Safe Operations of Police Vehicles.”

4. Priority – Where immediate contact with Police Radio is needed. All units will

cease non-emergency broadcasts until Police Radio resumes normal broadcasts.

5. Flash Information – A unique description enabling police to apprehend a suspect

while he/she is fleeing the scene. (To be effective, it must be given quickly and

will be repeated as often as possible.)

6. General Radio Message (GRM) – The rebroadcast of pertinent information

describing, in detail, previous crimes, wanted or missing persons, or articles that

are of special interest to police.

a. Complete all pertinent blocks of Radio Memorandum Form (75-611). Type or

print all information.

NOTE: The line marked “Call Taker’s Name” refers to the Radio personnel

to whom the police officer is providing the information taken from

the Radio Memorandum.

DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 9

b. Provide information on Radio Memorandum (75-611) to Police Radio via

telephone number (215) XXX-XXXX or if contact cannot be made, send by

computer message (RADP).

c. The Radio Memorandum will be turned over to the investigating unit, where

applicable.

7. Quips – Short broadcasts used to emphasize particular subjects or to enhance

police services.

B. ROUTINE BROADCASTS

1. Lunch – Police personnel will be returned to service by Police Radio at the end of

the 30-minute period. Only one-person vehicles and emergency patrol wagons

(EPW) will be permitted “Out-of-Service” lunch intervals. Personnel will not go

“out-of-service” for lunch during school crossing times.

2. Report – An officer is required to contact the Operations Room by phone. The

officer is “In-Service.”

3. Headquarters – An officer will report to their headquarters immediately. The

officer is “Out-of-Service.”

4. Call Radio Dispatch (CRD) – An officer asked to CRD will phone Police Radio

Operations Desk at (215) XXX-XXXX.

C. SPECIAL SERVICES

1. Translation Service – Foreign language translation service provided through

Police Radio. (See Appendix “B”)

2. National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Bureau of Motor Vehicle

(BMV) checks – To identify individuals, vehicles, etc., accessed first via a Mobile

Data Computer (MDC), otherwise through Police Radio.

D. ALTERNATE ELECTRICAL POWER SOURCE (PLEAC 3.3.4)

1. The Communications Center utilizes an alternative source of electrical power that

is sufficient to ensure continued operation of emergency communication equipment

in the event of the failure of the primary source.

2. An emergency generator, located within a secured area of Police Headquarters,

starts automatically in the event of the failure of the primary power source.

*1 3. An inspection and test of the alternative power source will be conducted at least

one time a month by the City of Philadelphia, Public Property Department.

DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 10

______________________________________________________________________________

4. DISTRICT CONTROL NUMBERS (DC#)

A. District Control Numbers (DC#) are generated by Police Radio for most assignments.

These are transmitted via computer to the district/unit of occurrence.

1. Personnel may request DC numbers for any assignment. Operations Room

personnel may obtain “walk-in” DC numbers via telephone at (215) XXX-XXXX.

Provide a disposition code with the request.

*4

EXCEPTION: In exigent circumstances (i.e., founded homicides, auto accidents

with injuries/fatalities, etc.,) or if requested by a patrol supervisor,

DC#s will be relayed over the air.

______________________________________________________________________________

5. ISSUANCE AND REPAIR OF RADIO EQUIPMENT

A. The Mobile Communications Unit will record and issue all radios and radio equipment

to districts/units. Radios will be assigned by property number to districts/units. The

Radio Control Log (75-507) listing radio assignments will be maintained and updated

by Mobile Communications.

B. Defective hand-held radio equipment will be submitted promptly for repair to the

Mobile Communications Unit, Room 106, Police Headquarters. Damaged or defective

equipment must be accompanied by a memorandum from the Commanding Officer of

the district/unit requesting repairs/replacement.

______________________________________________________________________________

6. DISPOSITION CODES FOR C.A.D. SYSTEM

A. Responding Officer will:

1. After responding to a complaint or incident, the assigned officer will provide Police

Radio with the proper disposition code. Only one disposition code may be used per

assignment. Choose the disposition code from the schedule in Section C below.

2. After providing the proper code, inform Police Radio of your availability for service.

EXAMPLE: “187 Car, put me back in service, Gone on Arrival.”

(Equivalent Code – GOA)

B. Police Radio will assign an appropriate 3-letter disposition code.


DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 11

*3 NOTE: Assignments that were previously handled by Differential Police Response

(DPR) will now be dispatched to the appropriate district, with the exception

of Section 7-A of this directive.

C. Disposition Code Schedule:

Code Definition

ARR Arrest An apprehension has been made on the assignment.

DBP Dispersed A disorderly crowd dispersed by police without incident.

by Police

FAL False Alarm Alarm activated in the absence of an emergency to which

the police must respond.

FAF False Alarm Alarm activated to alert police of a fire, where no fire is

of Fire present (used for defective or tripped alarms only).

GOA Gone on Complainant had gone before police arrived.

Arrival

HCN Hospital Case The complainant was transported to the hospital by

No Action someone other than the police.

*4 HYD Open Fire Any illegally opened or damaged hydrants that are leaking.

Hydrant The phone room supervisor will fax the printed job to the

Philadelphia Water Department (PWD).

IVU Investigate The investigation of a vehicle which appears suspicious

Vehicle and is unoccupied by any person(s).

Unoccupied

NFA Not a False Alarm activated to alert police to actual burglary/robbery

Alarm or due to weather conditions, power outage, or

extraordinary circumstances.

REF Referral Complainant was referred to another agency for assistance.

RTF Report to An assignment requiring a 75-48 that does not fall into

Follow any other disposition category.

NAT Necessary To be utilized by the call taker to close HCINFO or INFO

Action Taken calls only.

DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 12

TVR Traffic Traffic citation issued. No other action taken.

Violation

UNF Unfounded When an assignment proves to be totally groundless in that

no offense, complaint or incident was committed or

attempted. Never use when an officer takes any action at

the location. A 75-48 is not required.

WAR Warrant Complainant advised to secure private criminal complaint.

Advised

SHN Shooting Whenever police personnel respond to a shooting with no

Incident- victim and it is determined that a shooting has occurred

No Victim through physical evidence, property damage and/or

witness statements.

*4 NOTE: Assignments which were previously handled by Differential Police

Response (DPR) will now be dispatched to the appropriate district,

with the exception of Section 7-A of this directive.

______________________________________________________________________________

*3 7. 311 CALL TRANSFERS A. The following assignments will be transferred to 311 on weekdays from 8AM until

8PM:

1. ABANDONED AUTO (3AAUTO) – The vehicle presents no hazard and the

vehicle is not obviously stolen.

NOTE: If a call is received after 8PM or on weekends, call takers will enter

the assignment and send it to the console for dispatch (AAUTO).

2. OTHER COMPLAINTS/INFO/QUESTIONS (3INFO) – Minor complaints

involving other city agencies, information and questions.

NOTE: If a call is received after 8PM or on weekends, call takers will enter the

assignment and send it to the console for dispatch (OTHER).

______________________________________________________________________________

8. MOBILE DATA COMPUTERS (MDC)

A. The Mobile Data Computer (MDC) is to be used by NCIC/MDC certified personnel

for official law enforcement purposes only. No messages of a personal nature will

be sent over the MDC.

DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 13

1. If an MDC is not working, the assigned officer will notify their radio dispatcher.

2. At the beginning and end of each tour, assigned personnel will check the MDC to

ensure it is operating properly and there is no damage. If the MDC is not

functioning properly, a repair request will be sent via the Police Intranet Home

Page, utilizing the Computer Repair Request Form.

3. If the MDC is damaged, in addition to #2 above, a 75-48 will be prepared and

submitted to the ORS describing the damage. The ORS will ensure that DC

numbers are obtained and the report is properly coded.

B. MDC Security

1. If the police vehicle is equipped with an MDC, the authorized operator must sign

on.

2. Every MDC transaction and response is logged, saved, and traceable to the officer

who initiated it.

3. Every transaction and message on the MDC can be subpoenaed by the courts

and/or private attorneys.

4. Every message sent over the MDC is to be work-related and professional.

Inappropriate language or comments are strictly prohibited.

C. Installation and repair of Mobile Data Computers (MDC):

1. All requests for MDC installation will be made by memorandum through the chain

of command to the Commanding Officer, Communications Division.

NOTE: Only Verizon technicians are authorized to perform any type of

maintenance or repair of the MDC equipment. This includes the

installation or removal of parts or any reprogramming. Any intentional

misuse or damage of MDC equipment is in direct violation of the Police

Disciplinary Code and violators are subject to disciplinary action.

D. Officer Safety

1. For officer safety, always pull the police vehicle out of traffic and come to a

complete stop before using the MDC, unless the MDC operator is the recorder of a

two-person vehicle. This applies in all cases, including PCIC/NCIC vehicle

checks, responding to messages, and viewing messages.

2.


DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 14

E. Training

1. Requests for MDC training will be made by contacting the Police Academy.

______________________________________________________________________________

9. REQUEST FOR COMPACT DISCS (CD’S)/CAD MESSAGES

A. Requests for Compact Discs:

1. All recordings are retained for 40 days, or as required by law (PLEAC 3.3.2a).

2. All compact discs requests will be made by memorandum through the chain of

command to the Commanding Officer, Communications Division. All outside

requests from non-law enforcement agencies will be via court order.

(PLEAC 3.3.2c)

3. On emergency requests, the appropriate Commanding Officer should contact the

Commanding Officer, Communications Division by phone as soon as possible.

These requests will be handled on a priority basis.

4. All recordings are stored in a locked room within the Police Communications

Center. Recordings will be stored electronically in a secure password-protected

environment, only accessible by authorized personnel. (PLEAC 3.3.2b)

B. Requests for CAD Messages, incident History, or MDC messages:

1. CAD messages, MDC messages, and Incident History information is stored for

approximately five (5) years from the date of the incident.

*4 2. All requests for CAD messages, Incident history and MDC messages will be made

by memorandum through the chain of command to the Commanding Officer,

PCIC, or by submitting a PCIC request via the PPD IT Help Desk Icon located on

the PC desktop.

______________________________________________________________________________

RELATED PROCEDURES: Assist Officer 69-83, Electronic Intercept of Police Calls

Assist Officer 224, Operation of the M-PA Two-Way

Scan Radio

Emergency Plan 18, Police Headquarters Emergency

Plan

Memorandum 91-02, Transportation/Process of Certain

Juvenile/Adult Offenders

Memorandum 98-11, Escorts

DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 15

Memorandum 99-01, Enforcement of Philadelphia City

Ordinance, Section 10-611:

Sidewalk Behavior

Directive 9.7 Safe Operation of Police Vehicles

______________________________________________________________________________

PLEAC – Conforms to the standards according to the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement

Accreditation Commission

______________________________________________________________________________

BY COMMAND OF THE POLICE COMMISSIONER ______________________________________________________________________________

FOOTNOTE GENERAL# DATE SENT REMARKS

*1 1643 09-01-15 Deletion

*2 9997 11-24-15 Addition

*3 0172 09-11-18 Changes

*4 3451 12-05-19 Addition/Changes

*5 3453 12-05-19 Addition/Changes

DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 1 APPENDIX “A”

PHILADEPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVE 7.1

APPENDIX “A”

SUBJECT: CANCELING RADIO ASSIGNMENTS _____________________________________________________________________________

1. POLICY

A. Only those assignments listed below may be cancelled and only as outlined below.

THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS OR DIVERGENCE FROM THIS POLICY

AND IT’S PROCEDURES.

B. Only district patrol supervisors (Sergeant/Lieutenant or above) will be permitted to

cancel a radio assignment. The below assignments can be cancelled in two ways: either

prior to going on patrol, or while on patrol.

C. Because of the risk to patrol personnel and the lack of first-hand knowledge pertaining

to specific districts, locations and the problems in each, Radio Room personnel

WILL NOT be permitted to cancel any assignment without first obtaining the approval

of the pertinent district patrol supervisor.

_____________________________________________________________________________

2. CANCELLED ASSIGNMENTS

A. Only the following assignments may be cancelled when the corresponding time has

elapsed since the last supplemental call:

*4




3. PROCEDURE FOR CANCELING ASSIGNMENTS

A. To view pertinent assignments, the Operations Room Supervisor (ORS) will:

1. Access the computer CAD system prior to the dismissal of the first roll call to

determine pending assignments that meet the criteria in Section 2-A.

2. Enter RADQ, then select from the menu, Inquiry Screen #2 -IPS (Display Waiting

Incidents) and follow the steps outlined in Computer Training Bulletin 90-2.

3. List pertinent incidents by number and type of assignment and provide them to the

patrol supervisor working that tour of duty.

4. Add to the computerized Vehicle Out-of-Service Status Report (SEND/RADP/14),

which is sent to Police Radio before each tour of duty, the names and badge

numbers of all district patrol supervisors working that tour. This information will

be placed in the remarks section of the message screen.

B. Radio dispatcher will:

1. Prior to dispatching assignments that are eligible for cancellation, inform the

pertinent patrol supervisor.

2. Provide all pertinent information relating to the call. Include:

a. Number of hours that have elapsed since the last call.

b. Number of calls to that location in the last 24 hours.

c. Other useful information which will assist in making a decision to

cancel or dispatch an assignment.

3. If the assignment is approved for cancellation by the patrol supervisor, request their

badge number before canceling.

4. Notify the Radio Room Supervisor who will void the assignment and enter the

badge number into the remarks section of the CAD assignment.

C. Patrol supervisor when canceling assignments after Roll Call will:

1. After the first Roll Call, check with the ORS as to the status of pending

assignments which may be cancelled.

2. Determine whether any of the assignments meet the criteria for cancellation.

Examine each incident carefully using good judgment and discretion.


3. Telephone the Police Radio Operations Desk at 686-3128, request a supervisor,

gather additional information and choose those assignments that may be cancelled.

(These assignments WILL NOT be canceled via handset or MDC.)

4. Give the Radio Room Supervisor your badge number.

D. Patrol supervisor when canceling assignments while on patrol will:

1. Determine whether a dispatched or pending assignment meets the criteria for

cancellation. Examine each incident carefully using good judgment and discretion.

2. Inform the radio dispatcher that the assignment may be cancelled. (Assignments

given out while on patrol WILL be cancelled via handset or vehicle radio.)

3. Give the radio dispatcher your badge number.

______________________________________________________________________________


DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 1 APPENDIX “B”


APPENDIX “B”

SUBJECT: FOREIGN LANGUAGE TRANSLATION SERVICE ______________________________________________________________________________

1. There is a foreign language translation service available to all personnel.

A. Foreign Language Line:

1. Over 125 languages and dialects are able to be translated by this system.

2. Adhere to the following procedures when utilizing this service:

a. Know what information you are trying to obtain before contacting Police Radio

by phone.

b. Try to determine what language the subject is speaking.

c. Contact Police Radio at 9-1-1. A radio room supervisor will set up a

conference call with the interpreter service.

d. When the Language Line Operator answers, give the language request (if the

language is known, then say “known” followed with general information)

and your badge number. The radio supervisor will give the Department ID

number.

e. The central operator will put the call through to the appropriate interpreter who

will give their ID number.

f. Tell the translator exactly what information you need.

g. When the interpreter has received your request, give the phone to the subject.

h. When the interpreter has secured the information, he/she will instruct the

subject to return the phone to you.

i. The interpreter will relay this information to you and await further requests.

j. When you have concluded your use of the service say, "end of call."

Issued Date: 03-08-13 Effective Date: 03-08-13 Updated Date:

DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 2 APPENDIX “B”

k. All such calls will be recorded. If an audio reproduction of this call is needed

for reasons such as court, etc., inform the Radio Room Supervisor of this at the

time of the call. The copy will be made available to you by Police Radio upon

receipt of a memorandum approved by your Commanding Officer.


DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 1 APPENDIX “C”


APPENDIX “C”

SUBJECT: 800MHz RADIO INTER-OPERABILITY POLICY AND PROCEDURE FOR INTER-DEPARTMENTAL RADIO COMMUNICATIONS ______________________________________________________________________________

1. POLICY A. With the installation of the new 800 MHz radio system, all city departments and

agencies now have the ability to communicate directly with one another. This

radio communications inter-operability is made possible due to the fact that all city

departments have access to the below listed 800 MHz radio talk groups.

*4

B. During an Emergency, Major Incident, or Special Event, personnel from one city

department have the ability to switch to any of the above listed talk groups in order to communicate with someone from another city department. The above listed radio talk groups can also be enabled at any dispatch console at Police, Fire, Unified Dispatch and

the Airport Communications Center. During a multi-agency event, personnel from one city department or agency could request to speak to someone from another city department or agency, via a dispatcher, by switching to one of the above listed talk

groups and making the request. C. All City 800Mhz radios are equipped with the above talk groups. For inter-operability

purposes, the below four (4) talk groups will be used. Which talk group used will depend on the type of incident described below:

*4

D. It will be the responsibility of the lead agency to notify the communications centers of all

other involved agencies to ensure one of the above inter-operability talk groups is enabled. This decision is based on the type of incident. See the incident/lead agency list.

1. The below phone numbers will be used to contact the various communications

centers within the city:





Police Radio Operations Desk 215-XXX-XXXX Fire Radio Operations Desk 215-XXX-XXXX

*4 Unified Dispatch Desk 215-XXX-XXXX International Airport Operations Desk 215-XXX-XXXX SEPTA Communications Desk 215-XXX-XXXX

______________________________________________________________________________

2. PROCEDURE FOR USE OF THE INTER-OPERABILITY TALKGROUPS

A. During a major incident, each involved department would maintain communications

on their normal radio talk groups. At this point, neither department would hear the

other’s broadcasts. However, when it becomes necessary for one department to

communicate with another using the inter-operability talk group, the following steps

would be taken:

Example: (Police Incident Commander calling for Fire Incident Commander)

1. The supervisor or Incident commander requesting to speak to the other department

would switch to one of the designated inter-operability talk groups

2. The supervisor or Incident commander would request to speak to a representative from the other department or agency (i.e. Police IC calling for Fire IC).

NOTE: THIS WOULD BE ACCOMPLISHED BY THE POLICE/FIRE

DISPATCHER MAKING THE INITIAL CALL TO THE

RESPECTIVE DISPATCH CENTER REQUESTING THE INTER-

OPERABILITY CHANNEL BE ENABLED.

During extended operations, the Police Incident Commander would have to

utilize another radio or assign an aide to monitor the inter-operability

channel to alleviate the switching back and forth between channels.




4. If a representative was unable to be raised over the radio, the requesting department’s dispatch center could make contact by calling the other department’s

dispatch center by phone and request a supervisor or incident commander to switch to the designated inter-operability talk group (i.e., Police Communications center calling Fire communications center by phone to have the appropriate unit switch to

the designated inter-operability talk group).

5. This communication would take place on a separate talk group and would not

interfere with either department’s normal dispatch communications.

______________________________________________________________________________

3. PROPER USE OF MODIFIED RADIO CALL SIGNS

A. When using the inter-operability talk groups to communicate between departments

or agencies, personnel will modify their departmental call signs or unit number to

identify which department they are part of by preceding their call sign or unit

number transmissions by first identifying their department by name. Also, each unit

will end their call with the name of the communication center they are attempting to

reach.

Examples: “Police, CO 35 to Fire Radio”

“Fire, Battalion 6 to Police Radio”

“Emergency Management, EM1 to Police Radio”

“Public Property, 506 to Fire Radio”

______________________________________________________________________________

4. DEPLOYMENT OF COMMAND POST – 1 A. The Managing Director’s Mobile Command Post (CP-1), if deployed, will be

responsible for monitoring the inter-operability talk groups upon arrival for any

incident. At this time CP-1 personnel will act as the inter-operability talk group

dispatcher (CP-l is deployed under the guidelines set forth in the Managing Director’s Directive No. 43 revised: Nov 25, 2000).

B. Examples of types of events where the inter-operability Talk-group would be activated:

1. Using the Managing Director’s Directive No. 43 (revised: Nov 25, 2000) as a guide, the following types of incidents would be incidents where the inter-operability talk groups would be activated. Activation of the inter-operability

talk group is at the discretion of the Incident Commander.

TYPE OF INCIDENT LEAD AGENCY

-Major Traffic Accidents involving major road closures Police

-Major Transportation Accidents Fire


-Major Prison Disturbance Police

-Riots/Civil Disturbances Police

-Terrorist Activity Police

-Major Water Main Break Police/Fire/Water

-Airport Crashes or Incidents Fire

-Bomb Incidents Police/Fire

-Building Collapse involving death, injury, or persons trapped Fire

-Drug Lab Discovery involving evacuations and/or explosion risk Police

-Explosion Police/Fire

-Fires, Two or more Alarms Fire

-Major Flood Police/Fire

-Major Hazardous Chemical Incidents Fire

-Major Health or Biological Incidents Fire/Health

-Major Service Outages Police/Fire/Water

-Any Incident requiring a major response from several city agencies or other occurrence severely

affecting the city’s response capability.

______________________________________________________________________________


DIRECTIVE 7.1 - 1 APPENDIX “D”


APPENDIX “D”

SUBJECT: EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DVRS – DIGITIAL VEHICULAR REPEATING SYSTEMS

*4 ASR – ASTRO SITE REPEATERS ______________________________________________________________________________

1. POLICY A. At the scene of any emergency incident involving the Southeast Pennsylvania

Transportation Authority (SEPTA) underground system (subway, commuter rail,

tunnel, platform), and/or oversize building or parking garage, the first officer on the

scene will follow the guidelines outlined in Directive 4.1, “Responsibilities at Crime

Scenes.”

*4 B. While on the scene of a regional rail incident involving the SEPTA underground

system, or an oversize building or parking garage, personnel who are experiencing

diminished broadcasting, severe static or “bonking” transmissions, will immediately

notify Police Radio and request that the Digital Vehicular Repeating System (DVRS)

be transported to their location.




*4

______________________________________________________________________________

2. PROCEDURES

A. UNDERGROUND INCIDENTS:

1. Police Radio will:

a. Notify the Fire Communications Center (FCC), Unified Dispatch, and where

applicable, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), Port

Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) and AMTRAK via telephone, as well

as command personnel through the Everbridge Network (Mass Notification

System) of the emergency.

b. Maintain an open communications link via telephone or police radio between

the pertinent involved agency/agencies throughout the incident (i.e., FCC,

SEPTA, PATCO, AMTRAK, and Unified Dispatch).

c. Act as a liaison between Fire Communications and Unified Dispatch.

*4 d.

B. TUNNEL, OVERSIZED BUILDING AND PARKING GARAGE INCIDENTS


a. Ensure a Patrol Supervisor is notified and responds to the incident.

b. Assign a Radio Room Supervisor and dispatcher to monitor all broadcasts.

c. Act as a liaison between the FCC and other outside law enforcement agencies,

if necessary.

NOTE:





*5 C. COMMUNICATIONS FAILURE:

1. In the event that an officer experiences a failure of the radio (i.e., a “bonking”

noise, or inability to transmit/receive communications) in these underground areas

(Broad Street Line, Spur, Market/Frankford Line and/or Subway Surface Lines),

officers will proceed above ground and inform Police Radio of the issue. Police

Radio will notify a Patrol Supervisor to take the officer’s location.

NOTE: If feasible, officers should inform Police Radio of their location before

going underground and conduct a radio check with Police Radio when

underground to make sure the ASR is working properly.

2. The Patrol Supervisor will:

a. Take the location of the officer and proceed underground and attempt to

determine whether the failure is isolated to a single portable radio, or whether

the failure is systemic.

NOTE: This will be done by attempting to use a different portable radio

underground. If that radio is able to transmit/receive, it is likely a

failure isolated to a specific portable radio.

b. If the problem is with the portable radio, relay the information to Police Radio

and have the officer take headquarters to sign out a new radio. The old radio

WILL be taken to Mobile Communications to be serviced.

c.


a. Make all appropriate notifications to SEPTA, Motorola, and the Philadelphia

Fire Department.

b. In addition to the notifications above, the highest ranking Operations Desk

Supervisor will send a general message citywide, an email to POLICE HQ

ALL, and an Everbridge message to the All Commanders and All Incidents

Everbridge groups.

c. Ensure that a message is broadcast over the affected radio band(s) as well as

“T,” “J,” and “M” Bands, announcing the outage.

NOTE: This message will be repeated citywide on “J” band, once per hour,

until radio communications have been fully restored at the affected

area(s).



d. Receive updated information from the system manager of Motorola who will be

our single point of contact.

4. Police Personnel will:

a.

______________________________________________________________________________

3. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

A. Digital Vehicular Repeating System (DVRS)

1. The DVRS are a bright orange box with a portable repeater unit inside that can be

used on the 800 MHz radio system to extend coverage into areas not covered by

the system’s footprint within the city limits.

*5 a.

2. The following districts and units have DVRS assigned:

a. Police Radio

b. 6th District

c. 9th District

d. Homeland Security

e. Mobile Communications

f. SWAT

g. Airport

______________________________________________________________________________

4. DEPLOYMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

A. Police Radio will notify the patrol supervisor, who will dispatch pertinent district or

unit personnel who have DVRS to an incident for deployment.

*5 1.

B. If district or unit personnel are unavailable to respond to an incident or have no

personnel trained in the operation of the DVRS, Police Radio will notify the Mobile

Communications Unit during business hours to respond to the incident with DVRS for

deployment.





C. NON-BUSINESS HOURS AND WEEKENDS

*5 1. During non-business hours and weekends when the Mobile Communications Unit

is not in operation, a Radio Room Supervisor will take possession of the DVRS

from the Mobile Communications Unit.

*5 2. The Radio Room Supervisor will respond to the incident with the necessary

equipment.

______________________________________________________________________________

5. TRAINING

A. In order to use the DVRS, police personnel must receive training from the Mobile

Communications Unit on their use and operation.

B. DVR training will be entered into the officer’s QIST file as certification that the officer

received the required training.

______________________________________________________________________________

6. RADIO INTERFERENCE

A. If two or more DVRS are being used at the same incident, they must be on different

channels. THIS IS EXTREMLY IMPORTANT!

B. Failure to use different channels or not properly operating the DVRS, may cause

interference in the radio system.

______________________________________________________________________________

7. LOST OR STOLEN DVRS

A. Lost or stolen DVRS will be reported immediately to the Radio Room Operations Desk

at (215) XXX-XXXX. The Operations Desk will activate the “CALL ALERT” signal

to aid officers in the recovery of the lost/stolen DVRS.

B. If the DVRS is not found the involved officer will:

1. Notify the On-Scene Supervisor and report the loss/theft to the ORS in the district

of occurrence.

2. Prepare a Complaint or Incident Report (75-48) detailing the circumstances.

3. Notify the Detective Division of occurrence.

4. Notify the Mobile Communications Unit or Radio Room Operations Desk to turn

the unit off.


C. Damaged or defective DVRS and equipment will be taken to the Mobile

Communications Unit, accompanied by a memorandum from the pertinent

Commanding Officer. Mobile Communications will not accept any damaged/defective

DVRS unless accompanied by a memorandum outlining how the DVRS was damaged

or became defective.

D. The pertinent District ORS or Unit Supervisor will also notify the Mobile

Communications Unit of all lost or stolen DVRS.

E. The Mobile Communications Unit will notify pertinent districts/unit Commanding

Officers of any deletion from inventory and will update the DVRS Control Log (75-

507).

______________________________________________________________________________

8. MAINTENANCE

A. Mobile Communication Unit personnel will perform a yearly preventive maintenance

check on all DVRS.

______________________________________________________________________________


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