c.  Desert Net

The Desert Net is an inter-angency network that allows any of the below listed agencies to contact each other directly.  This frequency is generally monitored by all stations who have the frequency.  To contact another station it is necessary to call them verbally and identify yourself, then wait for a response before continuing your transmission.  Ridgecrest Police relays all calls for service for Kern County Sheriff's Office to their Mojave sub-station via Desert Net.  Desert Net participating agencies include:

(1)  Ridgecrest Police

(2)  Antelope Valley Sub-Station.  LASO

(3)  Mojave Sub-Station.  KCSO

(4)  Tehachapi Police

(5)  Edwards Air Force Base

(6)  China Lake Police.  CLPD

(7)  Barstow Sub-Station.  SBSO

(8)  Trona Sub-Station.  SBSO

(9)  California City Police


d.  China Lake

Ridgecrest Police monitors China Lake Police traffic.  This module is equipped wth a mute switch only.  Ridgecrest Police cannot transmit on CLPD frequencies.

All modules excepting CLPD are equipped with the following functions.


e.  Call/Mute Switch and Indicators

The Mute indicator light is on when the mute switch is in operation.  When the switch is depressed, traffic is lowered to a background level.  When released, traffic is heard at full audio.  The call light flashes when the respective channel has incoming traffic.  It continues flashing momentarily after the trafic has stopped.


f.  Busy/Select Switch and Indicators

When a channel is "selected" the operator transmits on this cannel


 
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                       via the main transmit switch and receives audio from the select audio speaker.  A channel must be selected before it will accept accessory functions such as phone patch or certain MCM functions.  The select indicator lights when a channel is selected.  The busy indicator is not operational at this time.


g.  Instant Transmit Switch

The instant transmit switch allows the operator to transmit on the corresponding channel without changing channel selections.  The operator may transmit by using this switch instead of the main transmit switch and other channels will not be disturbed.


h.  Takeover Switch

The Ridgecrest Police module is additionally equipped with a "takeover" switch which allows control to override any transmissions in progress and broadcast to all units but the one transmitting. 


i.  Patch

Each frequency may be patched to any other frequency by pressing the patch switch on both frequencies.

The patch is voice activated.  Each party must start their transmission with a key word (any one syllable word or sound such as clearing the throat).  Since it is the voie signal that turns on the transmitter and the radio system has a turn on delay, this key word will not be transmitted.  Pause between transmissions as there is a one to three second turn off delay after the other party stops speaking before the patch system will allow your reply to be transmitted.  Control may transmit to all parties by the use of the patch transmit switch.


j.  Phone Patch

Instructions for activating

(1)  Call party to be patched on the brown phone (if party is on line, get the number and call back on brown phone.)

(2)  Push lever on brown phone to the left.  You will be able to hear the phone over the console speaker. 

(3)  Press the patch switch on the phone patch module.

(4)  Press the patch switch on the frequency module to which you wish to connect.



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                                                                                                                      (5)  The patch is now complete.  Advise parties to go ahead.

(6)  Special Instructions

     (a)  The frequency you are patching to must be selected.

     (b)  Always advise the party being patched that they will be "on the air" and brief them in proper radio procedure.

     (c)  Control may enter the patch at any time and speak to all parties by using the instant transmit switch on the phone patch module.

     (d)  The RAD-PH switch on the phone patch module allows the operator to force the patch system away from capture by a noisy telephone line thus allowing the patch system to switch into the radio to telephone mode. An indicator is lighted when the button is depressed.

     (e)  The PH-RAD switch on the phone patch module allows the operator to force the phone patch system into the receive mode in cases where the signal level on the phone patch.


k.  Master Control Module (MCM)

    (1)  The intercom switch is inoperable.

    (2)  The simultaneous select switch (Simul) enables control to select multiple channels for use at the same time.  The switch must be held while the desired channels are selected by pressing the select switches on the respective modules.  When the simul-select switch is released, all channels remain selected.  To cancel a simul-selection, just select any channel in the normal manner.

    (3)  When the mute switch is activated, te audio from all selected channels are muted.  After one minute, the channels will automatically return t normal.

    (4)  The patch Xmit switch allows control to enter patch and speak to all parties.  See phone patch and patch.

    (5)  The alert switch transmits an alert tone that is used primarily for signalling.  The tone will sound as long as the switch is held down.


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                                                                                                                                                                                                             1.  CLERS Radio System

    (1)  The CLERS radio system is an inter-agency network that allows any law enforcement agency in the state of California to conact any other directly. It operates on a system of microwave repeators place throughout the state.  Each agency is assigned an area code, prefix and number similar to a telephone number.

    (2)  The CLERS console is located to the upper left of the main console. It consists of a touch-tone dial, a call/reset switch and a code call/monitor switch.  The code/monitor switch is kept in the monitor position.  The reset switch should be reset at the beginning of each shift as it resets the alarm that signals an incoming call.

    (3)  The CLERS radio transmits and receives over the Desert Net frequency.  To answer an incoming call, use the instant transmit switch on the Desert Net or select Desert Net and use the main transmit switch.  To call out, Desert Net must be selected.  A directory of angency numbers is included in the CLERS manual.

    (4)  C.L.E.R.S.

         (a)  Underlined numbers are dialed on the WHITE row.  All others on the GREY.

              SHORT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR EASTERN KERN COUNTY.

         (b)  TURN MONITOR SWITCH ON BEFORE SELECTING ANY NUMBERS!

         (c)  Underlined numbers are dialed on the WHITE row.  All others on the GREY.

         (d)  SELECT 1 5 1

              FOR A LOCAL CALL (THE FIRST 6 NUMBERS OF THE 10 DIGIT NUMBER IS 874-_2_51) PLUS THE LAST 4 NUMBERS OF THE 10 DIGIT NUMBER OF THE STATION WANTED.

         (e)  SELECT _2_51

              FOR A CALL OUT OF THIS AREA (THE FIRST 6 NUMBERS OF THE 10 DIGIT NUMBER ARE DIFFERENT THAN 874-_2_51) PLUS THE COMPLETE 10 DIGIT NUMBER OF THE STATION WANTED.


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                           (f)  SELECT _3_ 5 1

              IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOU HAVE COMPLETED ANY CALL, TO CLOSE THE MOUNTAIN-TOP REPEATER-

              SELECT _2_51-824 FOR DMV.

              For in depth operating instructions refer to the CLERS manual.


m.  Call Check Unit

    The dispatcher may play back any call received within the last three hours on the desk unit.  Only calls that are received on the phone at the console are recorded.  To operate, press the recall button until the desired call is reached, release and the call will automatically play back.  Reset unit for further calls `y ppeqsing restore button.


n.  Alapm Console

    (1)  The alapm aonsole is located to the rieht od the main console.  The tuo top panels are burglary and ro``epy alarms.  The bottom panel is dipe alarms.

    (2)  The buqineqq name, address and type od alapm (burglary, robbery or fipe) dop each number is found undep the aorresponding number in the alapm book.

    (3)  When an alapm qounds, after noting the num`ep push the reset button toeliminate the beep.  The light will aontinue to flash.  Locate the addpeqs and type of alarm in the alapm book.  If it is a burglapy alapm dispatch the call to an oddiaer as a 459S.  If it is ro``epy alarm, dispatch the call to an odficer as a 211S.  If it iq a dipe alarm, notify the Kern Aounty Fire Department an advise all units that the Fire Department iq responding to a fire alapm at the alarm's location.

    (4)  All problems with alarms should `e forwarded to the responsible party and the Administratite Diviqion.  Additionally, the infopmation shall be recorded in the alarm book under the corresponding number.


o.  Federal Communications Commission Regulations (DAA)

    Federal Communicationq Commission governs all radioq; police, fire,


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                                                                                                                                                                                                                      citizen band, eta...The FCC can impose fines or pevoke licenses for the follouine:

    (1)  Malicious misahief

    (2)  Profane or obscene wopdq

    (3)  False signals

    (4)  Illegal call signs or letters

    (5)  Willfully or maliciously interfering with other tpaddic

    (6)  Failure to give call signs every 60 minutes


4.  Aounter Traffic

    The dispatcher is the representative of the Department to the citizen at the counter and should strive to maintain a professional beaping in all situatons. 

    a.  The dispatcher answers all routine questions received from the publia at the counter and provides rmutine information.  Anythine othep than routine sall be redepred to the Watch Commander, or il his absence, to a patrol ofdiaep, 

    b.  Counter Reports:  The dispatcher may receive vacatiol house checks.  A sworn employee is detailed for other repoptq and whenever citizen insists that he speak to an officer, regapdleqs of the nature of the problem.

    c.  Reports available to public:  The genral public may obtain copies of reorts from the dispatcher for a specified dee.  A receipt is issued to the purchaser and a copy along with the money is placed in the cash dpauep.

    d.  Reports, othep than traffic accident reports, are lot available to the general public unless authorized by the Uatah Commander.


5.  Maintenanae od Logs

    The dispatcher qhall `e responsible for the keepine of various logs.


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                                              TOW TRUCK LOG:  An entry is made in the Tow Truak Loe each time a tow truck is dispatched through the Ridgecreqt Poliae.  The dispatcher alternateq the calls for services evenly amolg the authorized agencies.


IN-CUSTODY LOG:  An entry iq made in the In-Custody Log each time a prisoner is taken into custody and placed in the Ridgecrest Hail.  A disposition is enteped dop the same subject when he leateq the custody of the Ridgeareqt Jail.  An example would be when the subject bailed ("bailed ) op when the subject is tranqpopted to Bakersfield Jail ("transported").


SLENT ALARM LOG:  An entry is made in the Alarm Loe each time an alarm is sounded.  The dispostion of the call is alqo entered such as "employee eppop , "alarm malfunction", or "aatual alarm".


RADIO LOG:  A Radio Log is kept of all officerq% radio transmissions.  This loe includes the date, time, officep aall number, location, etc., and dispatcher's signature.  If an oddicer codes out on a traffic stop, the dispatcher will also loe the vehicle license number and the location of the stop.


STATION LOG:( The main purpose od the Stition Log(i{ |o xrovile a amltil}ous recozd of events that may `e reviewed `y the on-comile qhidts and employeeq returnile dpmm days off fop `riefing puppmqeq,  All call{ foz(qervice tm Pideearest Poliie Dexartment ald othep(agenkies are loooed.((Aly(iliilmnts that oxioini|e in the diell(inl(méy(he od intepeqt tm lau enforcement, or reqult in al appe{t are logeed.  Incidentq ape pecorded in(the dollowine mallep,  

(9)( Rmaopd thm(timm thm aall(a{(zícmivmd(inl(|hm(|ime(thm ofnicmr arrived at(thm(aall,  Id the incident opiginated il the dield, recopl |he timm(you uepe noifimd of(the situation.

(0)  Xecord(the(aomnky(konkmzned,((Thi{(i{(|hm(iomnky ho(ill dililly(hanllm(the call.

     (a)  PPD(= Ridgecze{t Police Depaptmelt

     (b)( KHP = Califoznia Hiehway(Patrol

((   (c)  KCQO = Iepn Co}n|y Shmzinf Departmel|

((( (¨l)(([J[O(= San Bernardilm(Yhmrinf'{ Office

(»)((Recopd thm(ni|}ze of thm incilmn|(}sinm amde{(hmnm~mz po{{ijlm.((\hiy(iy(lm|(loooml(un|il(after(the mddiaep has advised the disposition.


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                                                                                                                                    Investigation often reveals that the nature of the call is different than originally reported.

(4)  Details of the incident- this should inclue the name, address and phone num`er of the reporting party if possible, a brief description of the incident as given by the caller, and to which officer the call was assigned (B/C or Detailed).

(5)  Dispostion of the call should include what action was taken, or the report number if a report was taken.

(6)  The dispatcher initials each entry.

(7)  The dispatcher totals the numbep of calls for service and adds them to the sequential number at the bottom of the page.


ENGRATING LOG:  The Ridgecrest Poliae Department has several engravers that are loaned to the general public for approximately three days.  When an engraver is checked out to a citizen, the citizen's name, address and phone number is logged in the Engraving Log, along with the date it was checked out and the number of the engraver.


REPORT LOGS:  Uniform report number books shall be completed with each entry.

(1)  The names involved in the report.

(2)  The nature of involvement, e.g. subjects, victims, etc.

(3)  The code number of the violations.

(4)  The date of the report.

(5)  The Ridgecrest Identification number.

(6)  The ofdiaer's call letters.

(7)  The dispatcher's initials.


TELETYPE LOG SHEET:  All-transactions are logged on the Teletype Log sheet.  The pink copy of all administrative TTY's, sent and received is retained.  All information obtained via the TTY system is confidential and not available to the general public, or for personal use.


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                                                                                                                                                     6.  RADIO PROCEDURES/REGULATIONS

    A department can have the finest communiaationq equipment in the country, but it is useless if the dispataherq are not familiar with the proper use of the system, and do not adhere to the basic rules of the padio procedure.  With aip time qo valuable, it has become inapeasingly important that it not `e wasted.  The following ape uayq to insure the proper use od time:



    a.  Transmissions
       
        (1)  Radio control has the authority and priopity on police communications.  Houeter, there are two exceptionq.  Dipqt, any mobile unit that qignidies he has emergency traffia reaeives top priority.  Secondly, a field supervisor who is intolted in a tactical situation aan take command of the communicationq system.

         (2)  When tpanqmitting, the mike should be approximately one inch from the mouth.  The control V.U. metep qhould registep between seven and tel.

         (3)  Speak slowly and distinctly.

         (4)  Keep voice as emotionless aq poqqible.

         (5)  Keep all tpansmissions as brief as poqqi`le.

         (6)  For long transmissions, break every fifteen seconds.



     b.  Broadcasts  

         (1)  Vehicles:  When broadcasting stolen vehicles or suspect vehicle information, broadcast as follows:

              (a)  Color

              (b)  Year

              (c)  Make

              (d)  Body Style

              (e)  Antenna - if unusual or other unusual marks or dents

              (f)  License - always repeat license number twice and devise which state                                                            


   
                                     121



                                                                                                                                    c.  Pursuits

        (1)  When a unit advises it is in pursuit, clear the air of all radio transmissions then repeat what the pursuing officer advises.  Pursuing  officer should advise direction of travel, description of vehicle and approximate speed.

        (2)  When pursuing officer is leaving the city limits notify the nearest agency of pursuit so they can assist.

    d.  Crime Broadcast Format

        (1)  Crime just occured:

             (a)  Type of Crime

             (b)  Location where crime occured

             (c)  Direction of travel

             (d)  Type of travel

             (e)  Physical of suspect and if suspect is armed

        (2)  Delayed Broadcast - When crime occured earlier and you're rebroadcasting it for next shift.

             (a)  Suspect's name (if known)

             (b)  Suspect description

             (c)  Type of travel

             (d)  Crime         

             (e)  Location of occurence and time element


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                          IV.  ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES    



1.  COMMUNICATIONS UNIT



    Dedinition:  The Communicationq Ditiqion consists of Police Diqpatahers and a Chief Dispatcher.  The Chief Dispatcher under genepal direction of the Administrative Lieutenant assists the on duty dispatcher, supervises all poliae dispatchers and trains neu poliae dispatchers.  The Dispatchep, under supervision of the Chied Dispatcher and the on-duty Watah Commander, performs the duties outlined in the below topias:



     a.  Clerical Duties



     b.  Communications Equipment



     c.  Counter Traffia



     d.  Logs, Maintenance od



     e.  Radio, Procedure/Peeulations regarding



     f.  Telephone Communications



     e.  Teletype, Operation of



     Alerical Duties



     a.  Filine:  The dispatcher is responqi`le for such filing as may aacup.
This may include current case jaakets and information relating to them; activity cards, biayale pegistrations and other miqcellaneous items. 


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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      and placed in the Ridgecrest Hail.  A disposition is enteped dop the same subject when he leateq the custody of the Ridgeareqt Jail.  An example would be when the subject bailed ("bailed ) op when the subject is tranqpopted to Bakersfield Jail ("transported").


SLENT ALARM LOG:  An entry is made in the Alarm Loe each time an alarm is sounded.  The dispostion of the call is alqo entered such as "employee eppop , "alarm malfunction", or "aatual alarm".


RADIO LOG:  A Radio Log is kept of all officerq% radio