| (a) Emergency identified. When a condition exists that endangers the life or safety of officers or citizens to the extent that uninterrupted communications with another station or stations is required, other stations and units within the radiating pattern may be directed to transmit only emergency communications. (b) Responsibility. The responsibility for initiation of emergency operations for any given incident rests with the officer or supervisor involved in the emergency situation. The communications operator may initiate the procedure when it becomes apparent that an officer is too deeply involved in the incident to make the request or when contact has been lost with an officer who has indicated involvement or possibility of involvement in an emergency situation. (c) Initiation of procedure. When such emergency conditions arise, the communications operator at the communications facility involved should, at the earliest possible moment, make a general broadcast to units and stations within the area served advising of the emergency limitations. If interference occurs from units or stations not aware of the emergency conditions, they should be directly, briefly, and courteously acquainted with the situation to avoid further interruptions. (d) Termination procedure. When it is apparent that the emergency conditions no longer exist, the communications operator will confer with the officers involved in the incident to determine if and when the emergency procedures will be terminated. When the decision has been made to terminate, the operator will make a general broadcast to stations and units involved, advising of the termination so that normal communications may be resumed. (e) Notification of in-line supervisors. The immediate supervisors of department services involved in an emergency situation will be notified of the existing conditions. Supervisors are responsible for keeping abreast of the situation in case the situation worsens or major decisions become necessary. |
