547643 OCSD Official Law Enforcement Communications Handbook-FINAL-R1

CODE MEANING

Code 12 Patrol your assigned district and report extent

of disaster damage

Code 13 Activate major disaster plan or perform major

disaster duties

Code 14 Resume normal operations (used only in

conjunction with Code 12 & 13)

Code 20 Notify news media

Code 20-D Request departmental photographer

Code 99 Emergency situation. Emergency button on

radio has been depressed. No voice contact

Code 200 Fire department requests law enforcement

assistance due to a POTENTIALLY violent

situation with fire units on scene, and no

further details available

Code 300 Fire department requests law enforcement

assistance due to an IMMEDIATE threat or

danger to fire units on scene, and no further

details available

Code Alex Establish countywide law enforcement

observation checkpoint plan

Code Charlie Establish pre-planned law enforcement

mutual aid when emergency or riotous

conditions is anticipated but not yet

requested. If an actual call for assistance is

made, the initiating agency will notify

Control One to effect an immediate response

by pre-designated units. The code for an

actual call for assistance is “Code Charlie

Checkmate”

Mayday Firefighter is in a life-threatening situation

and in need of immediate assistance.

"Mayday, mayday, mayday" shall be

broadcast followed by clear text to identify

type of emergency to all incident personnel

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PHONETIC ALPHABET

The Standard International Phonetic Alphabet shall be used
for spelling out unusual names, license plate letters, and so
forth. They are always transmitted as “Alpha,” “Bravo,” or
“Charlie,” not “A as in Alpha,” “B as in Bravo,” etc.

A - Alpha J - Juliett S - Sierra
B - Bravo K - Kilo T - Tango
C - Charlie L - Lima U - Uniform
D - Delta M - Mike V - Victor
E - Echo N - November W - Whiskey
F - Foxtrot O - Oscar X - Xray
G - Golf P - Papa Y - Yankee
H - Hotel Q - Quebec Z - Zulu
I - India R - Romeo

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ACRONYMS

ACRONYM MEANING
AKA Also Known As
BC Battalion Chief
BO Bad Order (out of service)
CLEMARS California Law Enforcement Mutual Aid
Radio System
CLERS California Law Enforcement Radio System
CLETS California Law Enforcement
Telecommunications System
CP Command Post
DMV Department of Motor Vehicles
DOA Dead on Arrival
DOB Date of Birth
EAS Emergency Alert System
EOC Emergency Operations Center
ETA Estimated Time of Arrival
FIREMARS Fire Mutual Aid Radio System
GOA Gone on Arrival
HBD Has Been Drinking
HEAR Hospital Emergency Administrative Radio
IC Incident Commander
IFOG Interoperability Field Operations Guide
MCI Multi-Casualty Incident
MICN Mobile Intensive Care Nurse
NAWAS National Warning System
NCIC National Crimes Information Center
NFD No Further Details
ReddiNet Rapid Emergency Digital Data Information
Network
RP Reporting Person
SONGS San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station
UTL Unable to Locate
WC Watch Commander

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FCC RULES AND REGULATIONS

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has
established rules and regulations that cover the radio
operating practice of public safety agencies (Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 90, Private Land Mobile Radio Services).

Station Authorization – FCC regulations require all radio
transmitters to be operated in accordance with a proper
authorization granted by the FCC. OCSD/Communications
is responsible for all FCC licensing for the 800 MHz CCCS.

General Technical Standards – All radio system technical
standards are submitted to and approved by the FCC. No
800 MHz CCCS participant may change any technical
parameter without approval of OCSD/Communications.
Such changes are, but not limited to, changes in frequency,
power, antenna types and placement.

General Operating Requirements – All 800 MHz CCCS
participating agencies shall ensure that only authorized users
transmit messages, and only for permissible purposes by
personnel authorized to use and operate such equipment.
All transmissions shall be limited to the minimum practical
transmission time and employ an efficient operating
procedure.

Station Identification – FCC regulations require that all
public safety radio systems identify the FCC assigned call
sign by voice or Morse code every 30 minutes or after each
transmission. All 800 MHz CCCS talkgroups and
conventional channels are automatically identified using
Morse code. It is not necessary for dispatchers and field
personnel to announce the FCC call sign.

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS

This glossary provides a definition of commonly used terms
related to the 800 MHz CCCS.

Busy Signal: An audible signal received when all trunked
frequencies are in use.

Call Alert: A signal sent over the control channel that
activates a single or designated group of
radios, for the purpose of alerting the user(s)
of a pending transmission. This is an
agency-selected option and all radios for a
specific department will have this feature
enabled or disabled.

Channel: A generic term to indicate a
communications pathway. Within the 800
MHz CCCS this term is always used to
identify a non-trunked resource, such as
talkaround, conventional repeaters and
transportable repeaters.

Control Head: Mobile radio control unit that allows

operation of the radio features using buttons

and switches. The control head is usually

mounted for operation of the radio while

driving. The actual radio

transmitter/receiver is mounted in the trunk

or under a seat.

Dual Control

Head: Mobile radio with two complete control

heads, each capable of all functions.

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Emergency When operating on a trunked system, a user
Call: may press the emergency button followed
by the PTT if a busy signal is received,
and/or the user has an emergency message.
Pressing this button will give that radio
priority on receiving the next available
trunked frequency. Law enforcement
dispatch centers that are monitoring a digital
talkgroup via the radio console will receive
an emergency call indication on the radio
console, providing immediate identification
of a unit that needs emergency assistance.
Control One receives all emergency
activations regardless of talkgroup and
notifies the appropriate dispatch center of
any activation.

Failsoft: A mode of operation that the trunked radio
system automatically switches into in the
event of trunked system failure. This mode
allows communications to continue,
although some trunked system features are
lost and several talkgroups are combined
together.

Repeater: Radio hardware that receives a transmission
and retransmits the transmission at higher
power on another frequency. The 800 MHz
CCCS utilizes repeaters with the trunked
systems as well as some conventional
channels.

Simplex: Unit-to-unit communications that are not
routed through a repeater. Same as
talkaround.

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Simulcast: Simultaneous transmission from several
transmitter sites.

Site Trunking: A mode of operation that the trunked radio
system automatically switches into in the
event one or more transmitter/receiver sites
in a specific cell lose the ability to
communicate with the Zone Controller.
This mode allows communications to
continue, although some trunked system
features are lost.

Talkaround: Unit-to-unit communications that are not
routed through a repeater. Same as simplex.

Talkgroup: A term to indicate a trunked
communications pathway. Within the 800
MHz CCCS this term is always used to
identify a trunked resource.

Time-out A feature that limits the duration of any
Timer: single radio transmission to 60 seconds.

Trunked A computer managed radio system that uses
System: multiple frequencies and random access to
those frequencies for each transmission.

Voter: The strongest of all signals received from a
single transmission is voted (selected) for
rebroadcast.

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GLOSSARY OF AUDIBLE TONES

This glossary provides a definition of commonly heard tones
related to the 800 MHz CCCS.

Automatic When a busy signal is received, the system
Callback: places your radio in the automatic callback
mode. When a frequency is available, a
series of three short beeps sound and opens
the microphone. Press the PTT and begin
the transmission.

Busy: A busy tone, similar to a telephone busy
signal, is heard when a user attempts to
transmit a message on a trunked talkgroup
when all frequencies are in use. The busy
tone is heard as long as the PTT button is
depressed. Release the PTT and wait for the
automatic callback tones.

Call Alert: A series of four beeps, sounding every six
seconds, indicates that a call alert has been
received by the radio.

Emergency When pressed, one beep indicates the alarm
Call: has been sent. When the alarm is
acknowledged by the system, five beeps are
heard.

Failsoft: A tone every 10 seconds indicates failsoft.

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Illegal A continuous tone is heard when attempting
Function: a function that is not allowed.

Invalid Chirp: This momentary, lower pitched tone
indicates that you have selected an un-
programmed function.

Low Battery: “Chirp-chirp” indicates the portable radio
battery needs charging.

Out of Range: When the radio is out of range of the
trunked radio system, an audible tone is
heard every five seconds and when the user
attempts to transmit.

Talk Permit: A series of three short, rapid beeps when the
transmit button is pressed. The radio user
must wait for the talk permit tones before
proceeding with a transmission on a trunked
talkgroup.

Talk Prohibit: If a continuous tone is heard while pressing

the transmit button, the radio is either out of

range of the trunked radio system, the

trunked system is out of service or the

trunked talkgroup is in use.

Time-out

Timer: A momentary tone at 55 seconds indicating

the transmission is approaching 60 seconds,

and will be discontinued at 60 seconds.

Volume Set: This button-enabled tone sounds to let you
adjust the volume to a desired level before
radio traffic is actually received.

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CONTROL ONE / OCC

The County of Orange through the Sheriff-Coroner
Department operates the 24-hour, 7-day a week Countywide
Coordinated Communications Center. The center is known
by two call signs, CONTROL ONE and OCC. The “OCC”
radio call sign is used within the Paramedic Coordinated
Communications System. The “CONTROL ONE” call sign
is used for all other radio and telephone systems.

CONTROL ONE is not a dispatch center; it is a
coordination center that can access city, County, State and
Federal communications systems and agencies through
dedicated radio, landline, microwave and satellite
communications systems. CONTROL ONE maintains a
pool of portable radios available for short-term loan and
several communications vehicles, ranging in size from
sedans to motor homes providing a communications center
on wheels. These resources are available for emergency
deployment by contacting the Control One supervisor at
(714) 628-7008.

For several types of incidents, CONTROL ONE is the
contact point for emergency situations. The following
information must be provided so that actions may be
implemented:
1. Name and agency/organization of the requester.
2. Callback telephone number or radio channel/talkgroup.
3. Incident location with Thomas Bros. Map coordinates.
4. Any known hazards to health of responders.
5. Reporting location/position for resources.
6. Indicate whether the information is being provided for

information only, or a request for specific resources
and/or actual response.

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In addition to providing emergency coordination between
various agencies CONTROL ONE, on a day-to-day basis,
will coordinate activities on the following radio nets:

 County of Orange 800 MHz CCCS
(Countywide Coordinated Communications System)

 International Mutual Aid Radio System (I-CALL, I-TAC)
 Interoperable Communication Channels (OC ACCESS)
 Sigalert System
 Operational Area Radio System (OA-1, OA-2, WEROC)
 Emergency Alert System (EAS)
 County Administrative Net
 EMS Paramedic Communications System
 UHF EMS Coordination Channel (Med-9)
 Hospital Emergency Administrative Radio (HEAR-A,

VMED28)
 ReddiNet System
 California Fire Mutual Aid Radio System

(FIREMARS, VFIRE21)
 California Emergency Services Radio System (CESRS)
 California Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Radio System

(CLEMARS) – Low Band: LLAW1, High Band:
CALAW1, UHF: CALAW4, 800 MHz: CLEMARS9
 California Law Enforcement Radio System (CLERS)
 National Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Radio System
(VLAW31)
 National Warning System (NAWAS)

ORANGE COUNTY CHIEFS' OF POLICE
AND SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION

It is the policy of OCSD/Communications to work closely
with the Orange County Chiefs' of Police and Sheriff's
Association in the development and implementation of
curriculum, systems, policies and procedures in areas
concerning communications.

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EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM (EAS)

The EAS is a network of cable television and AM/FM/TV
broadcast stations located in Orange County. The system is
voluntary in structure and designed to provide the general
public with information about an emergency situation and/or
instructions on how to react to a situation that may pose a
threat or actual danger to people or their property.

A Police Chief, Sheriff, Fire Chief, Law Enforcement or
Fire Incident Commander is authorized to activate and
release EAS messages. The 24-hour contact point for
dissemination of all EAS messages in Orange County is
CONTROL ONE at (714) 628-7008.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT
NOTIFICATION

CONTROL ONE will act as the contact point for all
notifications required for a hazardous materials incident
within the County of Orange.

CONTROL ONE will act only upon the direction of the
public safety agency’s Incident Commander or dispatch
center personnel.

The “Hazardous Materials Reporting Form” has been
adopted for use throughout the County by the Orange
County Fire Chief’s Association to standardize the reporting
of information and requesting of resources.

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HOSPITAL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
(HEAR)

(ReddiNet)

The Hospital Emergency Administrative Radio (HEAR) and
Rapid Emergency Digital Data Information Network
(ReddiNet) communications systems provide coordination
between hospitals and public safety agencies. CONTROL
ONE will transmit information to all hospitals on behalf of
any public safety agency. Informational messages may
include the following:

 The release of a toxic or hazardous material that may
cause the general public or first responders to seek
medical attention.

 Information regarding a Multi-Casualty Incident (MCI),
including location, type of incident and estimated number
of patients. Hospital destinations from the scene of
MCI’s with large numbers of patients are also coordinated
using these systems.

 A significant event that may affect the staffing and/or care
levels provided at hospitals within the County.

 A description of a crime victim, missing and/or mentally
challenged person that is thought to be injured and may
seek medical attention.

 A description of a crime suspect that may pose a threat to
self or others, and is thought to be injured and/or may
seek medical attention.

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INTER-CITY POLICE ASSISTANCE PLAN

Code Alex: To establish a series of observation check
points throughout Orange County, sealing arterial County
exit routes and providing coverage on intra-County freeways
and main highways to prevent evasion from law
enforcement of wanted subjects. This plan states that
activation of Code Alex must be made by a Watch
Commander or higher-ranking officer. The 24-hour contact
point for requesting a Code Alex is CONTROL ONE.

Code Charlie: To establish a method for notifying
neighboring police agencies of the impending need for
assistance. It would be effected in those incidents in which
emergency or riotous conditions exist and the need for
mutual aid is anticipated but not yet requested. The Plan
will give advance notice to supervisory officers of mutual
aid agencies that a request for assistance may be
forthcoming. It will facilitate the pre-assignment of officers
and equipment in consideration of each local policing task,
and will provide an orderly and quicker response to an
actual call for assistance. Request must be made by a Watch
Commander or higher-ranking officer.

If the impending emergency conditions increase in severity
and an actual call for assistance is made, the initiating
agency will notify CONTROL ONE to effect immediate
response by pre-designated units. The code for an actual
call for assistance is Code Charlie Checkmate.

Additional information regarding Code Alex and Code
Charlie may be found in the Orange County Chiefs’ of
Police and Sheriff’s Association Operational & Procedural
Protocol #102, Inter-City Police Assistance Plan.

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RADIO AMATEUR CIVIL EMERGENCY SERVICE
(RACES)

RACES volunteers are licensed Amateur Radio operators
trained to assist governmental agencies during times of
emergency or disaster. Each activation may be different but
the common thread is communications support. During an
emergency, message handling can occur between public
safety agencies and locations providing critical emergency
and/or recovery services. By using Amateur Radio
frequencies and equipment, RACES can be utilized to
augment the day-to-day public safety radio and telephone
systems should they become overloaded or disabled.
County of Orange RACES support is available by call-out
24-hours per day, and can be requested through the
CONTROL ONE supervisor at (714) 628-7008.

SIGALERT SYSTEM

CONTROL ONE will transmit SIGALERT WARNING
MESSAGES to the public upon the request of any public
safety agency. The SIGALERT is transmitted to public
safety agencies, commercial traffic reporting services and
the news media using various two-way radio systems. Law
enforcement receives this information on the Red talkgroup.
Dispatch centers receive this information on the DSP-DSP
talkgroup.

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INTEROPERABILITY RADIO CHANNELS

The County of Orange has implemented various radio
systems in VHF Low Band, VHF High Band, UHF and 800
MHz that may be used by any authorized non-CCCS public
safety agency for coordination with any County of Orange
public safety agency. These channels may be patched to any
800 MHz CCCS talkgroup for interoperable
communications. Activation of the patch is coordinated by
Control One. Guidelines for use are as follows:

 The outside agency may “hail” Control One on any of
these channels when they are outside the coverage area
of their home system.

 Orange County agency approval is required before
Control One will initiate a patch.

 An alternate to patching to an agency specific talkgroup
would be the Orange talkgroups in Zone-2 or the Tan
talkgroups in Zone-9.

 When using a patch all communications shall be
conducted in plain English. All participants shall avoid
the use of radio codes, acronyms and abbreviations as
our “radio language” may not be the same as the
outside agency.

The following radio channels are available for this use:

 VHF Low Band: LLAW1 1-4,
 VHF High Band: VLAW31 and OC ACCESS
 UHF: CALAW4 and OC ACCESS
 800 MHz: FIREMARS, AIR-TAC, ITAC

CLEMARS9

Contact OCSD/Communications at (714) 704-7919 to
establish outside agency authorization. Contact Control One
on Tan-Call or (714) 628-7008 to activate a patch.

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AGENCY SPECIFIC ZONE
ZONE 1

For future reference, use this page
to indicate the programming of
your agency specific zone.

POSITION NAME USE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

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AGENCY SPECIFIC ZONE
ZONE 15 *

For future reference, use this page
to indicate the programming of
your agency specific zone.

POSITION NAME USE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

* Some law agencies have additional agency specific
programming in Zone-15. Otherwise this zone is blank in
law enforcement radios.

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NOTES

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NOTES

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