Chicago Police DepartmentGeneral Order G03-01
Communications Systems and Devices
Issue Date:30 May 2014Effective Date:30 May 2014
Rescinds:02 August 1997 Version; G97-06
Index Category:Field Operations
I.Purpose
This directive:
  • A.identifies and describes the communications systems and devices used by the Chicago Police Department.
  • B.abolishes the Communication Operations Section (COS).
  • C.continues the:
    • 1.Alternate Response Section (ARS).
    • 2.Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC).
    • 3.Police Computer Aided Dispatch (PCAD) system.
    • 4.Portable Data Terminal (PDT).
  • D.is authorization for the Director, Research & Development to assign additional radio call numbers which are consistent with this directive.
II.Policy
All members will use the Department's communications systems and devices in a professional and courteous manner. The use of these systems and devices to convey any profane, demeaning, hateful, or biased message, in any manner, is strictly prohibited.
III.General Information
  • A.The Department has provided a variety of means to enable members to transmit official information of an operational and/or administrative nature. The procedures identified in the addenda to this directive will ensure that members obtain maximum benefits from the systems and devices available for their use.
    NOTE:
    Should voice or data communications fail to operate, or unusual circumstances occur, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will notify Crime Prevention and Information Center (CPIC).
  • B.Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) - is computer technology that facilitates the storing, retrieval and transmission of data. The CAD system enables the dispatcher to:
    • 1.allocate resources efficiently, and
    • 2.keep field units appraised of all pertinent information available.
  • C.Event - is any incident:
    • 1.reported to the OEMC via a 9-1-1 call.
    • 2.initiated by a field unit that corresponds to a predetermined CAD system category. Incidents that do not correspond to the CAD system category may be designated as an event by the dispatcher as appropriate.
  • D.Event Number - is a numeric designation the CAD system assigns each event.
  • E.Event Record - is all available and pertinent information recorded under an event number.
  • F.Police Computer Aided Dispatch (PCAD) - is the police component of the CAD system. The PCAD system:
    • 1.routes all communications, whether a 9-1-1 call or a Department member's transmission, through PCAD personnel. Depending on the nature of the call, PCAD personnel will either:
      • a.forward the call to:
        • 1.a Fire/EMS call taker, or
        • 2.the Alternate Response Section, or
      • b.enter the call into the PCAD system for dispatch, or
      • c.respond accordingly within existing Department directives.
    • 2.allows dispatch personnel to access an array of data simultaneously, such as:
      • a.available field resources.
      • b.appropriate emergency services.
      • c.subscriber information (telephone number).
      • d.Foreign Language Interpreters Program.
      • e.recent activity and premise history for the reporting address.
    • 3.is connected to external databases, such as LEADS, NCIC, NLETS, and to ancillary dispatch centers, such as the O'Hare Airport Communication Center.
    • 4.may generate notifications to a unit's remote terminal designated as a "PCAD work station."
  • G.Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) - manages and operates Chicago's Public Safety Communications Systems. Utilizing the CAD system, the OEMC is organized into police computer aided dispatch (PCAD) and fire computer aided dispatch (FCAD). The OEMC:
    • 1.receives all 9-1-1 calls for service.
    • 2.coordinates the dispatch of assignments to police, fire, and emergency medical personnel.
    • 3.maintains continuous radio contact with Department units via the police radio system.
    • 4.coordinates and furnishes information available via the PCAD system.
    • 5.assigns Records Division (RD) numbers.
  • H.Public Safety Information Technology (PSIT) is responsible for the:
    • 1.Administrative Message Center (AMC).
    • 2.Telecommunications Section.
  • I.Backup Communication Facility (BCF) - is a separate facility that:
    • 1.provides redundant dispatch capabilities. In the event the OEMC is unable to function, the BCF will supply dispatch services on an emergency basis.
    • 2.allocates space and support services for the Alternate Response Section.
  • J.Alternate Response Section (ARS) - is a section within the OEMC responsible for the processing of specific, designated non-emergency calls/requests for service. ARS combines the functions, responsibilities and operations of screening/reporting and call-back. ARS personnel may also assume call taking and dispatching duties on an emergency basis.
  • K.Portable Data Terminal (PDT) - is a portable, radio-frequency-operated, computer device yielding data processing and communication capabilities. The PDT:
    • 1.provides field units with direct access to the PCAD system.
    • 2.supports dispatch, field inquiry, case reporting and administrative applications.
    • 3.may be secured in a docking station within a vehicle.
IV.Systems and Devices
Descriptions of systems devices and procedures for their use are found in the following directives:
  • A.Radio Communications.
  • B.Personal Radio Procedures.
  • C.Illinois State Police Emergency Radio Network (ISPERN.)
  • D.Recorded Voice Transmission Requests.
  • E.Administrative Message Center.
  • F.Portable Data Terminal (PDT).
Garry F. McCarthy
Superintendent of Police
14-048 CMW
ADDENDA:
1.G03-01-01 - Radio Communications
2.G03-01-02 - Personal Radio Procedures
3.G03-01-03 - Illinois State Police Emergency Radio Network (ISPERN)