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CalSIEC AGENDA REPORT
TO:
California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee Chairs
FROM:
Michael Crews, Statewide Interoperability Coordinator
DATE:
October 5, 2010
SUBJECT: Updates to the State Mutual-Aid Radio System Plans
SUMMARY: California’s Mutual Aid Communication system plans include CLERS,
CLEMARS, CALCORD, CESRS, FireMARS, FIRE NET and STACOM. Many of these
plans have not been updated in years and are in dire need of revisions. As a result,
public-safety entities across the state are unaware of the guidelines and procedures
associated with the use of these systems. With collaboration with public-safety
stakeholders across the state, every plan was reviewed and revised to meet the current
and future requirements for interoperable communications.
BACKGROUND:
The Statewide Mutual-Aid Radio System Plan (SMARS) was developed to assist in
multi-agency response for on-scene communications. The plan provides rules and/or
guidelines on the proper use state-owned public safety frequencies that are shared on a
statewide basis. This plan covers the following systems:
• CLEMARS
• CLERS
• FIRENET
• CESRS
• CALCORD
• FIREMARS
• STACOM
The previous documentation related to these systems are from 1999-2004. Although
these systems have not changed significantly, the process of updating documentation
allows identification of issues and inconsistencies that can be incorporated into tactical
and strategic plans. CalSIEC along with CalEMA identified the need to update and
revise these plans, including the overall SMARS document. Occasionally SMARS is
mistaken as a separate statewide radio system, resulting in obscure requests or
improper references. Several stakeholders agreed that steps should be taken to
address this confusion.
The SMARS plan along with all the associated plans and applications were reviewed
and updated with recommendations from Cal EMA’s Fire & Rescue and Law
Enforcement divisions. Stakeholders across the state from all disciplines were also
consulted. It was these inputs that guided some of the significant changes.
Item: 5
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Significant changes:
• Added language about the narrowband mandate to the letters of introduction
• Revised licensing procedures
• Updated the documents to reflect Cal EMA and the CalSIEC
• Channel Use Priorities re-numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (previously 1,2,3,3a,4)
• Notification of priority traffic: responsibility of the user to inform other area users
and to notify the Cal EMA Warning Center
• Added language on using Standard California Channel Identifiers only
• Added Message Precedence classification
• Updated the Complaint Procedure
• Added “Essential Interoperability Guidelines” checklist
• CLEMARS:
1. Removed references to the CLEMARS Committee, added
authority of the CalSIEC
2. Reinforced eligibility language
3. Updated language on the 800 MHz CLEMARS channels (to reflect
authority of Region 5 and 6)
4. Coded Squelch: added language that local PLs are permissible
only if the agency has the ability to continuously monitor a receiver
with the universal mutual aid tone (156.7/$293) or has a receiver
without the tone protection
5. Voice Privacy: Added possibility of obtaining one-time waiver to
allow for voice privacy under special circumstances
6. Frequency Protection: added language that Cal EMA will establish
guidelines for protecting the channels adjacent to CLEMARS as
the State transitions to narrowband operations
7. Added “post” narrowband information for CLEMARS channels
8. Added CLEMARS Repeater Location tables & Maps
• Created a plan for FIREMARS (based on CLEMARS)
• Drastically updated FireNET (based on CLEMARS)
• Changed SMARS acronym to title “Guidelines for use of Statewide
Interoperability Radio Systems ”
1. Added language on narrowband
2. Added “statewide” operational standards
3. Added all the national interoperability channels
Item: 5
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RECOMMENDATION:
1. Replace the “SMARS” acronym with a document title Guidelines for Use of
Statewide Interoperability Radio Systems.
2. All Interoperability Radio System Plans should be reviewed on an annual
basis.
3. All Interoperability Radio System Plans will be available on the CalSIEC
website.
4. Endorse the following Interoperability Radio System Plans.
CLEMARS
California Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Radio System
CESRS
California Emergency Services Radio System
CalCORD
California On-Scene Emergency Coordination Radio Plan
FIRE Net
California Fire Service & Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid
System
FireMARS
California Fire Mutual Aid Radio System Plan
STACOM
High Frequency Single-Sideband Radio System Plan
CLERS
California Law Enforcement Radio System
Item: 5
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September 2010
TO:
LAW ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATORS /
TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANAGERS
The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) Law Enforcement Division and
California Interoperability Communications Office (CICO) are pleased to provide you with the
updated California Law Enforcement Radio System (CLERS) Plan. Important updates have
been made to the plan. The plan now reflects the California Statewide Interoperability
Executive Committee’s (CalSIEC) role in providing oversight of the system and includes a
streamlined application process and new application forms.
An important issue over the next two years for CLERS is that of Narrowbanding. The Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated that all non-Federal public safety licensees
operating 25 kHz radio systems in the 150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz bands (the VHF and
UHF bands) migrate to more efficient 12.5 kHz (narrowband) channels by January 1, 2013. In
other words, the FCC will no longer allow the use of wideband on VHF and UHF public safety
frequencies, including the CLERS channels, from December 31, 2012 on and will not
automatically issue new licenses.
Cal EMA will release further information on the transition of interoperability channels from
wideband operations to narrowband operations, including effective dates and policy changes,
in the near future.
Your input is very important to us. Please email all feedback, comments, and questions on the
updated CLERS Plan to Interop@calema.ca.gov.
NOTE: The Law Enforcement Division and CICO strongly encourage all entities licensed to use
CLERS channels to apply for a modification to their existing FCC license(s) as soon as
possible. This is crucial to comply with the new narrowband licensing requirements and to
ensure interoperability with agencies that have already transitioned to narrowband.
Paul Walters
Law Enforcement Division Chief
Michael Crews
Statewide Interoperability Coordinator
Item: 5a-CLERS
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California Law Enforcement Radio
System
(CLERS)
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Table of Contents
OPERATIONAL STANDARDS ............................................................................ 7
ESSENTIAL INTEROPERABILITY GUIDELINES CHECKLIST ........................ 11
APPENDIX A: COMPLAINT PROCEDURE.......................................................12
APPENDIX B: ACRONYM LIST........................................................................13
APPENDIX C: CLERS REPEATER FREQUENCIES ........................................ 14
APPENDIX D: CLERS ROUTING MAP ............................................................. 15
APPLICATION
Item: 5a-CLERS
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Overview
The California Law Enforcement Radio System (CLERS) is a microwave interconnected radio
repeater s ystem w ith s tatewide c overage. It i s m anaged by t he C alifornia E mergency
Management Agency (Cal EMA) and provides point-to-point (fixed base) or dispatch-to-
dispatch communications for interagency coordination among state and local law enforcement
agencies. CLERS also serves as the primary Emergency Alert System (EAS) for the State and
as the alternate alert system for Operational Areas.
Background
CLERS was c reated in 1952 as an intercity law network for point-to-point communications.
During the 1970's, the system was microwave interconnected and expanded statewide.
Participating ag encies were as signed a di screte number bas ed on their National C rime
Information Center (NCIC) code and where thus enabled to call any other participating agency
anywhere i n t he S tate. A m odification i n 1991 added eq uipment to s implify di aling ot her
stations and to control the statewide Emergency Broadcast System (EBS), now known as EAS.
System Management
Cal EMA provides the CLERS statewide repeater system via the State’s microwave intertie for
use by law enforcement agencies. The California Statewide Interoperability Executive
Committee (CalSIEC) oversees CLERS and advises Cal EMA on the development and
supervision of the system.
Within Cal EMA, the responsibility for managing CLERS is shared by two divisions: the Cal
EMA Law Enforcement Division and the Telecommunications Branch. The Cal EMA Law
Enforcement Division establishes and enforces procedures for participation in, and use of, the
system. Cal EMA Law Enforcement Coordinators ensure that the system’s frequencies are
used properly and in a coordinated manner. The Cal EMA Telecommunications Branch is
responsible for technical standards and procedures. The Telecommunications Branch
Coordinators assist and advise on technical matters.
Police Chiefs and Sheriffs are responsible for ensuring that applications, licensing, and
operations on CLERS comply with the regulations and policies set forth in this document within
their agency. Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Regional Coordinators are responsible for the
compliance of system operations within each Mutual Aid Region.
Eligibility
Law enforcement entities, as defined by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards
and Training (POST), and agents authorized and designated by such entities are eligible to
participate in the CLERS plan.
Agencies that have signed the California Master Mutual Aid Agreement, support other law
enforcement agencies during emergencies, and are capable of rendering mutual aid are also
eligible to participate in CLERS.
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Application Procedure
FCC licenses are acquired by and in the name of the State of California.
Charges are levied on all applicant organizations when seeking a new frequency or making a
license change, system modification, or any other technical change which requires an official
FCC license modification or transaction to take place.
For more details on the fee structure and process, please visit the Public Safety
Communications Division (PSCD) website or contact the Frequency Coordination and
Licensing Unit at (916) 657-6153
http://www.cio.ca.gov/PSCD/Services/PubSafety/default.htm
Fixed Sites
Fixed sites require extensive coordination on the part of the requestor to minimize interference
with neighboring jurisdictions. Use of the interoperability spectrum requires oversight and
endorsement from the CalSIEC before any license request can be approved.
1 Draft a “letter of intent” (LOI) on your agency letterhead
The letter should contain information on the requested channels, proposed
site(s) and area of operations. If the system is to serve more than a single
political entity, provide additional details such as a list of all individuals
responsible for the project.
2 Fill out the license request forms at the end of the plan
As needed, contact the California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office
(CICO) or Cal EMA TDO for further assistance.
3 Send the LOI and completed form(s) via postal mail or email to the CICO
California Emergency Management Agency
Attn: California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office
3650 Schriever Avenue Mather, CA 95655
Email: @calema.ca.gov
4
Develop a proposal package
The proposal package should include coverage plots, applicable frequencies
and channels, and other supporting documents. Supporting documents
include Standard Operating Procedures, letters of recommendations or
endorsements from neighboring jurisdictions, and/or concurrence from
regional frequency coordination groups.
The CICO and TDO will be available to assist with the coordination process.
Item: 5a-CLERS
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5 Submit proposal package for CalSIEC Planning Area Review and
Endorsement
The application proposal package will require an endorsement letter from the
requesting agencies respective CalSIEC Planning Area (the table below lists the
counties in each Planning Area).
The CICO and TDO will be available to assist with the coordination process.
North
Capitol/Bay
Central Southern
Butte
Colusa
Del Norte
Glenn
Humboldt
Lake
Lassen
Mendocino
Modoc
Nevada
Plumas
Shasta
Sierra
Siskiyou
Sutter
Tehama
Trinity
Yuba
Amador
Alameda
Alpine
Calaveras
Contra Costa
El Dorado
Marin
Monterey
Napa
Placer
Plumas
Sacramento
San Benito
San Francisco
San Joaquin
San Mateo
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Solano
Sonoma
Stanislaus
Tuolumne
Yolo
Fresno
Kern*
Kings
Madera
Mariposa
Merced
Tulare
Kern*
Imperial
Inyo
Los Angeles
Mono
Orange
Riverside
San Bernardino
San Diego
San Luis
Obispo
Santa Barbara
Ventura
*Because it encompasses both sides of the mountain range that separates the Central
Valley and Southern California, Kern participates in both Central and Southern Planning
Areas.
6 Forward the CalSIEC Planning Area endorsement letter to the State
Interoperability Coordinator
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7 CalSIEC Formal Review
Following the CalSIEC Planning Area endorsement, the CICO will forward the
package to the CalSIEC Standing committees for review.
Following the review, the application will go to the CalSIEC chairs for final
endorsement.
The CalSIEC endorsement letter will be forwarded to the PSCD FCC unit for
administrative processing.
8 Program Radios/Equipment
Requestors may program channels into radios but may not transmit until final
FCC authorization is received.
Contact the PSCD FCC Unit at (916) 657-6153 for a status on FCC authorization.
Operational Standards
Permissible Communications
The CLERS repeaters and frequencies are used for official use only transmissions.
All communications on the CLERS system are in accordance with Part 90, Subpart B of FCC
Regulations (Public Safety Radio Pool). CLERS participants transmit communications
essential to official police activities of the licensee. Unofficial communications on CLERS are
prohibited and may result in revocation of licensee authorization.
CLERS is for point-to-point (fixed base) or dispatch-to-dispatch communications only.
However, under special circumstance, a one- time waiver may be granted for mobile
operations. All inquiries and requests for waivers should be addressed to the Cal EMA LDO
(916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov).
Channel Identifiers
Only the Standard California Channel Identifiers are used for CLERS. It is strictly prohibited to
assign a local identifier to a CLERS channel.
Monitoring
Base stations are encouraged to monitor CLERS channels at all times. At a minimum,
personnel must monitor CLERS channels prior to transmitting to minimize the possibility of
interference with communications in-progress.
Identification
Base stations identify themselves by using their agency name along with any other usual
identifier. Base stations must use the FCC call sign shown on their CLERS license at least
once every 30 minutes or at the end of a contact. For example: “California KVZ 29.”
Item: 5a-CLERS
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Channel Use Priorities
CLERS use is governed by a system of priorities that must be respected at all times. Priority is
given to disaster and emergency operations, urgent operations, special events, and drills, tests
and exercises. When a higher priority use is required, all lower priority traffic yields the
frequency immediately.1
• Priority 1: Disaster and extreme emergency operations for mutual aid and interagency
communications
• Priority 2: Emergency or urgent operations involving imminent safety of life or
protection of property
• Priority 3: Special event control activities, such as a planned event involving the
participation of two or more agencies
• Priority 4: Drills, tests and exercises
• Priority 5: Agency to agency secondary communications.
Notification of Priority Traffic (Priority 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Plain language must be used when clearing a CLERS channel for use in high priority
situations.
• Agencies inform other area user agencies when they are involved in high priority usage
of CLERS channels by phone, email, or California Law Enforcement
Telecommunications System (CLETS).
• Notify the Cal EMA Law Duty Officer (LDO) of high priority usage via phone (916-845-
8911), email (warning_center@oes.ca.gov), or CLETS.
• If two or more agencies in close proximity request a similar priority level clearance for
simultaneous operations, contact the Cal EMA LDO (916-845-8911 or
warning_center@oes.ca.gov) for guidance.
Secondary Communications (Priority 5)
In the absence of Priority 1, 2, 3, and 4 situations, CLERS channels may be used for day-to-
day communications as an agency to agency secondary channel. There are specific limitations
relative to such use:
• Before using the channel for secondary communications, agencies first monitor the
channel to ensure that no higher-priority communications are being conducted on
CLERS.
• Use conforms to the operational standards outlined in this plan (identification, call signs,
plain language, etc.)
• The channel is immediately vacated if it needs to be used for a Priority 1, 2, 3, or 4
situation.
1 Please note that this 2010 update of the CLERS plan has changed the original numbering of the
Priorities from 1, 2, 3, 3A, 4 to Priorities 1 through 5.
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Message Precedence
Message Precedence is a classification system that establishes the priority of message content
while a channel is in use – i.e., it helps determine which message has precedence over
another on a channel. It is used for both verbal and written message traffic. The order of
precedence of messages is:
1. New Incident: Messages pertaining to a new incident. Once the new incident is
addressed, it no longer has precedence unless it has a higher priority.
2. Emergency: Messages involving the imminent safety of life or protection of property,
including messages to request supplies, materials or instructions vital to relief of
emergency operations.
3. Priority: Messages that are official and time-bound, but are not covered in the
emergency category. Priority messages may include notice of deaths or injury in a
disaster area.
4. Welfare: Messages involving the health and welfare of an individual in a disaster area.
5. Routine: Messages pertaining to routine operations.
Plain Language
All communications on CLERS are in plain language as radio codes, acronyms, and
abbreviations can cause confusion between agencies and disciplines and jeopardize officer
safety.
Voice Privacy
The use of CLERS channels for transmission of encoded, encrypted, digital, or scrambled
message is prohibited. However, under specials circumstances, a one-time waiver may be
granted to allow for encryption. All inquiries and requests for waivers should be addressed to
the Cal EMA LDO (916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov).
Interoperability Operation
In the event of a public safety Priority 1 or 2 emergency, and in keeping with appropriate FCC
Rules, a CLERS channel may be temporarily cross-banded through automatic or manual
equipment with another channel. A cross-band or use of a gateway switch must be
discontinued when the operation requiring its use is finished. Refer to Cal EMA’s Statewide
Gateway Units Standard Operating Procedure for more information on gateway procedures.
Supervisory Responsibility
Each agency manager and supervisor bears the responsibility for the compliance of operations
on CLERS to the CLERS Plan. Violations are reported to Cal EMA who works with each
agency's executives to correct reported problems. See Appendix D for the complaint
procedure.
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Technical Standards
1. CLERS is authorized for base stations only.
2. In order to use the microwave link, base stations are required to use a 16-button Dual-tone
multi-frequency signaling (DTMF) encoder/decoder to operate.
3. The decoder segment of the DTMF should be "strapped" or "wired" for your 4-digit NCIC
agency code. When properly strapped and interconnected to your transmitter-receiver, the
dispatcher will not be bothered by transmissions on the network destined for other agencies
in your prefix area. If another agency has need to communicate with your department and
transmits your assigned code, the speaker on your CLERS receiver will automatically open
and the other agency will call your agency.
4. All of the mobile repeaters have CTCSS installed and you may wish to operate in this mode
to m onitor l ocal traffic and t o c ommunicate w ith C alifornia H ighway Patrol. See t he
Frequency Plan Option Table for CTCSS information.
All technical inquiries about CLERS should be directed to the Cal EMA TDO at 916-845-8911
Item: 5a-CLERS
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Essential Interoperability Guidelines Checklist
✓ OBEY PRIORITIES: When a higher priority use is required, all
lower priority traffic yields the frequency immediately.
✓ USE PLAIN LANGUAGE AT ALL TIMES.
✓ IDENTIFY WITH FULL AGENCY UNIT DESIGNATOR AND FCC
CALL-SIGNS (BASE STATIONS AND MOBILES).
✓ MONITOR THE CHANNEL PRIOR TO TRANSMITTING.
✓ USE APPROPRIATE CODED SQUELCH: Do not use local tones on
interoperability channels without the capability of monitoring
the mutual aid tone (156.7/$293) and turning the tone
protection off.
✓ USE THE CHANNEL’S STANDARD ID: Program the standard
California channel ID into your radio’s display.
✓ DO NOT SCRAMBLE OR ENCRYPT MESSAGES.
✓ DO NOT PERMANENTLY OR SEMI-PERMANENTLY LINK MUTUAL
AID CHANNELS TO EACH OTHER OR TO LOCAL AGENCY
CHANNELS.
Respect the policies and procedures set forth in each
interoperability system’s plan to ensure the interoperability
channels are available for use in emergency situations.
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5a-CLERS
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Appendix A: Complaint Procedure
Report all operations on mutual aid channels that are detrimental to officer safety or to the
management of an incident, which fail to follow the procedures outlined in this mutual aid plan,
which cause interference to other users, or that violate FCC Regulations 90.20 and 90.405.
To report flagrant violations that endanger officer of peace safety, immediately contact the LDO
via the California State Warning Center (CSWC) (Telephone: 916-845-8911).
To report interference issues from outside sources and other misuses of mutual aid channels:
1. Attempt to identify the offending station.
2. Contact the chief executive of that department.
3. If the problem persists, contact the Cal EMA LDO via the CSWC
(916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov) and relay:
• The date and time of the problem
• The circumstances regarding the interference or misuse
• Information detailing how the misuse interfered with operations or safety
• Information (identification, call signs, etc.) that would help locate the offending
agency.
4. Keep audio logging tapes, tape cassettes, or digital files recording the misuse to send to
Cal EMA. [If requested, Cal EMA will return the tape after its investigation.] On receipt
of a complaint, Cal EMA will conduct an investigation.
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Appendix B: Acronym List
AES: Advanced Encryption Standard
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
Cal EMA: California Emergency Management Agency
CalSIEC: California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee
CICO: California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office
CLERS: California Law Enforcement Radio System
CLETS: California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System
CSWC: California State Warning Center
CTCSS: Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System
DCS: Digital Coded Squelch
DES: Data Encryption Standard
DVP: Digital voice privacy
DTMF: Dual-tone multi-frequency signaling
FCC: Federal Communications Commission
LDO: Law Enforcement Division’s Duty Officer
NAC: Network Access Code
NPSTC: National Public Safety Telecommunications Council
POST: California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training
PSCD: Public Safety Communications Division
TDO: Telecommunications Duty Officer
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Appendix C: CLERS Repeater Frequencies
Site #
Transmitter
Receiver
Location
Freq
CTCSS
Freq
CTCSS
1
154.710 (2) 123.0
155.670
(2) 123.0 MT. DIABLO
2
158.790 (1) 110.9
155.430
(1) 110.9 SANTIAGO PK.
3
155.070 (1) 110.9
159.030
(1) 110.9 WOLF MTN
4
158.790 (3) 131.8
155.430
(3) 131.8 CACTUS CITY
5
155.700 (2) 123.0
154.815
(2) 123.0 HAMAKER
6
155.700 (3) 131.8
154.815
(3) 131.8 ANTELOPE PK.
7
155.700 (1) 110.9
154.815
(1) 110.9 HORSE MTN
8
155.700 (5) 146.2
154.815
(5) 146.2 HOADLEY
9
155.700 (4) 136.5
154.815
(4) 136.5 LIKELY MTN
10
155.700 (1) 110.9
154.815
(1) 110.9 SHAFFER
11
154.710 (1) 110.9
155.670
(1) 110.9 BROCKWAY SUM.
12
154.710 (3) 131.8
155.670
(3) 131.8 JOAQUIN RIDGE
13
155.070 (1) 110.9
159.030
(1) 110.9 BLUE RIDGE
14
155.910 (3) 131.8
158.730
(3) 131.8 GOVERNMENT PK.
15
453.875 (1) 110.9
458.875
(1) 110.9 BLOOMER
16
453.875 (4) 136.5
458.875
(4) 136.5 TELEGRAPH PK.
17
453.875 (2) 123.0
458.875
(2) 123.0 FREMONT PK.
18
453.675 (2) 123.0
458.675
(2) 123.0 MT. LOWE
19
453.675 (3) 131.8
458.675
(3) 131.8 RED MTN (Ventura)
20
453.675 (1) 110.9
458.675
(1) 110.9 CUYAMACA PK.
21
453.675 (4) 136.5
458.675
(4) 136.5 MT BULLION
22
453.875 (3) 131.8
458.875
(3) 131.8 MT TAMALPAIS
(#) The num ber i n par entheses c orresponds w ith t he C TCSS t ones 1 through 5 from t he
California CTCSS Plan.
1: 110.9
2: 123.0
3: 131.8
4: 136.5
5: 146.2
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Appendix D: CLERS Routing Map
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September 2010
TO:
LAW ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATORS /
TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANAGERS
The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) Law Enforcement Division
and California Interoperability Communications Office (CICO) are pleased to provide you
with the updated California Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Radio System (CLEMARS)
Plan. Important updates have been made to the plan. The plan now reflects the
California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee’s (CalSIEC) role in providing
oversight of the system and includes a streamlined application process and new
application forms.
An important issue over the next two years for CLEMARS is that of Narrowbanding. The
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated that all non-Federal public
safety licensees operating 25 kHz radio systems in the 150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz
bands (the VHF and UHF bands) migrate to more efficient 12.5 kHz (narrowband)
channels by January 1, 2013. In other words, the FCC will no longer allow the use of
wideband on VHF and UHF public safety frequencies, including the CLEMARS
channels, from December 31, 2012 on and will not automatically issue new licenses.
To help with the transition to narrowband, the updated CLEMARS plan includes the
frequencies for both pre-narrowbanding and post-narrowbanding channels. And, in an
effort to comply with national standards and advance nationwide interoperability, this
plan also presents the channels with both their legacy California identifiers and their
National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC)/ American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) identifiers. After the January 1, 2013 narrowbanding
mandate, the CLEMARS channels will be referred to by their NPSTC/ANSI channel
identifiers only.
Cal EMA will release further information on the transition of interoperability channels
from wideband operations to narrowband operations, including effective dates and policy
changes, in the near future.
Your input is very important to us. Please email all feedback, comments, and questions
on the updated CLEMARS Plan to Interop@calema.ca.gov.
NOTE: The Law Enforcement Division and CICO strongly encourage all entities licensed
to use CLEMARS channels to apply for a modification to their existing FCC license(s) as
soon as possible. This is crucial to comply with the new narrowband licensing
requirements and to ensure interoperability with agencies that have already transitioned
to narrowband.
Paul Walters
Law Enforcement Division Chief
Michael Crews
Statewide Interoperability Coordinator
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
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California Law Enforcement Mutual
Aid Radio System Plan
(CLEMARS)
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
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Table of Contents
800 MHZ CLEMARS CHANNELS ........................................................................ 8
OPERATIONAL STANDARDS .......................................................................... 10
TECHNICAL STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES ............................................. 13
ESSENTIAL INTEROPERABILITY GUIDELINES CHECKLIST ........................ 16
APPENDIX A: COMPLAINT PROCEDURE ...................................................... 16
APPENDIX B: ACRONYM LIST ....................................................................... 19
APPENDIX C: CLEMARS FREQUENCIES AND USAGE TABLE ................... 19
APPENDIX D: CLEMARS REPEATER LOCATIONS ....................................... 22
APPLICATION
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
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Overview
The California Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Radio System (CLEMARS) is provided and
managed by the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA). CLEMARS
enhances the ability of law enforcement agencies to communicate on common
frequencies during emergencies and other special operations.
This plan governs the 12 CLEMARS channels (13 after narrowbanding) in each of the
public safety radio bands and the National Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Channel
(NALEMARS) which is considered part of the CLEMARS pool of frequencies in
California. As such, CLEMARS provides a communications option for Law Enforcement
officials regardless of the band their equipment operates in or the jurisdiction with which
they are communicating.
As the FCC mandated that States adopt a regional or county approach for 800 MHz
planning, the 800 MHz CLEMARS channels are governed by their respective regional
800 MHz Communications Plans. However, all CLEMARS channels (including
NALEMARS) are bound by California’s statewide standards and procedures as detailed
in this plan.
Cal EMA enforces strict adherence to this plan and violations can result in loss of
authorization to use CLEMARS channels.
System Management
The ultimate authority for operations on CLEMARS and other related channels rests with
the FCC. Under their rules for the Public Safety Radio Services, use of these
frequencies is subject to coordination and regulation.
The State of California holds all licenses for use of these channels in California. As
such, the State is responsible for assuring proper utilization and operation and may
revoke authority for use.
Cal EMA manages the system on behalf of the State of California. However, the
California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (CalSIEC) provides oversight
on CLEMARS and advises Cal EMA on the development and supervision of the system.
Within Cal EMA, the responsibility for managing CLEMARS is shared by two divisions:
the Cal EMA Law Enforcement Division and the Telecommunications Branch. The Cal
EMA Law Enforcement Division establishes and enforces procedures for participation in,
and use of, the system. Cal EMA Law Enforcement Coordinators ensure that the
system’s frequencies are used properly and in a coordinated manner. The Cal EMA
Telecommunications Branch is responsible for technical standards and procedures. The
Telecommunications Branch Coordinators assist and advise on technical matters.
Police Chiefs and Sheriffs are responsible for ensuring that applications, licensing and
operations on CLEMARS comply with the regulations and policies set forth in this
document within their agency. Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Regional Coordinators are
responsible for the compliance of system operations within each Mutual Aid Region.
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
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5
Eligibility
Law enforcement entities, as defined by the California Commission on Peace Officer
Standards and Training (POST), and agents authorized and designated by such entities
are eligible to participate in the CLEMARS plan.
Agencies that have signed the California Master Mutual Aid Agreement, support other
law enforcement agencies during emergencies, and are capable of rendering mutual aid
are also eligible to participate in CLEMARS.
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
Page 24
6
Application Procedure
There are two types of applications for CLEMARS, one for mobiles and another for fixed
stations. Authorization to transmit on one CLEMARS frequency does not imply
authorization for other channels in the system. Applicants must specify the channel(s)
requested in their application.
FCC licenses are acquired by and in the name of the State of California.
Charges are levied on all applicant organizations when seeking a new frequency or
making a license change, system modification, or any other technical change which
requires an official FCC license modification or transaction to take place.
For more details on the fee structure and process, please visit the Public Safety
Communications Division (PSCD) website or contact the Frequency Coordination and
Licensing Unit at (916) 657-6153
http://www.cio.ca.gov/PSCD/Services/PubSafety/default.htm
Mobiles Only
1 Draft a “letter of intent” (LOI) on your agency letterhead
The letter should contain information on the requested channels, proposed site(s)
and area of operations. If the system is to serve more than a single political entity,
provide additional details such as a list of all individuals responsible for the
project.
2 Fill out the license request forms at the end of the plan
As needed, contact the California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office (CICO) or
Cal EMA Telecommunications Duty Officer (TDO) for further assistance.
3 Send the LOI and completed form(s) via postal mail or email to the CICO
California Emergency Management Agency
Attn: California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office
3650 Schriever Avenue Mather, CA 95655
Email: ,QWHURS@calema.ca.gov
4 Program Radios
Requestors may program channels into radios but may not transmit until final
FCC authorization is received.
Contact the PSCD FCC Unit at (916) 657-6153 for a status on FCC authorization.
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
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7
Fixed Sites
Fixed sites require extensive coordination on the part of the requestor to minimize
interference with neighboring jurisdictions. Use of the interoperability spectrum requires
oversight and endorsement from the CalSIEC before any license request can be
approved.
1 Draft a LOI on your agency letterhead
The letter should contain information on the requested channels, proposed site(s)
and area of operations. If the system is to serve more than a single political entity,
provide additional details such as a list of all individuals responsible for the
project.
2 Fill out attached license request form
As needed, contact the CICO or Cal EMA TDO for further assistance.
3 Send the LOI and completed form(s) via postal mail or email to the CICO
California Emergency Management Agency
Attn: California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office
3650 Schriever Avenue Mather, CA 95655
Email: ,QWHURS@calema.ca.gov
4 Develop a proposal package
The proposal package should include coverage plots, applicable frequencies
and channels, and other supporting documents. Supporting documents
include Standard Operating Procedures, letters of recommendations or
endorsements from neighboring jurisdictions, and/or concurrence from
regional frequency coordination groups.
The CICO and TDO will be available to assist with the coordination process.
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
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8
5 Submit proposal package for CalSIEC Planning Area Review and
Endorsement
The application proposal package will require an endorsement letter from the
requesting agencies respective CalSIEC Planning Area (the table below lists the
counties in each Planning Area).
The CICO and TDO will be available to assist with the coordination process.
North
Capitol/Bay
Central Southern
Butte
Colusa
Del Norte
Glenn
Humboldt
Lake
Lassen
Mendocino
Modoc
Nevada
Plumas
Shasta
Sierra
Siskiyou
Sutter
Tehama
Trinity
Yuba
Amador
Alameda
Alpine
Calaveras
Contra Costa
El Dorado
Marin
Monterey
Napa
Placer
Plumas
Sacramento
San Benito
San Francisco
San Joaquin
San Mateo
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Solano
Sonoma
Stanislaus
Tuolumne
Yolo
Fresno
Kern*
Kings
Madera
Mariposa
Merced
Tulare
Kern*
Imperial
Inyo
Los Angeles
Mono
Orange
Riverside
San Bernardino
San Diego
San Luis
Obispo
Santa Barbara
Ventura
*Because it encompasses both sides of the mountain range that separates the Central
Valley and Southern California, Kern participates in both Central and Southern Planning
Areas.
6 Forward the CalSIEC Planning Area endorsement letter to the State
Interoperability Coordinator
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
Page 27
9
7 CalSIEC Formal Review
Following the CalSIEC Planning Area endorsement, the CICO will forward the
package to the CalSIEC Standing committees for review.
Following the review, the application will go to the CalSIEC chairs for final
endorsement.
The CalSIEC endorsement letter will be forwarded to the PSCD FCC unit for
administrative processing.
8 Program Radios/Equipment
Requestors may program channels into radios but may not transmit until final
FCC authorization is received.
Contact the PSCD FCC Unit at (916) 657-6153 for a status on FCC authorization.
800 MHz CLEMARS CHANNELS
The regulations for the use and licensing of the 800 MHz CLEMARS channels are
different from the other CLEMARS channels. In granting approval for use of frequencies
in the 800 MHz band, the FCC required the States to utilize a regional or operational
area planning approach to ensure coordinated use of the available spectrum. As such,
Public Safety Region 6 (the 48 Northern California counties) and Public Safety Region 5
(the 10 Southern California counties) each developed regional 800 MHz
Communications Plans. Agencies follow the procedure set forth in the Northern
California 800 MHz Regional Communications Plan and the Southern California 800
MHz Regional Plan to obtain license authorizations for the use of 800 MHz CLEMARS
channels.1
1 The Northern California 800 MHz Regional Plan can be downloaded at:
http://www.rgn6rpc.org/library/Region_%206-04_09-1.pdf
The Southern California 800 MHz Regional Plan can be downloaded at:
http://www.cpra.org/doc/Reference/800MHzPlan.PDF
For questions regarding the regional plans, contact the regional chairperson whose contact
information can be found at http://publicsafety.fcc.gov/pshs/public-safety-spectrum/800-
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
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10
Operational Standards
Permissible Communications
CLEMARS frequencies are for official use only.
All communications on the CLEMARS frequencies are in accordance with Part 90,
Subpart B of FCC Regulations (Public Safety Radio Pool). CLEMARS participants
transmit communications essential to official police activities of the licensee. Unofficial
communications on CLEMARS are prohibited and can result in revocation of licensee
authorizations.
CLEMARS is an open party line, only one user in a given area can use the channel at
any one time.
Channel Identifiers
Only the Standard California Channel Identifiers are used for CLEMARS, i.e. CLEMARS
is referred to as “CLEMARS” only.1 It is strictly prohibited to assign a local identifier to a
CLEMARS channel.
Monitor First
Personnel must monitor the CLEMARS channel prior to transmitting to minimize the
possibility of interference with communications in-progress.
Identification
1. Mobile units identify the unit or station they wish to contact and identify
themselves by using their agency-assigned unit designator. These are not to be
abbreviated and must include the entire alpha-numeric designator.
Mobile Units
• For example: “6 Paul 21, this is 6 Paul 20.”
2. During interagency operations, mobile units identify their agency in addition to
their agency-assigned unit designator.
• For example: “CHP 58-501C, this is Sacramento 6 Paul 20.”
Base stations identify themselves by using their agency name along with any other
usual identifier. Base stations must use the FCC call sign shown on their CLEMARS
license at least once every 30 minutes or at the end of a contact.
Base Stations
• For example: “California KVZ29.”
Channel Use Priorities
CLEMARS use is governed by a system of priorities that must be respected at all times.
Priority is given to disaster and emergency operations, urgent operations, special
1 After the CLEMARS channels are narrowbanded, they will be referred to by their NPSTC/ANSI
channel identifiers.
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
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11
events, and drills tests and exercises. CLEMARS 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 20, 21, and 22 may be
used for secondary communications when not being used for a higher priority.
When a higher priority use is required, all lower priority traffic yields the frequency
immediately.2
• Priority 1: Disaster and extreme emergency operations for mutual aid and
interagency communications
• Priority 2: Emergency or urgent operations involving imminent safety of life or
protection of property
• Priority 3: Special event control activities, such as a planned event involving the
participation of two or more agencies
• Priority 4: Drills, tests and exercises
• Priority 5: Single agency secondary communications
Notification of Priority Traffic (Priority 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Plain language must be used when clearing a CLEMARS channel for use in high
priority situations.
• Agencies inform other area user agencies when they are involved in high priority
usage of CLEMARS channels by phone, email, or California Law Enforcement
Telecommunications System (CLETS).
• Notify the Cal EMA Law Duty Officer (LDO) of high priority usage via phone (916-
845-8911), email (warning_center@oes.ca.gov), or CLETS.
• If two or more agencies in close proximity request a similar priority level
clearance for simultaneous operations, contact the Cal EMA LDO
(916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov) for guidance.
Secondary Communications (Priority 5)
In the absence of Priority 1, 2, 3, and 4 situations, CLEMARS channels (except for
CLEMARS 2 [CALAW2] and NALEMARS) may be used for day-to-day communications
as a local agency secondary channel. There are specific limitations relative to such use:
• Before using the channel for secondary communications, agencies first monitor
the channel to ensure that no higher-priority communications are being
conducted on CLEMARS.
• Use conforms to the operational standards outlined in this plan.
• The channel is immediately vacated if it needs to be used for a Priority 1, 2, 3, or
4 situation.
Message Precedence
Message Precedence is a classification system that establishes the priority of message
content while a channel is in use – i.e., it helps determine which message has
precedence over another on a channel. It is used for both verbal and written message
traffic. The order of precedence of messages is:
2 Please note that this 2010 update of the CLEMARS plan has changed the original numbering of
the Priorities from 1, 2, 3, 3A, 4 to Priorities 1 through 5.
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
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12
1. New Incident: Messages pertaining to a new incident. Once the new incident is
addressed, it no longer has precedence unless it has a higher priority.
2. Emergency: Messages involving the imminent safety of life or protection of
property, including messages to request supplies, materials or instructions vital to
relief of emergency operations.
3. Priority: Messages that are official and time-bound, but are not covered in the
emergency category. Priority messages may include notice of deaths or injury in
a disaster area.
4. Welfare: Messages involving the health and welfare of an individual in a disaster
area.
5. Routine: Messages pertaining to routine operations.
Plain Language
All communications on CLEMARS are in plain language as radio codes, acronyms, and
abbreviations can cause confusion between agencies and disciplines and jeopardize
officer safety.
Voice Privacy
The use of CLEMARS channels for transmission of encoded, encrypted, digital, or
scrambled messages is prohibited. However, under specials circumstances, a one-time
waiver may be granted to allow for encryption. All inquiries and requests for waivers should
be addressed to the Cal EMA LDO (916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov).
Out-of-Area/Itinerant Mobiles
Base stations are encouraged to monitor CLEMARS channels at all times. A CLEMARS
channel can be the only means for personnel traveling outside their normal jurisdiction to
obtain assistance or to report traffic collisions, fires, or other hazards. Likewise, law
enforcement personnel on travel status should consider using CLEMARS or
NALEMARS to notify local law enforcement agencies when emergencies come to their
attention. To hail a base station, a phrase such as: “Any car or station on CLEMARS
(or NALEMARS), this is [unit ID] with emergency traffic” can be used.
Supervisory Responsibility
Each agency manager and supervisor bears the responsibility for the compliance of
operations on CLEMARS to the CLEMARS Plan. Violations are reported to Cal EMA
who works with each agency's executives to correct reported problems. See Appendix A
for the complaint procedure.
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
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13
Technical Standards and Procedures
Point-to-Point Communications
CLEMARS frequencies are designed to be used as base to mobile/portable and
mobile/portable to mobile/portable channels. Base station to base station
communications are prohibited. The only exceptions involve transmission of emergency
information directly affecting officer or public safety. The California Law Enforcement
Radio System (CLERS) is designed to provide reliable, repeated point to point
communications between law enforcement dispatch centers or offices.
Power Limitations
On all channels, with all equipment, transmit power may not exceed 120 watts [ERP].
The exceptions are CLEMARS 2 which is limited to a maximum of 10 watts of output
power at all times and airborne transmitters, which may not exceed 10 watts with a 1 watt
restriction on CLEMARS 7 through 10.
Antenna Limitations
High-Level installations are prohibited on CLEMARS. All base stations should be
located at low antenna levels and not exceed the specified heights above the elevation
of the primary dispatch center:
• UHF: 100 FT
• VHF: 500 FT
• 800 MHz: See Regional 800 MHz Plans
However, under special circumstances, one-site waivers may be granted as long as
regional dispatch for other jurisdictions is provided by the requesting agency. In cases
where interference occurs, Cal EMA will withdraw waivers. All inquiries and requests for
waivers should be addressed to the Cal EMA LDO
(916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov).
Coded Squelch
Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) is a system incorporated in radios to
reduce or eliminate nuisance type interference from co-channel users. Digital systems
use a digital equivalent of CTCSS called Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) on analog
systems and Network Access Code (NAC) on the new digital P-25 standard systems.
Coded squelch will not prevent destructive interference where the signal strength of the
interfering signal exceeds that of the desired signal. The universal CTCSS is 156.7 for
analog systems and $293 for digital systems.
Coded squelch is prohibited for priority 1 and 2 situations. A locally designated CTCSS
is authorized for priority 3, 4, and 5 traffic if the agency has the ability to continuously
monitor a receiver with the universal mutual aid tone (156.7/$293) or has a receiver
without the tone protection. These safeguards ensure that the channels can be used for
communications with units from other agencies using carrier-squelch only or with the
mutual aid tone.
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
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14
Mobile Relay Control Provisions
Mobile relays must be equipped with a positive means of disabling the relay function
from the primary control position to prevent system disruption by unwanted signals.
Voice Privacy
Speech scrambling, digital voice privacy [DVP], digital and analog encryption
[DES/AES], inversion, and other forms of scrambling are prohibited on all CLEMARS
channels. Under specials circumstances, a one-time waiver may be granted to allow for
voice privacy. All inquiries and requests for waivers should be addressed to the
Cal EMA LDO (916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov).
Paging or Signaling
Tone or digital signaling, paging and/or alerting is prohibited on all CLEMARS channels.
However, simple alert tones [attention beeps] prior to broadcasts and automatic station
identification are permitted.
Data Transmission
Transmission of data is prohibited on CLEMARS channels.
FCC Call Sign Announcements
All stations must identify in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations, Part 90.425.
Each station or system must be identified by transmission of its FCC call sign:
• During each transmission, or exchange of transmissions, or
• Once each 30 minutes during periods of continuous operation
The call sign is the FCC-assigned set of letters and numbers found on the license
authorization. Mobiles and Portables must identify with their agency assigned unit or
officer number. Violations may result in revocation of the offending agency’s operating
authority.
Temporary Base Station and Temporary Mobile Relay
Agencies may operate temporary base stations and/or mobile relays to handle Priority 1,
2, 3 or 4 traffic with Cal EMA authorization. Temporary authorizations are issued for the
duration of the incident or event. To request authorization, an email specifying the
dates, equipment, frequencies, and situation is sent to the Cal EMA LDO
(warning_center@oes.ca.gov). The LDO will notify the requestor, the Cal EMA
Telecommunications Branch, and the Regional Law Enforcement Coordinator upon
approval of the request.
Interoperability Operation
In the event of a public safety Priority 1 or 2 emergency, and in keeping with appropriate
FCC Rules, other systems may be temporarily cross-banded into a CLEMARS channel
through automatic or manual equipment. A cross band or use of a gateway switch must
be discontinued when the operation requiring its use is finished. The same rules apply
to cross banding between various CLEMARS channels. Contact the Cal EMA LDO for
special coordination information (916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov).
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
Page 33
Essential Interoperability Guidelines Checklist
✓ OBEY PRIORITIES: When a higher priority use is required, all
lower priority traffic yields the frequency immediately.
✓ USE PLAIN LANGUAGE AT ALL TIMES.
✓ IDENTIFY WITH FULL AGENCY UNIT DESIGNATOR AND FCC
CALL-SIGNS (BASE STATIONS AND MOBILES).
✓ MONITOR THE CHANNEL PRIOR TO TRANSMITTING.
✓ USE APPROPRIATE CODED SQUELCH: Do not use local tones on
interoperability channels without the capability of monitoring
the mutual aid tone (156.7/$293) and turning the tone
protection off.
✓ USE THE CHANNEL’S STANDARD ID: Program the standard
California channel ID into your radio’s display.
✓ DO NOT SCRAMBLE OR ENCRYPT MESSAGES.
✓ DO NOT PERMANENTLY OR SEMI-PERMANENTLY LINK MUTUAL
AID CHANNELS TO EACH OTHER OR TO LOCAL AGENCY
CHANNELS.
Respect the policies and procedures set forth in each
interoperability system’s plan to ensure the interoperability
channels are available for use in emergency situations.
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
16
DRAFT
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
Page 34
Appendix A: Complaint Procedure
Report all operations on mutual aid channels that are detrimental to officer safety or to the
management of an incident, which fail to follow the procedures outlined in this mutual aid plan,
which cause interference to other users, or that violate FCC Regulations 90.20 and 90.405.
To report flagrant violations that endanger officer of peace safety, immediately contact the LDO
via the California State Warning Center (CSWC) (Telephone: 916-845-8911).
To report interference issues from outside sources and other misuses of mutual aid channels:
1. Attempt to identify the offending station.
2. Contact the chief executive of that department.
3. If the problem persists, contact the Cal EMA LDO via the CSWC
(916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov) and relay:
• The date and time of the problem
• The circumstances regarding the interference or misuse
• Information detailing how the misuse interfered with operations or safety
• Information (identification, call signs, etc.) that would help locate the offending
agency.
4. Keep audio logging tapes, tape cassettes, or digital files recording the misuse to send to
Cal EMA. [If requested, Cal EMA will return the tape after its investigation.] On receipt
of a complaint, Cal EMA will conduct an investigation.
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
17
DRAFT
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
Page 35
15
Please refer to Cal EMA’s Statewide Gateway Units Standard Operating Procedure for
more information on gateway procedures.
Airborne Operation
The operation of CLEMARS-equipped radios in aircrafts is permitted when the
restrictions below and FCC Part 90.423 rules are respected.
• The output power for helicopter and patrol aircraft radios must not exceed 10
watts.
• The limit for the 800 MHz CLEMARS channels (8, 9, 20, and 21) is 1 watt.
• Operators always monitor the channel prior to transmitting as the long range of
airborne operations can impede operations already using the channel.
Frequency Protection
Adjacent channel interference can occur between frequencies when used in close
proximity. Mitigation strategies, such as limiting the use of one of the adjacent channels
during mutual aid activities, can help minimize or eliminate interference problems.
Cal EMA will establish guidelines for protecting the channels adjacent to CLEMARS as
the State transitions to narrowband operations.
Contact the Cal EMA TDO (916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov) for additional
information on limiting channel interference.
Exceptions and Deviations
The technical standards incorporated into the CLEMARS Plan preserve the integrity and
reliability of the system while encouraging maximum use of the available channels.
While applicants are expected to meet these requirements, it is understood that, under
extraordinary circumstances, deviations from these regulations may be necessary. All
such circumstances should be brought to the attention of the Cal EMA LDO
(916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov) at the time authorization is requested. A
detailed description of the situation should be included in writing, as well as a justification
for the action requested. Cal EMA, with the counsel of the CalSIEC, will serve as the
final decision point in such cases. Officer safety and the integrity of the system are
always the main considerations.
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
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18
Appendix B: Acronym List
AES: Advanced Encryption Standard
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
Cal EMA: California Emergency Management Agency
CalSIEC: California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee
CICO: California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office
CLEMARS: California Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Radio System
CLERS: California Law Enforcement Radio System
CLETS: California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System
CSWC: California State Warning Center
CTCSS: Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System
DCS: Digital Coded Squelch
DES: Data Encryption Standard
DVP: Digital voice privacy
FCC: Federal Communications Commission
LDO: Law Enforcement Division’s Duty Officer
NAC: Network Access Code
NALEMARS: National Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Channel
NPSTC: National Public Safety Telecommunications Council
PSCD: Public Safety Communications Division
POST: California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training
TDO: Telecommunications Duty Officer
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
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19
Appendix C: CLEMARS Frequencies and Usage Table
Before Rebanding/Narrowbanding
After Rebanding/Narrowbanding
Legacy ID
Rx Freq
Rx
CTCS
S
Tx Freq
Tx CTCSS
CA ID
(Short
Name)
Rx Freq
Rx
CTCSS
Tx Freq
Tx
CTCSS
Notes
VHF Low
CLEMARS 7
39.4600 W
156.7
45.8600 W
156.7
LLAW1
(LLAW1)
39.4600 W
156.7 45.8600 W
156.7 SC: R, FB, MO, P
Priority: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
CLEMARS 6
39.4600 W
156.7
39.4600 W
156.7
LLAW1D
(LLAW1D)
39.4600 W
156.7 39.4600 W
156.7 SC: FB, MO, P
Priority: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Simplex
VHF High
NALEMARS
155.4750 W
None
155.4750 W
None
VLAW31
(VLAW31)
155.4750 N 156.7 155.4750 N 156.7 SC: FB, MO, P
Priority: 1, 2 only
Simplex
VLAW32
(VLAW32)
155.4825 N 156.7 155.4825 N 156.7
CLEMARS 1
154.9200 W
None
154.9200 W
None
CALAW1
(CALAW1)
154.9200 N 156.7 154.9200 N 156.7 SC: FB, MO, P
Priority: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Simplex
CLEMARS 2
154.9350 W
None
154.9350 W
None
CALAW2
(CALAW2)
154.9350 N 156.7 154.9350 N 156.7 Priority: 1, 2 only
Portable for radios
with a max of 10
watts of output
power.
On scene and
command post
channel only.
No base stations
can be licensed on
this channel.
Simplex
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
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20
UHF
CLEMARS 5
460.0250 W
Varies 465.0250 W
Varies
CALAW4
(CALAW4)
460.0250 N 156.7 465.0250 N Varies
SC: R, FB, MO, P
Priority: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Tx CTCSS depends
on the mobile relay
being used.
CLEMARS 4
460.0250 W
Varies 460.0250 W
Varies
CALAW4D
(CLAW4D)
460.0250 N 156.7 460.0250 N 156.7 SC: FB, MO, P
Priority: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Simplex
CLEMARS
22
484.2375 W
None
484.2375 W
156.7
CALAW5D
(CLAW5D)
484.2375 N 156.7 484.2375 N 156.7 SC: FB, MO, P
Priority: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Available only for
agencies with base
stations located
within 50 miles of
Los Angeles City
Hall (mobiles and
portables within 80
miles).
Simplex
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
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21
800 MHz
CLEMARS 9 868.5125 W None
823.5125 W
156.7
CALAW8
(CALAW8)
853.5125 W 156.7 808.5125 W 156.7 SC: FB, MO, P
Priority: 1, 2, 3, 4
Repeater pair for use of
the 800 MHz channel in
a mobile relay system.
Special 800MHz
licensing requirement.
CLEMARS 8 868.5125 W None
868.5125 W
156.7
CALAW8D
(CLAW8D)
853.5125 W 156.7 853.5125 W 156.7 SC: R, FB, MO, P
Priority: 1, 2, 3, 4
Simplex
Special 800MHz
licensing requirement.
CLEMARS
21
866.2000 W None
821.2000 W
156.7
CALAW9
(CALAW9)
851.2000 W 156.7 806.2000 W 156.7 Permitted for NPSPAC
Region 6 (48 Northern
California counties)
only.
SC: R, FB, MO, P
Priority: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Special 800MHz
licensing requirement.
CLEMARS
20
866.2000 W
None 866.2000 W
156.7
CALAW9D
(CLAW9D)
851.2000 W 156.7 851.2000 W 156.7 Permitted for NPSPAC
Region 6 (48 Northern
California counties)
only.
SC: R, FB, MO, P
Priority: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Simplex
Special 800MHz
licensing requirement.
Channeling: N = Reduced bandwidth according to current FCC Rules and Regulations (narrowband)
W = Existing bandwidth as currently defined in FCC Rules and Regulations (wideband)
Station Class (SC):
FB = Base station at a fixed location
MO = Mobile
P = Portable/Hand held
R = Repeater (Mobile Relay which are FB2s in FCC terminology)
NOTE: The universal analog coded squelch tone (CTCSS) is 156.7. Digital systems use the universal digital coded squelch tone which is $293. When no
coded squelch is used, it is identified in the table as “None”. In general and for priority 1, 2, 3, and 4 situations, the universal coded squelch tones (156.7/$293)
should be used. For priority 5 operations, an agency assigned CTCSS may be used only if the agency monitors the universal CTCSS 156.7/$293.
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
Page 40
22
Appendix D: CLEMARS Repeater Locations
CLEMARS 7 VHF Low (39.460/45.860 MHz) LICENSED REPEATER LOCATIONS
MAR
RX Tone(s)
TX Tone(s)
County
City/Site
CALL SIGN
1
Orange
Santiago Peak
KBV892
1
Orange
Sierra Peak
KBV892
1
Orange
Signal Peak
KBV892
1
Orange
San Clemente Peak
KBV892
1
Orange
Moorhead Reservoir
KBV892
2
San Francisco
Christmas Tree Point
KQS275
3
Sutter
Sutter Buttes
Applied for
4
Nevada
Truckee
KAZ604
5
None
6
None
CLEMARS 5 UHF (460.025/465.025 MHz) LICENSED REPEATER LOCATIONS
MAR
RX Tone(s)
TX Tone(s)
County
City/Site
Call Sign
1
Los Angeles
Culver City
WQCB548
1
Orange
Ortega Hwy Site
WQFR948
1
Orange
San Juan Capistrano
WQFR948
1
Orange
Fullerton
WQFR948
1
Orange
Santiago Canyon. Rd.
KBV892
1
103.5
103.5
Orange
Santiago Peak
KBV892
1
Orange
Sierra Peak
KBV892
1
Orange
Signal Peak
KBV892
1
Orange
San Clemente Peak
KBV892
1
Orange
Moorhead Res.
KBV892
2
Alameda
Albany
KKG946
2
Alameda
Oakland
KQP502
2
Contra Costa
Martinez
KRX568
2
Contra Costa
Walnut Creek
KZO392
2
Contra Costa
Antioch
KNNF498
2
Monterey
Salinas
KTS628
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
Page 41
23
2
167.9
167.9
San Francisco
San Francisco
KQS275
2
San Francisco
Christmas Tree Point
KQS275
2
Santa Clara
San Jose
KTV807
2
127.3
127.3
Sonoma
Santa Rosa
KMK981
2
Solano
San Francisco
KYJ331
2
Solano
Vallejo
WNV904
3
156.7
156.7
Sutter
Sutter Buttes
Projected
4
CSQ
CSQ
Nevada
Truckee
KAZ604
4
Sacramento
Sacramento
WPMF457
4
127.3
127.3
Sacramento
Sacramento CHP
KYK296
4
Sacramento
Sacramento
WQJM400
4
186.2
186.2
San Joaquin
Lodi
KXU225
4
San Joaquin
Stockton
KZF907
4
Stanislaus
Modesto
WQP824
5
146.2
146.2
Fresno
Fresno
WNBM858
5
Fresno
Fresno
WNBM858
5
Fresno
Clovis
KYI953
5
131.8
131.8
Kern
Bakersfield
WNFX713
5
Madera
Chowchilla
KMK974
5
Tulare
Visalia
KNEX656
6
Riverside
Palm Springs
WNLB940
6
Riverside
Box Springs
WPIZ329
6
Riverside
Desert Center
WPIZ329
6
Riverside
Elsinore Peak
WPIZ329
6
Riverside
Santa Rose Mt.
WPIZ329
6
Riverside
Indio
WPIZ329
6
Riverside
Blyth
WPIZ329
CLEMARS 21 (866.200/821.200 MHz) LICENSED REPEATER LOCATIONS
MAR RX Tone(s) TX Tone(s)
County
City/Site
CALL SIGN
1
None
Orange
Santiago Peak, Riverside Co. WPIT716
2
Contra Costa # Carriage Hills
WQIV969
2
Contra Costa # Hilltop
WQIV969
2
Contra Costa # Marina Way
WQIV969
2
Santa Clara # San Jose
WPES897
2
San Francisco #Airport
WQJR602
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
Page 42
24
3
None
4
Sacramento # Sacramento
WQIB408
4
Sacramento # Sacramento, Capitol area
WNXW544
5
None
6
None
CLEMARS 9 (868.5125/823.5125 MHz) LICENSED REPEATER LOCATIONS
MAR RX Tone(s) TX Tone(s)
County
City/Site
CALL SIGN
1
Los Angeles
Rolling Hills
WPPX553
1
Los Angeles
Vurdugo Peak
WPPX553
1
Orange
San Clemente Peak
WPIT431
1
Orange
Orange, Santiago Canyon Rd. WPIT439
1
Orange
Brea, Olinda Site
WPIT443
1
Orange
Signal Peak
WPIT451
1
Orange
Moorehead Reservoir
WPIT718
1
Orange
Carbon Canyon Reservoir
WPIT723
1
Orange
Bolero Peak
WPIT724
1
Orange
Yorba Linda
WPIT727
1
Orange
Fullerton
WQFS553
1
Orange
Seal Beach
WQFS553
1
Orange
Sierra Peak, Riverside Co.
WPIT445
1
Orange
Santiago Peak, Riverside Co. WPIT716
2
San Francisco Christmas Tree Point
WQJR602
3
Sutter
Sutter Buttes
Applied for
4
Sacramento
Vacaville, Solono Co.
WQIB408
4
Sacramento
Carpentar Peak
WQIB408
4
Sacramento
Davis Airport, Yolo Co.
WQIB408
4
Sacramento
Davis, Yolo Co.
WQIB408
5
None
6
Riverside
Santa Rosa Mt.
WQFU769
6
Riverside
Mount Davis
WQFU769
6
Riverside
Blythe
WQFU769
6
Riverside
Indio
WQFU769
6
Riverside
Elsinore Peak
WQFU769
6
Riverside
Desert Center
WQFU769
6
Riverside
Cactus City
WPIT743
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
Page 43
25
6
Riverside
Black Rock
WPIT742
6
Riverside
Whitewater Hill
WPIT739
6
Riverside
Box Springs
WPIT741
6
San Diego
San Marcos Hill
WPNV382
6
San Diego
Los Pinos Hill
WPNV382
6
San Diego
Monument Peak
WPNV382
6
San Diego
San Miguel Mt.
WPNV382
6
San Diego
North Peak
WPNV382
6
San Diego
Palomar Mt.
WPNV383
6
San Diego
Red Mt.
WPNV383
6
San Diego
Jacumba
WPNV383
Item: 5b-CLEMARS
Page 44
September 2010
TO: TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANAGERS
The California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (CalSIEC) and California
Interoperability Communications Office (CICO) are pleased to provide you with the
updated California Emergency Services Radio System (CESRS) Plan. Important
updates have been made to the plan. The plan now reflects the CalSIEC’s role in
providing oversight of the system and includes a streamlined application process and
new application forms.
An important issue over the next two years is that of Narrowbanding. The Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated that all non-Federal public safety
licensees operating 25 kHz radio systems in the 150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz bands
(the VHF and UHF bands) migrate to more efficient 12.5 kHz (narrowband) channels by
January 1, 2013. In other words, the FCC will no longer allow the use of wideband on
VHF and UHF public safety frequencies, including the CESRS channels, from December
31, 2012 on and will not automatically issue new licenses.
Cal EMA will release further information on the transition of interoperability channels
from wideband operations to narrowband operations, including effective dates and policy
changes, in the near future.
Your input is very important to us. Please email all feedback, comments, and questions
on the updated CESRS Plan to Interop@calema.ca.gov.
NOTE: The CalSIEC and CICO strongly encourage all entities licensed to use CESRS to
apply for a modification to their existing FCC license(s) as soon as possible. This is
crucial to comply with the new narrowband licensing requirements and to ensure
interoperability with agencies that have already transitioned to narrowband.
John Penido
CalSIEC Chair
Michael Crews
Statewide Interoperability Coordinator
Item: 5c-CESRS
DRAFT
Page 45
CALIFORNIA EMERGENCY
SERVICES RADIO SYSTEM
(CESRS)
Item: 5c-CESRS
DRAFT
Page 46
Version 1: 10/5/2010
Table of Contents
APPLICATION PROCEDURE ............................................................................ 5
OPERATIONAL STANDARDS ............................................................................ 9
TECHNICAL STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES ............................................. 11
ESSENTIAL INTEROPERABILITY GUIDELINES CHECKLIST ........................ 13
APPENDIX A: COMPLAINT PROCEDURE ...................................................... 14
APPENDIX B: ACRONYM LIST........................................................................ 15
APPENDIX C: CESRS REPEATER FREQUENCIES TABLE ......................... 16
APPENDIX D: CESRS MICROWAVE ROUTES TABLE .................................. 17
APPENDIX E: CESRS ROUTING MAP ............................................................ 18
DRAFT
Item: 5c-CESRS
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Overview
The California Emergency Services Radio System (CESRS) serves as an emergency
communications system for the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA)
and county emergency services organizations. In addition to supporting emergency
operations, CESRS may be used on a day-to-day basis for the transmission of
communications relating to the administrative functions of the county's emergency
services office.
Statewide communications are provided through a number of microwave interconnected
mountaintop relays. Cal EMA has base stations at its headquarters in Mather and in
each regional emergency operating center.
System Management
CESRS operates under appropriate FCC Rules and Regulations and is administered by
the State of California through Cal EMA. The California Statewide Interoperability
Executive Committee (CalSIEC) exercises general supervision and disciplinary control.
Eligibility
Cal EMA is the primary agency eligible to operate on CESRS.
County level emergency services offices are also eligible to participate in CESRS,
provided that FCC licenses have been obtained. They are authorized to:
• Purchase base station equipment to operate on the frequency, provided the
county complies with the system agreement and equipment specifications as
detailed in this plan.
• Operate mobiles and/or handhelds, provided these units are assigned to the
office directly responsible for the day-to-day administration of the county's
emergency services.
Cal EMA may extend CESRS to other agencies on a case by case basis. For more
information, please contact the Cal EMA Telecommunications Duty Officer (TDO) at
(916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov).
DRAFT
Item: 5c-CESRS
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Page 48
Application Procedure
There are two types of applications, one for mobiles and another for fixed stations.
Authorization to transmit on one frequency does not imply authorization for the other
channels in the system.
FCC licenses are acquired by and in the name of the State of California.
Charges are levied on all applicant organizations when seeking a new frequency or
making a license change, system modification, or any other technical change which
requires an official FCC license modification or transaction to take place.
For more details on the fee structure and process, please visit the Public Safety
Communications Division (PSCD) website or contact the Frequency Coordination and
Licensing Unit at (916) 657-6153
http://www.cio.ca.gov/PSCD/Services/PubSafety/default.htm
Mobiles Only
1 Draft a “letter of intent” (LOI) on your agency letterhead
The letter should contain information on the requested channels, proposed site(s)
and area of operations. If the system is to serve more than a single political entity,
provide additional details such as a list of all individuals responsible for the
project.
2 Fill out the license request forms at the end of the plan
As needed, contact the California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office (CICO) or
Cal EMA TDO for further assistance.
3 Send the LOI and completed form(s) via postal mail or email to the CICO
California Emergency Management Agency
Attn: California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office
3650 Schriever Avenue Mather, CA 95655
Email: @calema.ca.gov
4 Program Radios
Requestors may program channels into radios but may not transmit until final
FCC authorization is received.
Contact the PSCD FCC Unit at (916) 657-6153 for a status on FCC authorization.
DRAFT
Item: 5c-CESRS
5
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Fixed Sites
Fixed sites require extensive coordination on the part of the requestor to minimize
interference with neighboring jurisdictions. Use of the interoperability spectrum requires
oversight and endorsement from the CalSIEC before any license request can be
approved.
1 Draft a LOI on your agency letterhead
The letter should contain information on the requested channels, proposed site(s)
and area of operations. If the system is to serve more than a single political entity,
provide additional details such as a list of all individuals responsible for the
project.
2 Fill out attached license request form
As needed, contact the CICO or Cal EMA TDO for further assistance.
3 Send the LOI and completed form(s) via postal mail or email to the CICO
California Emergency Management Agency
Attn: California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office
3650 Schriever Avenue Mather, CA 95655
Email: @calema.ca.gov
4 Develop a proposal package
The proposal package should include coverage plots, applicable frequencies
and channels, and other supporting documents. Supporting documents
include Standard Operating Procedures, letters of recommendations or
endorsements from neighboring jurisdictions, and/or concurrence from
regional frequency coordination groups.
The CICO and TDO will be available to assist with the coordination process.
DRAFT
Item: 5c-CESRS
6
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5 Submit proposal package for CalSIEC Planning Area Review and
Endorsement
The application proposal package will require an endorsement letter from the
requesting agencies respective CalSIEC Planning Area (the table below lists the
counties in each Planning Area).
The CICO and TDO will be available to assist with the coordination process.
North
Capitol/Bay
Central Southern
Butte
Colusa
Del Norte
Glenn
Humboldt
Lake
Lassen
Mendocino
Modoc
Nevada
Plumas
Shasta
Sierra
Siskiyou
Sutter
Tehama
Trinity
Yuba
Amador
Alameda
Alpine
Calaveras
Contra Costa
El Dorado
Marin
Monterey
Napa
Placer
Plumas
Sacramento
San Benito
San Francisco
San Joaquin
San Mateo
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Solano
Sonoma
Stanislaus
Tuolumne
Yolo
Fresno
Kern*
Kings
Madera
Mariposa
Merced
Tulare
Kern*
Imperial
Inyo
Los Angeles
Mono
Orange
Riverside
San Bernardino
San Diego
San Luis
Obispo
Santa Barbara
Ventura
*Because it encompasses both sides of the mountain range that separates the Central
Valley and Southern California, Kern participates in both Central and Southern Planning
Areas.
6 Forward the CalSIEC Planning Area endorsement letter to the State
Interoperability Coordinator
DRAFT
Item: 5c-CESRS
7
Page 51
7 CalSIEC Formal Review
Following the CalSIEC Planning Area endorsement, the CICO will forward the
package to the CalSIEC Standing committees for review.
Following the review, the application will go to the CalSIEC chairs for final
endorsement.
The CalSIEC endorsement letter will be forwarded to the PSCD FCC unit for
administrative processing.
8 Program Radios/Equipment
Requestors may program channels into radios but may not transmit until final
FCC authorization is received.
Contact the PSCD FCC Unit at (916) 657-6153 for a status on FCC authorization.
DRAFT
Item: 5c-CESRS
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Operational Standards
Permissible Communications
CESRS channels are for official use only.
All communications on CESRS are in accordance with Part 90, Subpart B of FCC
Regulations (Public Safety Radio Pool). Unofficial communications on CESRS are
prohibited and may result in revocation of licensee authorization.
Channel Identifiers
Only the Standard California Channel Identifiers are used for CESRS. It is strictly
prohibited to assign a local identifier to a mutual aid channel.
Monitor First
Personnel must monitor the CESRS channel prior to transmitting to minimize the
possibility of interference with communications in-progress.
Identification
1. Mobile units identify the unit or station they wish to contact and identify
themselves by using their agency-assigned unit designator. These are not
shortened and include the entire set of letters and/or numbers.
Mobile Units
• For example: “Fremont Engine 51, this is Cal Fire Battalion 1614.”
2. During interagency operations, mobile units identify their agency in addition to
their agency-assigned unit designator.
• For example: “CHP 58-501C, this is Sacramento 6 Paul 20.”
Base stations identify themselves by using their agency name along with any other
usual identifier. Base stations must use the FCC call sign shown on their CESRS
license at least once every 30 minutes or at the end of a contact.
Base Stations
Channel Use Priorities
CESRS use is governed by a system of priorities that must be respected at all times.
When a higher priority use is required, all lower priority traffic yields the frequency
immediately.1
• Priority 1: Disaster and extreme emergency operations for mutual aid and
interagency communications
• Priority 2: Emergency or urgent operations involving imminent safety of life or
protection of property
• Priority 3: Special event control activities, such as a planned event involving the
participation of two or more agencies
• Priority 4: Drills, tests and exercises
• Priority 5: Single agency secondary communications
1 Please note that this 2010 update of the CESRS plan has changed the original numbering of the
Priorities from 1, 2, 3, 3A, 4 to Priorities 1 through 5.
DRAFT
Item: 5c-CESRS
9
Page 53
Notification of Priority Traffic (Priority 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Plain language must be used when “clearing” a CESRS channel for use in high
priority situations.
• Agencies inform other area user agencies when they are involved in high priority
usage of CESRS channels by phone or email.
• Notify the Cal EMA Warning Center of high priority usage via phone (916-845-
8911) or email (warning_center@oes.ca.gov).
• If two or more agencies in close proximity request a similar priority level
clearance for simultaneous operations, contact the Cal EMA TDO (916-845-8911
or warning_center@oes.ca.gov) for guidance.
Emergency Management Agency Staff Secondary Communications (Priority 5)
In the absence of Priority 1, 2, 3, and 4 situations, CESRS channels may be used for
day-to-day communications of administrative nature for local emergency services
offices. There are specific limitations relative to such use:
• Before using the channel for secondary communications, agencies should first
monitor the channel to ensure that no higher-priority communications are being
conducted on CESRS.
• The use conforms to the operational standards outlined in this plan (identification,
call signs, plain language, etc.)
• Agencies must immediately vacate the channel if it needs to be used for a
Priority 1, 2, 3, or 4 situation.
Message Precedence
Message Precedence is a classification system that establishes the priority of message
content while a channel is in use – i.e., it helps determine which message has
precedence over another on a channel. It is used for both verbal and written message
traffic. The order of precedence of messages is:
1. New Incident: Messages pertaining to a new incident. Once the new incident is
addressed, it no longer has precedence unless it has a higher priority.
2. Emergency: Messages involving the imminent safety of life or protection of
property, including messages to request supplies, materials or instructions vital to
relief of emergency operations.
3. Priority: Messages that are official and time-bound, but are not covered in the
emergency category. Priority messages may include notice of deaths or injury in
a disaster area.
4. Welfare: Messages involving the health and welfare of an individual in a disaster
area.
5. Routine: Messages pertaining to routine operations.
Plain Language
All communications on CESRS are in plain language. Radio codes, acronyms, and
abbreviations are to be avoided as they may cause confusion between agencies and
disciplines, and could jeopardize emergency responder safety.
DRAFT
Item: 5c-CESRS
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Voice Privacy
The use of any CESRS channel for transmission of encoded, encrypted, digital, or
scrambled messages is prohibited. However, under specials circumstances, a one-time
waiver may be granted to allow for encryption. All inquiries and requests for waivers
should be addressed to the Cal EMA TDO (916-845-8911 or
tcomm.duty.officers@oes.ca.gov).
Interoperability Operation
In the event of a public safety Priority 1 or 2 emergency, and in keeping with appropriate
FCC Rules, CESRS may be temporarily cross-banded through automatic or manual
equipment with another channel. A cross-band or use of a gateway switch must be
discontinued when the operation requiring its use is finished. Refer to Cal EMA’s
Statewide Gateway Units Standard Operating Procedure for more information on
gateway procedures.
Supervisory Responsibility
Each agency manager and supervisor bears the responsibility for the compliance of
operations on CESRS to the CESRS Plan. Violations are reported to Cal EMA who
works with each agency's executives to correct reported problems. See Appendix E for
the complaint procedure.
Technical Standards and Procedures
Statewide communications are provided through a number of microwave interconnected
VHF mobile relays that are strategically located at selected mountaintops sites
throughout the State. The State Microwave System is divided into five routes running
from the microwave switching center in Sacramento. Since all mountaintop repeaters
(mobile relays) operate on the same frequencies, a single base station may have access
to more than one mountaintop site; therefore, the relays are designed to respond to a
particular single-tone code selected by the operator of the base station to prevent dual
keying. Most of these mobile relays can be interconnected to the State Microwave
System by using a touchtone type encoder, providing statewide communications. A
station equipped with a touchtone encoder may gain access to the microwave system
through a VHF mobile relay and exit through a distant VHF mobile relay which is part of
CESRS. On the following page is a technical reference table of the CESRS mountaintop
sites.
DRAFT
Item: 5c-CESRS
11
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VHF High Band
ID
Rx Freq
CTCSS
Tx Freq
CTCSS
Notes
CESRS 153.7550 W 192.8
154.9800 W Multiple
(see
table
below)
Mountaintop mobile
relays.
Mode: Analog till late
2011, then mixed
CESRSD 153.7550 W None
153.7550 W
None
Direct communications.
Equipment: Allowed
for mobiles (installed
semi-permanently in a
vehicle) and portables
(handhelds).
Base stations are NOT
authorized.
Power: 110 Watts
maximum output.
Mode: Analog
• Equipment (base stations and mobile units) must be in compliance with the
standards established by the State to ensure compatibility with the System.
• Each radio must be able of transmitting in direct and repeat mode.
• CESRS uses the continuous tone-coded squelch system (CTCSS) method of
operation. When a receiver operates in this mode, only stations which transmit using
the same CTCSS tone will be heard. The transmitter must be equipped with multiple
CTCSS tones in order to operate statewide. The operator must be able to select
multiple CTCSS tones from their operating position.
• Currently, some base station transmitters still have a single (“burst”)-tone code select
switches with six positions. These comprise tones one through five, each selectable
by the operator as required for VHF mobile relay activation, and an “off” position.
This equipment provides access to all base stations and mobile unit within the
coverage area of mobile relays in the operating range of a base station or mobile
unit. The six positions are:
POSITION Hz
1.
1800
2.
2000
3.
2200
4.
2400
5. 2552
6. OFF
7. OFF
By mid 2011, these tones will be removed from the repeaters and only CTCSS will be
utilized.
In order to talk statewide or to neighboring regions and jurisdictions, radios require a
dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) encoder, to interconnect the mobile relays to the
microwave system at the point of entry and point of exit.
DRAFT
Item: 5c-CESRS
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Essential Interoperability Guidelines Checklist
✓ OBEY PRIORITIES: When a higher priority use is required, all
lower priority traffic yields the frequency immediately.
✓ USE PLAIN LANGUAGE AT ALL TIMES.
✓ IDENTIFY WITH FULL AGENCY UNIT DESIGNATOR AND FCC
CALL-SIGNS (BASE STATIONS AND MOBILES).
✓ MONITOR THE CHANNEL PRIOR TO TRANSMITTING.
✓ USE APPROPRIATE CODED SQUELCH: Do not use local tones on
interoperability channels without the capability of monitoring
the mutual aid tone (156.7/$293) and turning the tone
protection off.
✓ USE THE CHANNEL’S STANDARD ID: Program the standard
California channel ID into your radio’s display.
✓ DO NOT SCRAMBLE OR ENCRYPT MESSAGES.
✓ DO NOT PERMANENTLY OR SEMI-PERMANENTLY LINK MUTUAL
AID CHANNELS TO EACH OTHER OR TO LOCAL AGENCY
CHANNELS.
Respect the policies and procedures set forth in each
interoperability system’s plan to ensure the interoperability
channels are available for use in emergency situations.
DRAFT
Item: 5c-CESRS
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Appendix A: Complaint Procedure
Report all operations on mutual aid channels that are detrimental to officer safety or to the
management of an incident, which fail to follow the procedures outlined in this mutual aid plan,
which cause interference to other users, or that violate FCC Regulations 90.20 and 90.405.
To report flagrant violations that endanger officer of peace safety, immediately contact the LDO
via the California State Warning Center (CSWC) (Telephone: 916-845-8911).
To report interference issues from outside sources and other misuses of mutual aid channels:
1. Attempt to identify the offending station.
2. Contact the chief executive of that department.
3. If the problem persists, contact the Cal EMA LDO via the CSWC
(916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov) and relay:
• The date and time of the problem
• The circumstances regarding the interference or misuse
• Information detailing how the misuse interfered with operations or safety
• Information (identification, call signs, etc.) that would help locate the offending
agency.
4. Keep audio logging tapes, tape cassettes, or digital files recording the misuse to send to
Cal EMA. [If requested, Cal EMA will return the tape after its investigation.] On receipt
of a complaint, Cal EMA will conduct an investigation.
DRAFT
Item: 5c-CESRS
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Appendix B: Acronym List
AES: Advanced Encryption Standard
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
CALCORD: California On-Scene Emergency Coordination System
Cal EMA: California Emergency Management Agency
CalSIEC: California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee
CICO: California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office
CSWC: California State Warning Center
CTCSS: Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System
DCS: Digital Coded Squelch
DES: Data Encryption Standard
DVP: Digital voice privacy
FCC: Federal Communications Commission
NAC: Network Access Code
NPSTC: National Public Safety Telecommunications Council
PSCD: Public Safety Communications Division
TDO: Telecommunications Duty Officer
DRAFT
Item: 5c-CESRS
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Appendix C: CESRS Repeater Frequencies Table
Site
#
Transmitter
Receiver
Location
Freq
CTCSS
Freq
CTCSS
1
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(6) 156.7
MT. DIABLO
2
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(1) 110.9
MT. LUKENS
3
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(2) 123.0
MT. ZION
4
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(4) 136.5
BLACK MTN
5
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(1) 110.9
ANTELOPE PEAK
6
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(3) 131.8
HATCHET MTN
7
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(4) 136.5
HOUGH MTN
8
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(1) 110.9
LIKELY MTN
9
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(3) 131.8
SHAFFER
10
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(1) 110.9
BLOOMER
11
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(3) 131.8
BOREAL RIDGE
12
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(5) 146.2
ROUND MTN
13
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(4) 136.5
MT HAUSER
14
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(1) 110.9
LOMA PRIETA
15
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(2) 123.0
FREMONT PK.
16
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(3) 131.8
MT. LOWE
17
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(4) 136.5
RED MTN (Ventura)
18
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(3) 131.8
CUYAMACA
19
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(2) 123.0
STRAWBERRY PK
20
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(3) 131.8
MT TAMALPAIS
21
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(5) 146.2
MT. ST. HELENA
22
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(4) 136.5
LAUGHLIN RIDGE
23
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(2) 123.0
MT. PIERCE
24
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(1) 110.9
RED MTN (Del Norte)
25
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(4) 136.5
SCOUT PK
26
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(2) 123.0
PINE GROVE
27
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980
(1) 110.9
SHERWIN SUMMIT
28
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980 (13) 141.3 PACHECO PK
29
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980 (12) 127.3 SODA CREEK RIDGE
30
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980 (14) 151.4 CAHTO PK
31
153.755 (16) 192.8
154.980 (15) 162.2 TELEGRAPH HILL
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Item: 5c-CESRS
16
Page 60
Appendix D: CESRS Microwave Routes Table
Microwave Routes
with Access Codes
Site Location
County
Burst
and/or
CTSS
Tone
DTMF
Dial In
DTMF
Dial Out
South Valley - 850
Mt. Zion
Amador
2
242
2422
Telegraph Hill +
Tuolumne
15*
N/A
N/A
Black Mt.
Fresno
4
252
2522
Round Mt.
Kern
5
253
2532
Mt. Lukins
Los Angeles
1
202
2022
Mt. Hauser
Los Angeles
4#
N/A
N/A
South Coast - 853
Loma Prieta Peak
Santa Clara
1
223
2232
Pacheco Peak +
San Benito
13*
N/A
N/A
Williams Hill
Monterey
2
222
2222
Mt. Lowe
San Luis Obispo
3
204
2042
Red Mt.
Ventura
4
203
2032
Strawberry Peak
San Bernardino
2#
264
2642
Cuyamaca Peak
San Diego
3
265
2653
North Valley - 851
Bloomer Mt.
Butte
1
232
2322
Sugarloaf Mt.
Shasta
2
233
2332
Antelope Mt.
Siskiyou
1
234
2342
Soda Creek Ridge + Siskiyou
12*
N/A
N/A
Hatchet Mt.
Shasta
3*
N/A
N/A
Likely Mt.
Lassen
1
235
2352
Shaffer Mt.
Lassen
3
236
2362
Hough Mt.
Plumas
4
237
2372
Boreal Ridge
Nevada
3*
N/A
N/A
North Coast - 852
Mt. St. Helena
Sonoma
5
224
2242
Mt. Tamalpais
Marin
3*
N/A
N/A
Mt. Diablo
Contra Costa
6*
N/A
N/A
Laughlin Ridge
Mendocino
4
225
2252
Cahto Peak +
Mendocino
14*
N/A
N/A
Mt. Pierce
Humboldt
2
227
2272
Red Mt.
Del Norte
1
228
2282
East Sierra - 854
Scout Peak
El Dorado
4
243
2432
Pine Grove
Lyon (Nevada)
2
266
2662
Sherwin Summit
Mono
1
262
2622
* Independent, and not on the microwave circuit. Use CTSS Tone only. Burst Tone and DTMF
will not work.
+ These sites have been provided by CalFIRE.
# No CTSS at this site. Use Burst Tone or DTMF.
Base/Mobile/Portable Radio CTSS Standard Transmit Tones (in Hz): Tone 1 – 110.9, Tone 2
– 123.0, Tone 3 – 131.8, Tone 4 – 136.5, Tone 5 – 146.2, Tone 6 – 156.7, Tone 12 – 127.3,
Tone 13 – 141.3, Tone 14 – 151.4 and Tone 15 – 162.2. And, all Receive tone6 – 192.8.
Burst Tones: Tone 1 – 1800, Tone 2 – 2000, Tone 3 – 2200, Tone 4 - 2400 and Tone 5 – 2552.
DRAFT
Item: 5c-CESRS
17
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Appendix E: CESRS Routing Map
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Item: 5c-CESRS
18
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Placeholder for:
APPLICATION AND AGREEMENT
DRAFT
Item: 5c-CESRS
19
Page 63
Version 1: 10/5/2010
September 2010
TO: TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANAGERS
The California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (CalSIEC) and California
Interoperability Communications Office (CICO) are pleased to provide you with the
updated California On-Scene Emergency Coordination System (CALCORD) Plan.
Important updates have been made to the plan. The plan now reflects the CalSIEC’s
role in providing oversight of the system and includes a streamlined application process
and new application forms.
An important issue over the next two years is that of Narrowbanding. The Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated that all non-Federal public safety
licensees operating 25 kHz radio systems in the 150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz bands
(the VHF and UHF bands) migrate to more efficient 12.5 kHz (narrowband) channels by
January 1, 2013. In other words, the FCC will no longer allow the use of wideband on
VHF and UHF public safety frequencies, including the CALCORD channel, from
December 31, 2012 on and will not automatically issue new licenses.
Cal EMA will release further information on the transition of interoperability channels
from wideband operations to narrowband operations, including effective dates and policy
changes, in the near future.
Your input is very important to us. Please email all feedback, comments, and questions
on the updated CALCORD Plan to Interop@calema.ca.gov.
NOTE: The CalSIEC and CICO strongly encourage all entities licensed to use
CALCORD to apply for a modification to their existing FCC license(s) as soon as
possible. This is crucial to comply with the new narrowband licensing requirements and
to ensure interoperability with agencies that have already transitioned to narrowband.
John Penido
CalSIEC Chair
Michael Crews
Statewide Interoperability Coordinator
Item: 5d-CALCORD
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CALIFORNIA ON-SCENE
EMERGENCY COORDINATION
SYSTEM PLAN
(CALCORD)
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3
Table of Contents
OPERATIONAL STANDARDS ............................................................................ 6
TECHNICAL STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES ............................................... 9
ESSENTIAL INTEROPERABILITY GUIDELINES CHECKLIST ........................ 10
APPENDIX A: COMPLAINT PROCEDURE ...................................................... 11
APPENDIX B: ACRONYM LIST ....................................................................... 12
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Overview
The California On-Scene Emergency Coordination (CALCORD) System provides
common radio frequencies to be used statewide by state and local Public Safety and
Special Emergency agencies during periods of man-made or natural disasters or other
emergencies where interagency coordination is required. CALCORD facilitates
communications when the Incident Command System (ICS) is used.
All CALCORD users operate within the limitations of the CALCORD plan. The
California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) manages CALCORD and
enforces strict adherence to its plan. Violations can result in loss of authorization to use
CLEMARS channels.
System Management
CALCORD operates under appropriate FCC Rules and Regulations and is administered
by the State of California through Cal EMA. The California Statewide Interoperability
Executive Committee (CALSIEC) exercises general supervision and disciplinary control
over CALCORD.
Eligibility
Participation in CALCORD is open to all California Local Government Agencies who are
eligible to operate on radio frequencies authorized by the FCC for the Public Safety
Radio Services. Private ambulances, operating under the authority of a city or county
participating in CALCORD, may also program the CALCORD channel into their radios.
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Application Procedure
FCC licenses are acquired by and in the name of the State of California.
Charges are levied on all applicant organizations when seeking a new frequency or
making a license change, system modification, or any other technical change which
requires an official FCC license modification or transaction to take place.
For more details on the fee structure and process, please visit the Public Safety
Communications Division (PSCD) website or contact the Frequency Coordination and
Licensing Unit at (916) 657-6153.
http://www.cio.ca.gov/PSCD/Services/PubSafety/default.htm
Mobiles Only
1 Draft a “letter of intent” (LOI) on your agency letterhead
The letter should contain information on the requested channels, proposed site(s)
and area of operations. If the system is to serve more than a single political entity,
provide additional details such as a list of all individuals responsible for the
project.
2 Fill out the license request forms at the end of each plan
As needed, contact the California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office (CICO) or
Cal EMA Telecommunications Duty Officer (TDO) for further assistance.
3 Send the LOI and completed form(s) via postal mail or email to the CICO
California Emergency Management Agency
Attn: California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office
3650 Schriever Avenue
Mather, CA 95655
Email: @calema.ca.gov
4 Program Radios
Requestors may program channels into radios but may not transmit until final
FCC authorization is received.
Contact the PSCD FCC Unit at (916) 657-6153 for a status on FCC authorization.
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Operational Standards
Permissible Communications
CALCORD is for official use only. CALCORD usage is in strict accordance with the
FCC Rules and Regulations and the policies laid out in this plan.
CALCORD is used for non repeated, point to point communications only. It is used in
mobile and/or portable units at the scene of incidents requiring coordinated action by
more than one agency and/or discipline.
Base stations are prohibited from operating on CALCORD.
Channel Identifiers
Only the Standard California Channel Identifiers are used for CALCORD. It is strictly
prohibited to assign a local identifier to a mutual aid channel.
Channel Use Priorities
CALCORD is governed by a system of priorities that must be respected at all times: it is
limited to emergency operations (Priority 1 and 2), with the exception of tests and drills
(Priority 4).1 When a higher priority or use is required, all lower priority use must cease
in any area where interference could occur.
• Priority 1: Disaster and extreme emergency operations for mutual aid and
interagency communications
• Priority 2: Emergency or urgent operations involving imminent safety of life or
protection of property
• Priority 4: Drills, tests and exercises of a civil defense or disaster nature
The priority level is determined by the ICS.
Notification of Priority Traffic (Priority 1, 2, 4)
• Plain language must be used when “clearing” CALCORD for use in high priority
situations.
• Agencies inform other area user agencies when they are involved in high priority
usage of CALCORD by phone or email.
• Notify the Cal EMA Warning Center of high priority usage via phone (916-845-
8911) or email (warning_center@oes.ca.gov).
• If two or more agencies in close proximity request a similar priority level
clearance for simultaneous operations, contact the Cal EMA TDO
(916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov) for guidance.
1 Please note that this 2010 update of the CALCORD plan has changed the original numbering of
the Priorities from 1, 2, 3, 3A, 4 to Priorities 1 through 5.
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Message Precedence
Message Precedence is a classification system that establishes the priority of message
content while a channel is in use – i.e., it helps determine which message has
precedence over another on a channel. It is used for both verbal and written message
traffic. The order of precedence of messages is:
1. New Incident: Messages pertaining to a new incident. Once the new incident is
addressed, it no longer has precedence unless it has a higher priority.
2. Emergency: Messages involving the imminent safety of life or protection of
property, including messages to request supplies, materials or instructions vital to
relief of emergency operations.
3. Priority: Messages that are official and time-bound, but are not covered in the
emergency category. Priority messages may include notice of deaths or injury in
a disaster area.
4. Welfare: Messages involving the health and welfare of an individual in a disaster
area.
5. Routine: Messages pertaining to routine operations.
Monitor First
Personnel must monitor the CALCORD channel prior to transmitting to minimize the
possibility of interference with communications in-progress.
Identification
1. Mobile units identify the unit or station with whom they wish to contact and
identify themselves by using their agency-assigned unit designator. These are
not shortened and include the entire set of letters and/or numbers.
Mobile Units
• For example: “AMR 34, this is CalStar 12.”
2. During interagency operations, mobile units identify their agency in addition to
their agency-assigned unit designator.
• For example: “Sacramento Engine 35, this is CalStar 12.”
Plain Language
All communications on CALCORD are in plain language. Radio codes, acronyms, and
abbreviations are to be avoided as they may cause confusion between agencies and
disciplines and jeopardize officer safety.
Voice Privacy
The use CALCORD for transmission of encoded, encrypted, digital, or scrambled
messages is prohibited.
Interoperability Operation
In the event of a public safety Priority 1 or 2 emergency, and in keeping with appropriate
FCC Rules, CALCORD may be temporarily cross-banded through automatic or manual
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8
equipment with another channel. A cross-band or use of a gateway switch must be
discontinued when the operation requiring its use is finished. Refer to Cal EMA’s
Statewide Gateway Units Standard Operating Procedure for more information on
gateway procedures.
Supervisory Responsibility
Each agency manager and supervisor bears the responsibility for the compliance of
operations on CALCORD to the CALCORD Plan. Violations are reported to Cal EMA
who works with each agency's executives to correct reported problems. See Appendix B
for the complaint procedure.
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Technical Standards and Procedures
VHF High Band
ID
Rx Freq
CTCSS
Tx Freq
CTCSS
CALCORD
156.0750 W
None
156.0750 W
None
Power Limitation
Transmit power may not exceed 110 watts for mobile (except aircraft) and portable use.
When use for airborne operations, the maximum output is 10 watts.
Equipment
Two types of equipment may be used on the system:
• Mobile: Installed semi-permanently in a vehicle, boat, aircraft, or other device
commonly used for transportation of a human being.
• Portable: A hand-carried unit, also known as a walkie-talkie or handie-talkie.
Base stations are prohibited.
Call Sign
Common statewide identification – “KB82490”
CTCSS
None authorized
Voice Privacy
All forms of voice privacy (speech scrambling, digital voice privacy [DVP], digital and
analog encryption [DES/AES], inversion, etc.) are prohibited on CALCORD.
Signaling or Paging
Tone or digital signaling, paging and/or alerting is prohibited on CALCORD.
Item: 5d-CALCORD
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Essential Interoperability Guidelines Checklist
✓ OBEY PRIORITIES: When a higher priority use is required, all
lower priority traffic yields the frequency immediately.
✓ USE PLAIN LANGUAGE AT ALL TIMES.
✓ IDENTIFY WITH FULL AGENCY UNIT DESIGNATOR AND FCC
CALL-SIGNS (BASE STATIONS AND MOBILES).
✓ MONITOR THE CHANNEL PRIOR TO TRANSMITTING.
✓ USE APPROPRIATE CODED SQUELCH: Do not use local tones on
interoperability channels without the capability of monitoring
the mutual aid tone (156.7/$293) and turning the tone
protection off.
✓ USE THE CHANNEL’S STANDARD ID: Program the standard
California channel ID into your radio’s display.
✓ DO NOT SCRAMBLE OR ENCRYPT MESSAGES.
✓ DO NOT PERMANENTLY OR SEMI-PERMANENTLY LINK MUTUAL
AID CHANNELS TO EACH OTHER OR TO LOCAL AGENCY
CHANNELS.
Respect the policies and procedures set forth in each
interoperability system’s plan to ensure the interoperability
channels are available for use in emergency situations.
Item: 5d-CALCORD
10
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Appendix A: Complaint Procedure
Report all operations on mutual aid channels that are detrimental to officer safety or to the
management of an incident, which fail to follow the procedures outlined in this mutual aid plan,
which cause interference to other users, or that violate FCC Regulations 90.20 and 90.405.
To report flagrant violations that endanger officer of peace safety, immediately contact the LDO
via the California State Warning Center (CSWC) (Telephone: 916-845-8911).
To report interference issues from outside sources and other misuses of mutual aid channels:
1. Attempt to identify the offending station.
2. Contact the chief executive of that department.
3. If the problem persists, contact the Cal EMA LDO via the CSWC
(916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov) and relay:
• The date and time of the problem
• The circumstances regarding the interference or misuse
• Information detailing how the misuse interfered with operations or safety
• Information (identification, call signs, etc.) that would help locate the offending
agency.
4. Keep audio logging tapes, tape cassettes, or digital files recording the misuse to send to
Cal EMA. [If requested, Cal EMA will return the tape after its investigation.] On receipt
of a complaint, Cal EMA will conduct an investigation.
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12
Appendix B: Acronym List
AES: Advanced Encryption Standard
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
CALCORD: California On-Scene Emergency Coordination System
Cal EMA: California Emergency Management Agency
CalSIEC: California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee
CICO: California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office
CSWC: California State Warning Center
CTCSS: Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System
DCS: Digital Coded Squelch
DES: Data Encryption Standard
DVP: Digital voice privacy
FCC: Federal Communications Commission
NAC: Network Access Code
NPSTC: National Public Safety Telecommunications Council
PSCD: Public Safety Communications Division
TDO: Telecommunications Duty Officer
Item: 5d-CALCORD
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Placeholder for:
APPLICATION AND AGREEMENT
Item: 5d-CALCORD
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Version 1: 10/5/2010
September 2010
TO: TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANAGERS
The California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (CalSIEC) and California
Interoperability Communications Office (CICO) are pleased to provide you with the
updated California Fire Service and Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid System (FIRE Net)
Plan. Important updates have been made to the plan. The plan now reflects the
CalSIEC’s role in providing oversight of the system and includes a streamlined
application process.
An important issue over the next two years is that of Narrowbanding. The Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated that all non-Federal public safety
licensees operating 25 kHz radio systems in the 150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz bands
(the VHF and UHF bands) migrate to more efficient 12.5 kHz (narrowband) channels by
January 1, 2013. In other words, the FCC will no longer allow the use of wideband on
VHF and UHF public safety frequencies, including the FIRE Net channels, from
December 31, 2012 on and will not automatically issue new licenses.
Cal EMA will release further information on the transition of interoperability channels
from wideband operations to narrowband operations, including effective dates and policy
changes, in the near future.
Your input is very important to us. Please email all feedback, comments, and questions
on the updated FIRE Net Plan to Interop@calema.ca.gov.
NOTE: The CalSIEC and CICO strongly encourage all entities licensed to use FIRE Net
to apply for a modification to their existing FCC license(s) as soon as possible. This is
crucial to comply with the new narrowband licensing requirements and to ensure
interoperability with agencies that have already transitioned to narrowband.
John Penido
CalSIEC Chair
Michael Crews
Statewide Interoperability Coordinator
Item: 5e-FIRE Net
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California Fire Service and Rescue
Emergency Mutual Aid System
(FIRE Net)
Item: 5e-FIRE Net
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3
Table of Contents
BASIC SYSTEM ................................................................................................... 4
SUPPORT SYSTEM .............................................................................................5
SYSTEM MANAGEMENT .................................................................................... 5
OPERATIONAL STANDARDS ............................................................................ 6
TECHNICAL STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES ............................................... 8
ESSENTIAL INTEROPERABILITY GUIDELINES CHECKLIST .......................... 9
APPENDIX A: COMPLAINT PROCEDURE ...................................................... 10
APPENDIX B: ACRONYM LIST........................................................................ 11
APPENDIX C: FIRE NET MOUNTAIN TOP REPEATERS
-MICROWAVE MAP.......................................................... 12
APPENDIX D: CAL EMA FIRE NETWORK DIALING GUIDE ........................... 13
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Introduction
The Cal EMA Fire and Rescue Division Radio Communications System, known as FIRE
Net, was formerly known as OES FIRE. FIRE Net is designed and equipped to provide
effective emergency communications in support of fire and rescue mutual aid operations
and assumes a number of responsibilities. Consistent with the intent and provisions of
the State Fire Service and Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid Plan, Cal EMA assumes
responsibility for providing a communications network connecting all 6 mutual aid
regions, the 58 operational areas, other appropriate state agencies and Cal EMA
centralized communications facilities. In addition, Cal EMA provides radio
communications capability in its fleet of emergency apparatus and specialized mobile
communications equipment to facilitate on-scene coordination of multi-agency resources
at major emergencies.
Network Design
The Fire Net is designed and equipped to provide two-way communications both on Cal
EMA-controlled and “local” controlled frequencies. For purpose of simplification they are
described as “basic system” and “support system.”
Basic System
This in-place system employs the use of two VHF highband channels operating through
a network of mountain top repeaters interconnected by the state microwave circuit.
Repeaters and microwave interconnect switches are tone controlled. Single tone
generators are required to activate the repeaters and are an integral component of all
Cal EMA fire radio transmitters. In addition, selected base control stations are equipped
with touch-tone pads to interconnect the radio to the microwave system via the repeaters
to permit communications with Cal EMA headquarters or other base stations located
throughout the state (see Figure 1).
Fire Net has 23 interconnected mountaintop sites and operates on the frequency parings
indicated below.
California Fire Service and Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid System
(FIRE Net)
Licensee:
State of California
Service:
Fire
Identifier
Freq
Base, Mobile,
or Fixed
Max
Power
CTCSS
Priority
Authorized
Cal EMA 1
154.1600 (Rx)
154.1600 (Tx)
Base and
Mobile
110 W
Out
MPL
1, 2
Cal EMA 1 A
154.160 (Rx)
159.135 (Tx)
Base, Mobile,
and Fixed
110 W
Out
MPL
1, 2
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Cal EMA 1B
154.160 (Rx)
159.195 (Tx)
Base, Mobile,
and Fixed
110 W
Out
MPL
1, 2
Cal EMA 2
154.2200 (Rx)
154.2200 (Tx)
Base and
Mobile
110 W
Out
MPL
1, 2
Cal EMA 2A
154.220 (Rx)
159.135 (Tx)
Base, Mobile,
and Fixed
110 W
Out
MPL
1, 2
Cal EMA 2B
154.220 (Rx)
159.195 (Tx)
Base, Mobile,
and Fixed
110 W
Out
MPL
1, 2
Description
of Use
Cal EMA FIRE Net is designed and equipped to provide effective emergency
communications in support of fire and r escue mutual aid operations and is
consistent with the intent and provisions of the State Fire and Rescue
Emergency Plan.
Support System
In addition to the “Basic System,” Cal EMA provides a variety of mobile communications
equipment for use in the coordination of multi-agency resources at major emergencies.
This equipment includes:
• Mobile multi-frequency communications units;
• Mobile repeaters (Fire Net, White Fire, FIREMARS); and
• Handheld (walky-talky) caches.
System Management
Within Cal EMA, the responsibility for managing Fire Net is met by two divisions, the Fire
and Rescue Division and the Telecommunications Branch. The Cal EMA Fire and
Rescue Division establishes and enforces procedures for participation in, and use of, the
system. Cal EMA Fire Coordinators ensure that the system’s frequencies are used
properly and in a coordinated manner. The Cal EMA Telecommunications Branch is
responsible for technical standards and procedures. The Telecommunications Branch
Coordinators assist and advise on technical matters, as requested. In addition, the
California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (CalSIEC) oversees FIRE Net
and advises Cal EMA on the development, supervision and control of the system.
Fire and Rescue executives are responsible for ensuring that applications, licensing and
operations on Fi reMARS c omply with t he r egulations and pol icies s et forth i n t his
document within their agency.
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Operational Standards
Channel Usage Procedures
The use of all FIRE Net channels require prior authorization from the Fire and Rescue
Branch and Telecommunications Branch and must be done through proper frequency
coordination. To request authorization contact Cal EMA Fire Duty Officer at
(916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov).
Channel Identifiers
Only the Standard California Channel Identifiers are used for FIRE Net.1 It is strictly
prohibited to assign a local identifier to a FIRE Net channel.
Conceptual Use/Dispatch Procedures
All Cal EMA Fire and Rescue communications equipment is designed and purchased to
support the Statewide Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System. Thus, all mobile
(transportable) equipment is available to any fire agency (department) upon request.
Requests for FIRE Net communications equipment must be processed through the
established system, the same as engines, rescue, etc.
“Local” to “Area” to “Region” to “State”
Inventory lists of FIRE Net equipment are maintained at all Operational Area, Region
and state dispatch centers. Cal EMA field and headquarters staff are available to
present orientation and specialized training programs covering all aspects of the
program from “request procedures” to “operator training.”
Permitted Uses
FIRE Net communications network and equipment is provided for use by the fire service
and for official mutual-aid communications use only. Participation in FIRE Net is open to
all California fire mutual aid coordinators at the State, regional, and Operational Area
levels.
Cal EMA Fire and Rescue Division is licensed by the Federal Communications
Commission to operate on all fire frequencies in California during an emergency. All
communications on the FIRE Net frequencies must be in accordance with Part 90,
Subpart B of FCC Regulations (Public Safety Radio Pool). FIRE Net participants
transmit communications essential to official activities during an emergency. Unofficial
communications on FIRE Net are prohibited.
Prohibited Uses
FIRE Net shall only be used when authorized during a mutual aid emergency.
1 After the FIRE Net channels are narrowbanded, they will be referred to by their NPSTC/ANSI
channel identifiers.
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Identification
1. Mobile units identify the unit or station they wish to contact and identify
themselves by using their agency-assigned unit designator. These are not
shortened and include the entire set of letters and/or numbers. For example:
“6 Paul 21, this is 6 Paul 20.”
Mobile Units
2. During interagency operations, mobile units identify their agency in addition to
their agency-assigned unit designator. For example: “Cal EMA Fire 58-501C,
this is Sacramento 6 Paul 20.”
Base stations identify themselves by using their agency name along with any other
usual identifier. Base stations must use the FCC call sign shown on their FIRE Net
license at least once every 30 minutes or at the end of a contact. For example:
“California KVZ29.”
Base Stations
Channel Use Priorities
Fire Net use is governed by a system of priorities that must be respected at all times
• Priority 1: Disaster and extreme emergency operations for mutual aid and
interagency communications
• Priority 2: Emergency or urgent operations involving imminent danger to the
safety of life or property
Message Precedence
Message Precedence is a classification system that establishes the priority of message
content while a channel is in use – i.e., it helps determine which message has
precedence over another on a channel. It is used for both verbal and written message
traffic. The order of precedence of messages is:
1. New Incident: Messages pertaining to a new incident. Once the new incident is
addressed, it no longer has precedence unless it has a higher priority.
2. Emergency: Messages involving the imminent safety of life or protection of
property, including messages to request supplies, materials or instructions vital to
relief of emergency operations.
3. Priority: Messages that are official and time-bound, but are not covered in the
emergency category. Priority messages may include notice of deaths or injury in
a disaster area.
4. Welfare: Messages involving the health and welfare of an individual in a disaster
area.
5. Routine: Messages pertaining to routine operations.
Plain Language
All communications on FIRE Net are in plain language. Radio codes, acronyms, and
abbreviations are to be avoided as they may cause confusion between agencies and
disciplines and jeopardize officer safety.
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Voice Privacy
The use of FIRE NET channels for transmission of encoded, encrypted, digital, or
scrambled message is prohibited. However, under specials circumstances, a one-time
waiver may be granted to allow for encryption. All inquiries and requests for waivers
should be addressed to the Cal EMA Fire Duty Officer at (916-845-8911 or
Supervisory Responsibility
Each agency manager and supervisor bears the responsibility for the compliance of
operations on FIRE Net to the FIRE Net Plan. Violations are reported to Cal EMA who
will contact the violating agency’s executives to assist in correcting problems or
deficiencies. See Appendix A for the complaint procedure.
Technical Standards and Procedures
Voice Privacy
Speech scrambling, digital voice privacy [DVP], digital encryption [DES], inversion, and
other forms of scrambling are not permitted on any FIRE Net channel.
Paging or Signaling
Tone or di gital signaling, pa ging and /or al erting i s not per mitted on any FIRE Ne t
channel. However, it is permitted to sound simple alert tones [attention beeps] prior to
broadcasts. Automatic station identification is also permitted.
Data Transmission
Transmission of data is not permitted on FIRE Net channels.
Interoperability Operation
In the event of a public safety Priority 1 or 2 emergency, and in keeping with appropriate
FCC Rules, a FIRE Net channel may be temporarily cross-banded through automatic or
manual equipment with another channel. A cross-band or use of a gateway switch must
be discontinued when the operation requiring its use is finished. Refer to Cal EMA’s
Statewide Gateway Units Standard Operating Procedure for more information on
gateway procedures.
FCC Call Sign Announcements
All stations must identify in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations, Part 90.425.
Each station or system must be identified by transmission of its FCC callsign:
• During each transmission, or exchange of transmissions, or
• Once each 30 minutes during periods of continuous operation
The call sign is the FCC-assigned set of letters and numbers found on the license
authorization. Mobiles and Portables must identify with their agency assigned unit or
officer number. Violations may result in revocation of the operating authority for the
offending agency.
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Essential Interoperability Guidelines Checklist
✓ OBEY PRIORITIES: When a higher priority use is required, all
lower priority traffic yields the frequency immediately.
✓ USE PLAIN LANGUAGE AT ALL TIMES.
✓ IDENTIFY WITH FULL AGENCY UNIT DESIGNATOR AND FCC
CALL-SIGNS (BASE STATIONS AND MOBILES).
✓ MONITOR THE CHANNEL PRIOR TO TRANSMITTING.
✓ USE APPROPRIATE CODED SQUELCH: Do not use local tones on
interoperability channels without the capability of monitoring
the mutual aid tone (156.7/$293) and turning the tone
protection off.
✓ USE THE CHANNEL’S STANDARD ID: Program the standard
California channel ID into your radio’s display.
✓ DO NOT SCRAMBLE OR ENCRYPT MESSAGES.
✓ DO NOT PERMANENTLY OR SEMI-PERMANENTLY LINK MUTUAL
AID CHANNELS TO EACH OTHER OR TO LOCAL AGENCY
CHANNELS.
Respect the policies and procedures set forth in each
interoperability system’s plan to ensure the interoperability
channels are available for use in emergency situations.
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Appendix A: Complaint Procedure
Report all operations on mutual aid channels that are detrimental to officer safety or to the
management of an incident, which fail to follow the procedures outlined in this mutual aid plan,
which cause interference to other users, or that violate FCC Regulations 90.20 and 90.405.
To report flagrant violations that endanger officer of peace safety, immediately contact the LDO
via the California State Warning Center (CSWC) (Telephone: 916-845-8911).
To report interference issues from outside sources and other misuses of mutual aid channels:
1. Attempt to identify the offending station.
2. Contact the chief executive of that department.
3. If the problem persists, contact the Cal EMA LDO via the CSWC
(916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov) and relay:
• The date and time of the problem
• The circumstances regarding the interference or misuse
• Information detailing how the misuse interfered with operations or safety
• Information (identification, call signs, etc.) that would help locate the offending
agency.
4. Keep audio logging tapes, tape cassettes, or digital files recording the misuse to send to
Cal EMA. [If requested, Cal EMA will return the tape after its investigation.] On receipt
of a complaint, Cal EMA will conduct an investigation.
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Appendix B: Acronym List
AES: Advanced Encryption Standard
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
CALCORD: California On-Scene Emergency Coordination System
Cal EMA: California Emergency Management Agency
CalSIEC: California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee
CICO: California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office
CSWC: California State Warning Center
CTCSS: Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System
DCS: Digital Coded Squelch
DES: Data Encryption Standard
DVP: Digital voice privacy
FCC: Federal Communications Commission
NAC: Network Access Code
NPSTC: National Public Safety Telecommunications Council
PSCD: Public Safety Communications Division
TDO: Telecommunications Duty Officer
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Appendix C: FIRE Net Mountain Top Repeaters-Microwave Map
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Appendix D: Cal EMA Fire Network Dialing Guide
Mobile Relay
County
Channel Tone Access
Shut-
off
North Coast
Route-860
Mt. St. Helena
Sonoma
2B
5
215
8888
Cahto Peak
Mendocino
1B
2
212
8888
Mount Pierce
Humboldt
2A
1
211
8888
Red Mountain
Del Norte
1B
7
216
8888
North Valley
Route-863
Bloomer
Butte
2B
3
333
*88
Hoadley
Trinity
1B
2
312
*88
Gunsite
Siskiyou
1A
1
321
8888
Likely Mountain
Lassen
2A
2
334
8888
Mount Hough
Plumas
1B
6
335
8888
South Coast
Route-861
Mount Diablo
Contra Costa
1B
8
243
*88
Loma Prieta
Santa Cruz
2A
3
244
*88
Mount Lowe
San Luis
Obispo
1B
7
141
*88
La Cumbre Peak
Santa Barbara
1B
5
144
8888
Oat Mountain
Los Angeles
1B
4
142
*88
South Valley
Route-862
Telegraph Peak
Tuolumne
2A
8
452
*88
Joaquin Ridge
Fresno
2A
2
552
8888
Blueridge
Tulare
1A
5
551
8888
Shirley Peak
Kern
2A
3
553
8888
Santiago Peak
Riverside
2B
3
173
8888
Strawberry Peak
San Bernardino
1B
7
671
8888
Cuyamaca Peak
San Diego
1B
2
672
*88
East Sierra
Route-864
Scout Peak
El Dorado
1A
2
461
*88
Notes:
1. FIRE NET CURRENTLY USES “*” INSTEAD OF “9” FOR SWITCHBOARD ACCESS
2. If “8888” doe not shut off a hill, try “*88.”
3. If the hill you are accessing the network through uses “*88” for shut off, dial “8888*88”
to shut off the distant “8888” hill, NOT “*8888.”
4. If the hill you are accessing the network through uses “8888” for shut off, dial “*8888”
to shut off a distant “*88” hill.
5. “Drive out: timers are set for approximately 4 minutes.
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September 2010
TO: TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANAGERS
The California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (CalSIEC) and California
Interoperability Communications Office (CICO) are pleased to provide you with the
updated Fire Mutual Aid Radio System (FireMARS) Plan. Important updates have been
made to the plan. The plan now reflects the CalSIEC’s role in providing oversight of the
system and includes a streamlined application process and new application forms.
An important issue over the next two years is that of Narrowbanding. The Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated that all non-Federal public safety
licensees operating 25 kHz radio systems in the 150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz bands
(the VHF and UHF bands) migrate to more efficient 12.5 kHz (narrowband) channels by
January 1, 2013. In other words, the FCC will no longer allow the use of wideband on
VHF and UHF public safety frequencies, including the FireMARS channels, from
December 31, 2012 on and will not automatically issue new licenses.
Cal EMA will release further information on the transition of interoperability channels
from wideband operations to narrowband operations, including effective dates and policy
changes, in the near future.
Your input is very important to us. Please email all feedback, comments, and questions
on the updated FireMARS Plan to Interop@calema.ca.gov.
NOTE: The CalSIEC and CICO strongly encourage all entities licensed to use the
FireMARS channels to apply for a modification to their existing FCC license(s) as soon
as possible. This is crucial to comply with the new narrowband licensing requirements
and to ensure interoperability with agencies that have already transitioned to
narrowband.
John Penido
CalSIEC Chair
Michael Crews
Statewide Interoperability Coordinator
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Fire Mutual Aid Radio System Plan
(FireMARS)
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Table of Contents
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Overview
FireMARS is the Fire Mutual Aid Radio System. The system is provided and managed
by the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA). FireMARS enhances the
ability of fire agencies to communicate on common frequencies during emergencies and
other special operations.
The Fire Mutual Aid Radio System (FireMARS) consists of two repeated channels (one
statewide, one usable in the 48 northern counties) in the 800 MHz spectrum for fire and
emergency medical services (EMS) communications.
As the FCC mandated that States adopt a regional or county approach for 800 MHz
planning, the 800 MHz FireMARS channels are governed by their respective regional
800 MHz Communications Plans. However, all FireMARS channels are bound by
California’s statewide standards and procedures as detailed in this plan.
Cal EMA enforces strict adherence to this plan and violations can result in loss of
authorization to use FireMARS channels.
Eligibility
FireMARS are common frequencies available statewide for mutual aid communications
among authorized Fire and EMS agencies. Throughout the State, several site-specific
conventional repeaters provide coverage to specific areas. Fire and rescue entities and
agents authorized and designated by such entities are eligible to participate in the
FireMARS plan.
Agencies that have signed the California Master Mutual Aid Agreement, support other
fire and rescue agencies during emergencies, and capable of rendering mutual aid are
also eligible to participate in FireMARS.
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Application Procedure
There are two types of applications: one for mobiles and another for fixed stations.
Authorization to transmit on one frequency does not imply authorization for the other
channels in the system.
FCC licenses are acquired by and in the name of the State of California.
Charges are levied on all applicant organizations when seeking a new frequency or
making a license change, system modification, or any other technical change which
requires an official FCC license modification or transaction to take place.
For more details on the fee structure and process, please visit the Public Safety
Communications Division (PSCD) website or contact the Frequency Coordination and
Licensing Unit at (916) 657-6153
http://www.cio.ca.gov/PSCD/Services/PubSafety/default.htm
Mobiles Only
1 Draft a “letter of intent” (LOI) on your agency letterhead
The letter should contain information on the requested channels, proposed site(s)
and area of operations. If the system is to serve more than a single political entity,
provide additional details such as a list of all individuals responsible for the
project.
2 Fill out the license request forms at the end of the plan
As needed, contact the California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office (CICO) or
Cal EMA Telecommunications Duty Officer for further assistance.
3 Send the LOI and completed form(s) via postal mail or email to the CICO
California Emergency Management Agency
Attn: California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office
3650 Schriever Avenue Mather, CA 95655
Email: ,QWHURS@calema.ca.gov
4 Program Radios
Requestors may program channels into radios but may not transmit until final
FCC authorization is received.
Contact the PSCD FCC Unit at (916) 657-6153 for a status on FCC authorization.
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Fixed Sites
Fixed sites require extensive coordination on the part of the requestor to minimize
interference with neighboring jurisdictions. Use of the interoperability spectrum requires
oversight and endorsement from the California Statewide Interoperability Executive
Committee (CalSIEC) before any license request can be approved.
1 Draft a LOI on your agency letterhead
The letter should contain information on the requested channels, proposed site(s)
and area of operations. If the system is to serve more than a single political entity,
provide additional details such as a list of all individuals responsible for the
project.
2 Fill out attached license request form
As needed, contact the CICO or Cal EMA TDO for further assistance.
3 Send the LOI and completed form(s) via postal mail or email to the CICO
California Emergency Management Agency
Attn: California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office
3650 Schriever Avenue Mather, CA 95655
Email:
4 Develop a proposal package
The proposal package should include coverage plots, applicable frequencies
and channels, and other supporting documents. Supporting documents
include Standard Operating Procedures, Letters of recommendations or
endorsements from neighboring jurisdictions, and/or concurrence from
regional frequency coordination groups.
The CICO and TDO will be available to assist with the coordination process.
,QWHURS@calema.ca.gov
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5 Submit proposal package for CalSIEC Planning Area Review and
Endorsement
The application proposal package will require an endorsement letter from the
requesting agencies respective CalSIEC Planning Area (the table below lists the
counties in each Planning Area).
The CICO and TDO will be available to assist with the coordination process.
North
Capitol/Bay
Central
Southern
Butte
Colusa
Del Norte
Glenn
Humboldt
Lake
Lassen
Mendocino
Modoc
Nevada
Plumas
Shasta
Sierra
Siskiyou
Sutter
Tehama
Trinity
Yuba
Amador
Alameda
Alpine
Calaveras
Contra Costa
El Dorado
Marin
Monterey
Napa
Placer
Plumas
Sacramento
San Benito
San Francisco
San Joaquin
San Mateo
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Solano
Sonoma
Stanislaus
Tuolumne
Yolo
Fresno
Kern*
Kings
Madera
Mariposa
Merced
Tulare
Kern*
Imperial
Inyo
Los Angeles
Mono
Orange
Riverside
San Bernardino
San Diego
San Luis
Obispo
Santa Barbara
Ventura
*Because it encompasses both sides of the mountain range that separates the Central
Valley and Southern California, Kern participates in both Central and Southern Planning
Areas
6 Forward the CalSIEC Planning Area endorsement letter to the State
Interoperability Coordinator
7 CalSIEC Formal Review
Following the CalSIEC Planning Area endorsement, the CICO will forward the
package to the CalSIEC Standing committees for review.
Following the review, the application will go to the CalSIEC chairs for final
endorsement.
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The CalSIEC endorsement letter will be forwarded to the PSCD FCC unit for
administrative processing.
8 Program Radios/Equipment
Requestors may program channels into radios but may not transmit until final
FCC authorization is received.
Contact the PSCD FCC Unit at (916) 657-6153 for a status on FCC authorization.
800 MHz Channels
Being in the 800 MHz band, the regulations for use and licensing of the FireMARS
channels are different from the other channels. In granting approval for use of
frequencies in the 800 MHz band, the FCC required the States to utilize a regional or
operational area planning approach to ensure coordinated use of the spectrum available.
As such, Public Safety Region 6 (the 48 Northern California counties) and Public Safety
Region 5 (the 10 Southern California counties) each developed regional 800 MHz
Communications Plans.
To obtain license authorization for the use of 800 MHz FireMARS channels,
agencies must follow the procedure set forth in the Northern California 800 MHz
Regional Communications Plan and the Southern California 800 MHz Regional Plan.1
1 The Northern California 800 MHz Regional Plan can be downloaded at:
http://www.rgn6rpc.org/library/Region_%206-04_09-1.pdf.
The Southern California 800 MHz Regional Plan can be downloaded at:
http://www.cpra.org/doc/Reference/800MHzPlan.PDF.
For questions regarding the regional plans, contact the regional chairperson whose contact information can
be found at http://publicsafety.fcc.gov/pshs/public-safety-spectrum/800-MHz/regional-planning.htm
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Operational Standards
Permissible Communications
FireMARS channels are for official use only.
All communications on the FireMARS frequencies are in accordance with Part 90,
Subpart B of FCC Regulations (Public Safety Radio Pool). FireMARS participants
transmit communications essential to official police activities of the licensee. Unofficial
communications on FireMARS are prohibited and can result in revocation of licensee
authorization.
FireMARS is an open “party line”, only one user in a given area can use the channel at
any one time. The standards below detail how to ensure this.
Channel Identifiers
Only the Standard California Channel Identifiers are used for FireMARS2. It is strictly
prohibited to assign a local identifier to a FireMARS channel.
Monitor First
Personnel must monitor the FireMARS channel prior to transmitting to minimize the
possibility of interference with communications in-progress.
Identification
1. Mobile units identify the unit or station they wish to contact and identify
themselves by using their agency-assigned unit designator. These are not to be
abbreviated and must include the entire alpha-numeric designator. For example:
“6 Paul 21, this is 6 Paul 20.”
Mobile Units
2. During interagency operations, mobile units identify their agency in addition to
their agency-assigned unit designator. For example: “Cal EMA Fire 3425, this is
San Diego Fire 1.”
Base stations identify themselves by using their agency name along with any other
usual identifier. Base stations must use the FCC call sign shown on their FireMARS
license at least once every 30 minutes or at the end of a contact. For example:
“California KVZ29.”
Base Stations
Channel Use Priorities
FireMARS use is governed by a system of priorities that must be respected at all times.
Priority is given to disaster and emergency operations, urgent operations, special
events, and drills tests and exercises. FireMARS channels may be used for secondary
2 After the FireMARS channels are narrow banded, they will be referred to by their NPSTC/ANSI channel
identifiers.
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communications. When a higher priority use is required, all lower priority traffic yields
the frequency immediately.3
.
• Priority 1: Disaster and extreme emergency operations for mutual aid and
interagency communications
• Priority 2: Emergency or urgent operations involving imminent safety of life or
protection of property
Notification of Priority Traffic (Priority 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Plain language must be used when clearing a FireMARS channel for use in high
priority situations.
• Agencies inform other area user agencies when they are involved in high priority
usage of FireMARS channels by phone, email, or other appropriate means.
• Notify the Cal EMA Fire Duty Officer (FDO) of high priority usage phone
(916-845-8911), or email (warning_center@oes.ca.gov).
• If two or more agencies in close proximity request a similar priority level
clearance for simultaneous operations, contact the Cal EMA FDO (916-845-8911
or warning_center@oes.ca.gov) for guidance.
Message Precedence
Message Precedence is a classification system that establishes the priority of message
content while a channel is in use – i.e., it helps determine which message has
precedence over another on a channel. It is used for both verbal and written message
traffic. The order of precedence of messages is:
1. New Incident: Messages pertaining to a new incident. Once the new incident is
addressed, it no longer has precedence unless it has a higher priority.
2. Emergency: Messages involving the imminent safety of life or protection of
property, including messages to request supplies, materials or instructions vital to
relief of emergency operations.
3. Priority: Messages that are official and time-bound, but are not covered in the
emergency category. Priority messages may include notice of deaths or injury in
a disaster area.
4. Welfare: Messages involving the health and welfare of an individual in a disaster
area.
5. Routine: Messages pertaining to routine operations.
Plain Language
All communications on FireMARS are in plain language. Radio codes, acronyms, and
abbreviations are to be avoided as they may cause confusion between agencies and
disciplines and jeopardize officer safety.
3 Please note that this 2010 update of the FireMARS plan has changed the original numbering of the
Priorities from 1, 2, 3, 3A, 4 to Priorities 1 through 5.
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Voice Privacy
The use of any FireMARS channel for transmission of any encoded, encrypted, digital,
or scrambled message is prohibited. However, under specials circumstances, a one-
time waiver may be granted to allow for encryption. All inquiries and requests for
waivers should be addressed to the Cal EMA FDO (916-845-8911 or
Supervisory Responsibility
Each agency manager and supervisor bears the responsibility for the compliance of
operations on FireMARS to the FireMARS Plan. Violations are reported to Cal EMA who
will contact the violating agency’s executives to assist in correcting problems or
deficiencies. See Appendix D for the Complaint Procedure.
Technical Standards and Procedures
Point-to-Point Communications
FireMARS frequencies are designed for use as base to mobile/portable and
mobile/portable to mobile/portable channels. Base to base communications are
prohibited. The only exceptions involve transmission of emergency information directly
affecting officer or public safety.
Power Limitations
On all channels, with all equipment, transmit power may not exceed 25 watts [ERP].
Antenna Limitations
High-Level installations are prohibited on FireMARS. All base stations should be located
at low antenna levels, not to exceed specified heights above the elevation of the primary
dispatch center. See Regional 800 MHz Plans for more information.
However, under special circumstances, one-site waivers may be granted as long as
regional dispatch for other jurisdictions is provided by the requesting agency. In cases
where interference occurs, waivers can be withdrawn by the State. All inquiries and
requests for waivers should be addressed to the Cal EMA FDO (916-845-8911 or
Coded Squelch (CTCSS)
Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) is a system incorporated in radios to
reduce or eliminate nuisance type interference from co-channel users. Digital systems
use a digital equivalent of CTCSS called Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) on analog
systems and Network Access Code (NAC) on the new digital P-25 standard systems.
Coded squelch will not prevent destructive interference where the signal strength of the
interfering signal exceeds that of the desired signal. The universal CTCSS is 156.7 for
analog systems and $293 for digital systems.
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Mobile Relay Control Provisions
To prevent the possibility of system disruption by accidental or intentional capture of a
mobile relay station by unwanted signals, mobile relays must be equipped with a positive
means of disabling the relay function from the primary control position.
Voice Privacy
Speech scrambling, digital voice privacy [DVP], digital and analog encryption
[DES/AES], inversion, and other forms of scrambling are prohibited on all FireMARS
channels. Under specials circumstances, a one-time waiver may be granted to allow for
voice privacy. All inquiries and requests for waivers should be addressed to the Cal
EMA FDO (916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov).
Paging or Signaling
Tone or digital signaling, paging and/or alerting is prohibited on all FireMARS channels.
However, it is permitted to sound simple alert tones [attention beeps] prior to broadcasts.
Automatic station identification is also permitted.
Data Transmission
Transmission of data is prohibited on FireMARS channels.
FCC Call Sign Announcements
All stations must identify in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations, Part 90.425.
Each station or system must be identified by transmission of its FCC callsign:
• During each transmission, or exchange of transmissions, or
• Once each 30 minutes during periods of continuous operation
The call sign is the FCC-assigned set of letters and numbers found on the license
authorization. Mobiles and Portables must identify with their agency assigned unit or
officer number. Violations may result in revocation of the operating authority for the
offending agency.
Temporary Base Station/Temporary Mobile Relay
Agencies may operate temporary base stations and/or mobile relays to handle Priority 1,
2, 3 or 4 traffic with a Cal EMA authorization. Temporary authorizations are issued for
the duration of the incident or event. To request an authorization, submit a request via
email specifying the dates, equipment, frequencies, and situation to the Cal EMA FDO
(warning_center@oes.ca.gov). The FDO will notify the requestor, the Cal EMA
Telecommunications Branch, and the Regional Fire and Rescue Coordinator upon
approval of the request.
Interoperability Operation
In the event of a public safety Priority 1 or 2 emergency, and in keeping with appropriate
FCC Rules, other systems may be temporarily cross-banded into a FireMARS channel
through automatic or manual equipment. The cross band or use of the gateway switch
must be discontinued when the operation requiring its use is finished. Please refer to
Cal EMA’s Statewide Gateway Unit Standard Operating Procedure for more information.
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Contact the Cal EMA FDO for special coordination information (916-845-8911 or
Please refer to Cal EMA’s Statewide Gateway Units Standard Operating Procedure for
more information on gateway procedures.
Airborne Operation
The operation of FireMARS equipped radios in aircrafts is permitted under certain
conditions and must be in accordance with Part 90.423 of FCC rules. Due to the
extensive range of aerial platforms such as helicopters and patrol aircrafts, output power
of their radios must not exceed 10 watts. For the 800 MHz channels, this limit is 1 watt.
Even with these restrictions, operators are cautioned to carefully monitor the channel
prior to transmitting, as their long range might impede operations already using the
channel.
Frequency Protection
Adjacent channel interference can occur between frequencies when used in close
proximity. Mitigation strategies, such as limiting the use of one of the adjacent channels
during mutual aid activities, can help minimize or eliminate interference problems.
Cal EMA will establish guidelines for protecting the channels adjacent to FireMARS as
the State transitions to narrowband.
Contact the Cal EMA TDO (916-845-8911 or tcomm.duty.officers@oes.ca.gov) for
additional information and suggestions on limiting channel interference.
Exceptions and Deviations
The technical standards incorporated into the FireMARS Plan preserve the integrity and
reliability of the system while encouraging maximum use of the available channels.
While applicants are expected to meet these requirements, it is understood that, under
extraordinary circumstances, deviations from these regulations may be necessary. All
such circumstances should be brought to the attention of the Cal EMA FDO (916-845-
8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov) at the time authorization is requested. A detailed
description of the situation should be included in writing, as well as a justification for the
action requested. Cal EMA, with the counsel of the CalSIEC, will serve as the final
decision point in such cases. Officer safety and the integrity of the system are always
the main considerations.
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Essential Interoperability Guidelines Checklist
✓ OBEY PRIORITIES: When a higher priority use is required, all
lower priority traffic yields the frequency immediately.
✓ USE PLAIN LANGUAGE AT ALL TIMES.
✓ IDENTIFY WITH FULL AGENCY UNIT DESIGNATOR AND FCC
CALL-SIGNS (BASE STATIONS AND MOBILES).
✓ MONITOR THE CHANNEL PRIOR TO TRANSMITTING.
✓ USE APPROPRIATE CODED SQUELCH: Do not use local tones on
interoperability channels without the capability of monitoring
the mutual aid tone (156.7/$293) and turning the tone
protection off.
✓ USE THE CHANNEL’S STANDARD ID: Program the standard
California channel ID into your radio’s display.
✓ DO NOT SCRAMBLE OR ENCRYPT MESSAGES.
✓ DO NOT PERMANENTLY OR SEMI-PERMANENTLY LINK MUTUAL
AID CHANNELS TO EACH OTHER OR TO LOCAL AGENCY
CHANNELS.
Respect the policies and procedures set forth in each
interoperability system’s plan to ensure the interoperability
channels are available for use in emergency situations.
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Appendix A: Complaint Procedure
Report all operations on mutual aid channels that are detrimental to officer safety or to the
management of an incident, which fail to follow the procedures outlined in this mutual aid plan,
which cause interference to other users, or that violate FCC Regulations 90.20 and 90.405.
To report flagrant violations that endanger officer of peace safety, immediately contact the LDO
via the California State Warning Center (CSWC) (Telephone: 916-845-8911).
To report interference issues from outside sources and other misuses of mutual aid channels:
1. Attempt to identify the offending station.
2. Contact the chief executive of that department.
3. If the problem persists, contact the Cal EMA LDO via the CSWC
(916-845-8911 or warning_center@oes.ca.gov) and relay:
• The date and time of the problem
• The circumstances regarding the interference or misuse
• Information detailing how the misuse interfered with operations or safety
• Information (identification, call signs, etc.) that would help locate the offending
agency.
4. Keep audio logging tapes, tape cassettes, or digital files recording the misuse to send to
Cal EMA. [If requested, Cal EMA will return the tape after its investigation.] On receipt
of a complaint, Cal EMA will conduct an investigation.
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Appendix B: Acronym List
AES: Advanced Encryption Standard
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
CALCORD: California On-Scene Emergency Coordination System
Cal EMA: California Emergency Management Agency
CalSIEC: California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee
CICO: California Interoperability Coordinator’s Office
CSWC: California State Warning Center
CTCSS: Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System
DCS: Digital Coded Squelch
DES: Data Encryption Standard
DVP: Digital voice privacy
FCC: Federal Communications Commission
NAC: Network Access Code
NPSTC: National Public Safety Telecommunications Council
PSCD: Public Safety Communications Division
TDO: Telecommunications Duty Officer
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Appendix C: FireMARS Channel Table
Before Rebanding/Narrowbanding
(Legacy Names)
Post-Rebanding/Narrowbanding
Current Name
Rx
1
FREQ
Rx
2
CTCSS
Tx
1
FREQ
Tx
2
CTCSS
NPSTC
Name
Short
Name
(6 char)
Rx
1
FREQ
Rx
2
CTCSS
Tx
1
FREQ
Tx
2
CTCSS
FIREMARS
VHF
153.8300
none
Simplex
none
CAFIRE
VHF
CFIREV
153.8300
none
Simplex
none
FIREMARS
868.9875
156.7
823.9875
156.7
CAFIRE1
CFIRE1
853.9875
156.7
808.9875
156.7
FIREMARSD
868.9875
156.7
Simplex
156.7
CAFIRE1D
CFIR1D
853.9875
156.7
Simplex
156.7
FIREMARS23
866.9125
156.7
821.9125
156.7
CAFIRE23
CFIRE2
851.9125
156.7
806.9125
156.7
FIREMARS2D3
866.9125
156.7
Simplex
156.7
CAFIRE2D3
CFIR2D
851.9125
156.7
Simplex
156.7
1
W indicates the bandwidth= 16 kHz modulation bandwidth (wideband)
2
Default operation should be carrier squelch receive, CTCSS transmit.
If the user can enable/disable without reprogramming the radio, the indicated CTCSS tone should also be programmed for receive, and the user
instructed how and when to enable/disable.
3 Permitted use only in the 48 northern California counties.
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FireMARS (868.9875/923.9875 MHz) LICENSED REPEATER LOCATIONS
MAR
County
City/Site
CALL SIGN
RX Tone(s)
TX Tone(s)
1
Los Angeles
Rolling Hills
WPPX553
1
Los Angeles
Verdugo Peak
WPPX553
1
Orange
Bolero Peak
WPIT724
1
Orange
Carbon Canyon Resevoir
WPIT723
1
Orange
Moorehead Resevoir
WPIT718
1
Orange
San Clemente peak
WPIT431
1
Orange
Santiago Peak, Riv Co.
WPIT716
1
Orange
Signal Peak
WPIT451
1
Orange
Yorba Linda
WPIT727
2
Alameda
Bald Peak, CoCoCo.
WPMH823
2
Alameda
Christmas Tree Point, S.F.
WQJR602
2
Alameda
Crane Ridge
WPMH823
2
Alameda
Dublin
WPNY310
2
Alameda
Freemont
WPNY310
2
Alameda
Haward
WPNY310
2
Alameda
Oakland, 31st St.
WPNY310
2
Alameda
Oakland, Lakeside Dr.
WPNY310
2
Alameda
Sonol Ridge
WPMH823
2
Alameda
San Francisco Airport
WQJR602
2
Santa Clara
San Jose
WPES897
3
NONE
4
Sacramento
Carpenter Peak
WQIB408
5
Kern
Government peak
WNSS342
6
Riverside
Box Springs Mt.
WPIT741
6
Riverside
Black Rock Site, Blythe
WPIT742
6
Riverside
Blythe (14 Km north)
WQFU679
6
Riverside
Cactus City
WPIT 743
6
Riverside
Desert Center
WQFU679
6
Riverside
Elsinore Peak
WQFU679
6
Riverside
Indio
WQFU679
6
Riverside
Mt. David
WQFU679
6
Riverside
Santa Rosa Mt.
WQFU679
6
Riverside
Whitewater Hill
WPIT716
6
San Diego
Jacumba
WPNV383
6
San Diego
Los Pinos Mt.
WPNV382
6
San Diego
Monument Peak
WPNV382
6
San Diego
North Peak
WPNV382
6
San Diego
Palomar Mt.
WPNV383
6
San Diego
Red Mt.
WPNV383
6
San Diego
San Marcos Hills
WPNV382
6
San Diego
San Miguel Mt.
WPNV382
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Page 107
FireMARS 2 (866.9125/921.9125 MHz) LICENSED REPEATER LOCATIONS
MAR
County
City/Site
CALL SIGN
RX Tone(s)
TX Tone(s)
1 NONE
2 Alameda
San Francisco Airport
WQJR602
2 Alameda
Christmas Tree Point, S.F.
WQJR602
2 Alameda
Dublin
WPNY310
2 Alameda
Freemont
WPNY310
2 Alameda
Haward
WPNY310
2 Alameda
Oakland, 31st St.
WPNY310
2 Alameda
Oakland, Lakeside Dr.
WPNY310
3 NONE
4 Sacramento
Sacramento
WQIB408
4 Sacramento
Davis. Yolo Co.
WQIB408
5 NONE
6 NONE
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!
!
!
!
!!
!!
!
!
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!
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!
!
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!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
CARPENTER PEAK
BLYTHE/14 KM N
GOVERNMENT PEAK
DAVIS/YOLO CO
SACRAMENTO/
SAN JOAQUIN ST
BLACK ROCK SITE/
BLYTHE
INYO
KERN
SAN BERNARDINO
FRESNO
RIVERSIDE
SISKIYOU
TULARE
LASSEN
MODOC
MONO
SHASTA
IMPERIAL
TRINITY
SAN DIEGO
TEHAMA
PLUMAS
MONTEREY
LOS ANGELES
LAKE
BUTTE
MADERA
MERCED
KINGS
TUOLUMNE
GLENN
PLACER
YOLO
EL DORADO
HUMBOLDT
MENDOCINO
SAN LUIS OBISPO
VENTURA
SONOMA
SANTA BARBARA
NAPA
COLUSA
MARIPOSA
SIERRA
STANISLAUS
NEVADA
SAN BENITO
YUBA
SAN JOAQUIN
ALPINE
SOLANO
SANTA
CLARA
ORANGE
DEL
NORTE
CALAVERAS
MARIN
ALAMEDA
SU
TT
ER
SAC
RA
MEN
TO
AMADOR
CONTRA
COSTA
SAN MATEO
SANTA CRUZ
SAN FRANCISCO
0
20
40
60
80
Miles
Frequency Designator
!
FireMARS
! FireMARS2
(FireMARS)
!
!
!
!
!!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!!
!
!
!
!
!
ALAMEDA
CONTRA COSTA
SAN
JOAQUIN
SANTA CLARA
SAN MATEO
MARIN
SAN
FRANCISCO
SF INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
DUBLIN
HAYWARD
FREMONT
SAN JOSE
CRANE RIDGE
SUNOL RIDGE
OAKLAND/31ST ST
OAKLAND/LAKESIDE DR
CHRISTMAS
TREE
POINT
BALD PEAK/
CONTRA COSTA CO
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
INDIO
JACUMBA
RED MTN
NORTH PEAK
SIERRA PEAK
PALOMAR MTN
MOUNT DAVID
CACTUS CITY
YORBA LINDA
BOLERO PEAK
SIGNAL PEAK
VERDUGO PEAK
MONUMENT PEAK
LOS PINOS MTN
ELSINORE
PEAK
DESERT
CENTER
MOOREHEAD RES
ROLLING HILLS
SAN MIGUEL MTN
SANTA ROSA MTN
SAN MARCOS HILL
BOX SPRINGS MTN
WHITEWATER HILL
SAN CLEMENTE PEAK
SANTIAGO
PEAK
CARBON CANYON RES
RIVERSIDE
IMPERIAL
SAN DIEGO
SAN BERNARDINO
VENTURA
ORANGE
LOS
ANGELES
FCC ID
FireMARS: 830
FireMARS 2: 670
Frequency
FireMARS: 868.9875 – 45 MHz, CTCSS 156.7
FireMARS 2: 866.9125 – 45 MHz, CTCSS 156.7
0
25
50
Miles
®
0
25
50
Miles
Created by Cal-EMA - GIS, K. Higgs
Secember 24, 2008, Revised September 9, 2010
N:\Data\Cultural\Communication\
Cal-EMA_T-Comm\
FireMARS_Radio_Sites_090910.mxd
Fire Mutual Aid Radio System
20
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Placeholder for:
APPLICATION AND AGREEMENT
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