STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
To preserve life, protect property, and safeguard our communities through an unwavering commitment to emergency preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery.
The LAFD strives to be the premier, all-risk public safety and emergency service provider, exceeding the expectations of the diverse communities we serve.
Service – Putting our citizens, residents, and communities first.
Character – Upholding personal integrity in alignment with organizational values.
Competency – Pursuing excellence through continuous improvement.
Contribution – Advancing our services and standards through dedication.
Collaboration – Valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all we do.
Safety – Prioritizing safety in every operation and incident.
Knowledge – Empowering informed, experienced leaders with proper training, certifications, and education.
Operate with teamwork at all levels.
Strive to position the department for long-term success.
Uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is a comprehensive life safety agency, dedicated to protecting more than four million residents, workers, and visitors in America’s second-largest city.
Active members of the LAFD must:
Follow all city laws at all times.
Maintain professionalism by being polite, respectful, and courteous in all situations.
Keep radio communications clear and concise.
Always listen to dispatch and avoid muting the radio unless absolutely necessary.
Respond efficiently and effectively to all 311 and 911 calls.
Stay vigilant and assess whether a call is safe to respond to. For example, an officer-down call or a call with multiple LEOs on scene requires prior communication with law enforcement to ensure the scene is Code 4 (safe).
Avoid dangerous situations unless authorized or supported by law enforcement.
Provide a call sign when requested but are not required to disclose their name unless asked by an LEO.
Wear the appropriate department-issued uniform at all times.
Maintain an active presence by clocking in for at least one hour per week.
Remember that issued equipment is for official use only, not for personal enjoyment.
Active members of the LAFD must never:
Clock in without actively performing LAFD duties.
Engage in any form of criminal activity.
Take possession of any items from individuals, including patients.
Engage in unnecessary confrontations with the public or other emergency services.
Use the MDT or Dispatch to share police activity or sensitive information with unauthorized individuals.
Carry or use a firearm or any other dangerous weapon while on duty.
Dispense prescription medication without following proper protocols.
Medical Restrictions & Readiness for Duty:
If injured, you must be evaluated by a Nurse. If not cleared for duty, you may not clock in. A report will be filed regarding the injury, the reason for restricted duty, and the expected return date.
If cleared for light duty, you may only clock in if accompanied by another unit who can perform the tasks you are restricted from. EMTs may take your place if they are prepared to treat patients. If no one is available, you may not clock in.
Prioritize your health. If you require time to heal, take the necessary days off. The department needs you at 100% to perform at your best.
All members must comply with HIPAA regulations.
As an LAFD employee, it is your duty to minimize harm in all situations. While self-defense is permitted as a last resort, excessive use of force contradicts the department’s mission and values.
Employees are permitted to defend themselves, patients, or others using non-lethal means such as a flashlight.
Under no circumstances may LAFD staff carry, brandish, or use firearms or lethal weapons while on duty. Violations may result in disciplinary action, including strikes, suspensions, or termination.
Search & Rescue calls must be handled by the appropriate qualified division. If no specialized unit is available, another team may be assigned to assist.
Important Notice:
Do not engage in gunfights under any circumstances.
If gunfire is heard and has not already been reported by PD, move to a safe location and request 78s (backup).
Disclaimer:
Any reports of LAFD personnel engaging in police incidents, excessive force, or unnecessary confrontations may lead to disciplinary action, including strikes, suspension, or removal from the department. Unauthorized involvement in active police situations puts your life, the officers' lives, and the public at risk.
The LAFD enforces a three-strike disciplinary system. Violations of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) may result in:
A strike on your record.
A verbal warning from your Department Head.
Immediate removal from the department for severe infractions.
If you receive a strike, you are expected to reflect on your actions and correct your behavior. Upon receiving a third strike, the Command Team will review your record and determine if suspension or termination is necessary.
Strike Expiration:
Strikes do not automatically expire.
A strike may be removed if deemed unjust or if the staff member demonstrates notable improvement.
If you need to take time off that will affect your required minimum weekly hours, you must submit a Leave of Absence (LOA) request in the appropriate Discord channel via the Trident Bot.
You must state your expected return date in your LOA request.
If you do not return within a reasonable time after your stated return date, a Command Team member will reach out to you.
The maximum LOA duration per request is two calendar weeks.
If you need to be absent for more than two weeks, you must notify the Chief or Deputy Chief with a valid reason. Your privacy will be respected, and your information will not be shared with the rest of the team.
For extended absences, regular check-ins may be required.
Failure to update or communicate your LOA status may result in disciplinary action. If an LOA is abused through excessive long-term absences, you may be required to leave the department. If you wish to return, your previous rank is not guaranteed.
LAFD members are encouraged to keep their live body cameras on while on duty. Footage from any body cam platform (e.g., Medal, OBS, Twitch) may be used as evidence in the following cases:
Incidents involving violence.
Violations of government regulations.
Reporting First Responders who fail to follow SOPs.
While on duty, all personnel must be on the appropriate radio channel. Dispatch is strictly for official communications—it is not a casual chatroom. Always maintain professionalism and adhere to radio etiquette.
If you witness Law Enforcement personnel being rude or unprofessional toward another emergency service member, report the incident to your immediate superior.
LAFD Radio Channels:
Station RTO
Station Operation 1
Station Operation 2
Public Safety Dispatcher Channels:
PRMY RTO
LAFD Main RTO
Scene 1
Scene 2
Scene 3
Important:
The highest-ranking staff member on duty is responsible for answering phone calls and radio transmissions, unless they are occupied or delegate the task.
If a specialized division is clocked in, they are responsible for handling radio calls and assistance requests, unless a higher-ranking officer is required.
All LAFD personnel must be familiar with the 10-Codes and Color Codes used in emergency communications. Proper usage ensures clear, effective, and safe operations.
Key Radio Protocols:
Respect priority communication codes:
10-3 – Stop transmitting.
10-33 – Emergency radio traffic only.
10-99 – Officer in distress, immediate assistance required.
Signal 100 – Priority information only.
When a Signal 100 is called, do not speak unless absolutely necessary (e.g., providing critical information directly related to the ongoing situation).
During emergency scenarios, always wait for Law Enforcement to call "Code 4" (scene secure) before proceeding.
For a full list of radio procedures, 10-Codes, and Color Codes, refer to the designated radio protocol resources.
Contacting LAPD
In certain situations, you will need to request Law Enforcement assistance over the radio or dispatch. Use proper radio protocol, such as:
📻 "M-01, requesting a 10-78 to my 10-20."
Situations Requiring Law Enforcement Assistance:
Responding to a call at a known dangerous location.
Arriving at a scene where gunshots have been reported.
Observing suspicious or criminal activity at a hospital or other medical facility.
🚨 Emergency Alert System 🚨
If you ever feel that your life is at risk, use your radio’s Panic/Emergency Button. This will alert all emergency service personnel to your exact location.
🔴 Use this only in extreme emergencies.
In active crime scenes, Law Enforcement takes the lead in securing and managing the situation. Your role is to assist only when it is safe to do so.
Examples of Active Scenes:
A civilian down surrounded by LEOs.
An active robbery (10-90).
An ongoing gunfight.
A hostage situation.
Officer/Trooper down calls.
Guidelines for Responding to Active Scenes:
✔ Do NOT enter the scene unless Law Enforcement confirms it is Code 4 (secured).
✔ Maintain a minimum distance of 2-4 blocks from an active situation.
✔ While on standby, use Code 2 response (lights only, no sirens).
✔ Enter the scene only when directed by on-scene Law Enforcement.
✔ If a First Responder is down, they must be treated before attending to others.
✔ Do NOT revive any individual involved in an ongoing situation without LEO approval.
✔ All criminals must be stabilized before transport to a medical facility.
🚫 At NO time should LAFD respond to a situation where all officers on the scene are down, or where there are no LEOs available to declare the scene Code 4.