Communication & Radio Procedures

7.1 Purpose

Effective communication is critical for the safety and coordination of San Andreas State Police (SASP) personnel. This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) establishes guidelines for radio communication protocols, ensuring clear, concise, and professional transmissions.

7.2 General Radio Guidelines

1. Professionalism & Clarity:

   • All radio communication must be professional, brief, and clear.

   • Avoid unnecessary chatter or excessive use of the radio.

2. Radio Discipline:

   • Only use radio channels for official department business.

   • Pause briefly before speaking to ensure the channel is clear.

   • Do not interrupt active transmissions unless urgent.

3. Emergency Situations:

   • Emergency transmissions take priority over all other radio traffic.

   • Use the term "Priority Traffic" or "Emergency Traffic" when necessary.

   • Officers should clear the channel immediately upon hearing emergency traffic.

4. Radio Etiquette:

   • Speak at a normal pace and volume.

   • Use proper call signs and identifiers.

   • Avoid slang, offensive language, or unnecessary information.

7.3 Radio Channel Assignments

1. Primary Channel (Channel 7)

   • Used for all general patrol communication.

   • Officers must check in at the start of their shift.

   • All calls for service, status updates, and officer locations must be reported here.

2. Secondary Channel / Training Channel (Channel 8)

   • Used as a secondary channel if there is training or any other events taking place that clog up the primary channel.

7.4 Radio Codes & Terminology

To ensure uniformity in communication, the following radio codes and phrases should be used:

• Refer to Additional Documents tab for official 10-Codes.

Plain Language Communication

While 10-codes are preferred, certain situations may require plain language for clarity:

• “Shots Fired” instead of ambiguous codes.

• “Officer Down” for immediate response needs.

• “Pursuit in Progress” when in a high-speed chase.

7.5 Radio Procedures for Specific Situations

7.5.1 Status Updates

• Officers must provide regular status updates, including:

  • Going 10-8 (In Service) at the start of a shift.

  • Reporting 10-23 (On Scene) upon arrival.

  • Confirming 10-7 (Out of Service) at the end of a shift.

  • Requesting 10-32 (Backup Required) when assistance is needed.

7.5.2 Traffic Stops

• Before initiating a stop, provide other officers with:

  • Your callsign.

  • Location of the stop.

  • Vehicle description (color, make, model, plate number if visible).

  • Number of occupants.

• Example: "L101, 10-11, Vinewood Blvd, black sedan, two occupants."

7.5.3 Pursuits

• Provide an initial pursuit notification: "10-80 in progress, northbound on Los Santos Freeway."

• Relay updates on speed, suspect actions, road conditions, and officer safety.

• Supervisor approval is required for PIT maneuvers or roadblocks.

7.5.4 Officer Needs Assistance

• Officers in distress must clearly state: "10-99, Officer Down! Location: Mission Row, near the bank."

• Backup units must respond immediately and coordinate through dispatch.

7.5.5 Suspect Descriptions

When reporting suspects, use:

• Race/Ethnicity

• Gender

• Clothing Description

• Last Known Direction of Travel

• Weapons (if any)

Example: "White male, red hoodie, blue jeans, last seen running westbound on Strawberry Ave."