600-01 Response Management

Question 1

Assist Event.

Answer 1

Any event for which emergency assistance is requested by or for any police or fire department personnel.

Question 2

Beat and Boundary Descriptions.

Answer 2

A reference guide that serves as the official designation of the jurisdictional beats and boundaries for the Houston Police Department.

Question 3

Call Code.

Answer 3

A code that represents the type of event, offense, or incident for which a call for service or on-view activity is being entered. See the HPD Call Codes by Priority list on the department’s Intranet Portal.

Question 4

Call for Service or Event.

Answer 4

A record of a caller’s request for police service or an event on-viewed by an officer that is entered into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Also referred to as a call or call slip.

Question 5

Call Taker.

Answer 5

An employee of the Houston Emergency Center (HEC) designated to enter calls for service into the CAD system as they are received from the public.

Question 6

Call Type.

Answer 6

The type of event, offense, or incident represented by a call code. Also event type.

Question 7

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD).

Answer 7

The Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system consists of the software and hardware that facilitates the management of calls for service and unit activity, among other functions.

Question 8

Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT).

Answer 8

A team comprised of a uniformed CIT officer with a licensed mental health professional to respond to persons exhibiting mental health crisis.

Question 9

Crisis Intervention Trained (CIT) Officer.

Answer 9

An officer who has successfully completed the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) 40-hour Mental Health Peace Officer/CIT course.

Question 10

Houston Emergency Center (HEC).

Answer 10

A department of the City of Houston, responsible for processing all inbound 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency telephone calls for service from the public. Police and fire personnel work there and are responsible for dispatching all police and fire department calls received.

Question 11

Mobility Response Team (MRT).

Answer 11

Uniformed civilians who are trained and equipped to perform traffic control duties.

Question 12

Past Queue.

Answer 12

Refers to a call that has been held beyond the queue standard for that call’s priority
response code (PRC).

Question 13

Patrol Desk Unit (PDU).

Answer 13

A unit in the Emergency Communications Division (ECD), staffed by police officers who have the authority to handle certain citizen calls for service from within the HEC facility.

Question 14

Priority Response Code (PRC).

Answer 14

A code (i.e., “E” or one through nine) given to police calls for service that reflects the urgency and determines the manner of response based upon a specific set of standards. Typically, the first number of a call code designates the priority. See the chart in section 1 of this General Order.

Question 15

Queue.

Answer 15

The queue is where calls are sequentially displayed pending dispatch and are viewable by the dispatcher.

Question 16

Queue Standard.

Answer 16

The maximum time allowed for a call for service to be held in queue before being dispatched.

Question 17

Response Time.

Answer 17

The elapsed time from when a call for service or event is received by the dispatcher to the time the first officer arrives at the scene.

Question 18

Teleserve.

Answer 18

A unit in the Emergency Communications Division authorized to handle certain calls for service or events via telephone or computer.

Question 19

Dispatcher Authority

The dispatcher speaks with the authority of _____. Officers are to respond promptly to the dispatcher and carry out their assignments courteously and promptly.

_____ may reassign calls with due consideration of all relevant information to better carry out the police mission.

Answer 19

1) the Chief of Police

2) Emergency Communications Division (ECD) and field supervisors

Question 20

Response Priorities

Response priority is designated by the _____and dictates whether an emergency, immediate, direct, delayed, or diverted (Teleserve) response is most appropriate (see below chart).

When responding to any call for service or event, officers shall drive using the most direct and expedient route, recognizing that an unknown amount of time may have elapsed before notification was given to the police department. Officers shall drive with due regard for the safety of themselves, fellow officers, and citizens.

Any responding unit that may be delayed for any reason (e.g., coming from the station, heavy rain, or at a considerable distance from the call location) shall _____ so the dispatcher can make adjustments on responding units. The dispatcher retains the discretion to request officers to send a message via the mobile computing device (MCD) when responding to preserve the radio air for emergency traffic.

Answer 20

1) priority response code (PRC)

2) advise the dispatcher by radio only as to the circumstances causing the delay

Question 21

Response Priority: E (Emergency)

Description: Assist the officer or firefighter or pursuit

Queue Standard: _____

Answer 21

Immediate

Question 22

Response Priority: 1

Description: Life threatening in progress

Queue Standard: _____

Answer 22

1 Minute

Question 23

Response Priority: 2

Description: Life threatening just occurred; property crime in progress

Queue Standard: _____

Answer 23

5 Minutes

Question 24

Response Priority: 3

Description: Life threatening delayed report; property crime just occurred

Queue Standard: _____

Answer 24

18 Minutes

Question 25

Response Priority: 4

Description: Serious criminal incidents delayed reports; non-emergency police response calls

Queue Standard: _____

Answer 25

23 Minutes

Question 26

Response Priority: 5

Description: Minor property crime; municipal offense; check by to confirm service request; possible referrals

Queue Standard: _____

Answer 26

30 Minutes

Question 27

Response Priority: 6

Description: Service requests handled by POU personnel

Queue Standard: _____

Answer 27

35 Minutes

Question 28

Response Priority: 7

Description: Teleserve eligible calls requiring a field response

Queue Standard: _____

Answer 28

40 Minutes

Question 29

Response Priority: 8

Description: Self-initiated police action

Queue Standard: _____

Answer 29

None

Question 30

Response Priority: 9

Description: Used to document a citizen was referred to some other entity; a General Broadcast - For Your Information (GBF) was initiated by dispatcher; no dispatch of patrol units required

Queue Standard: _____

Answer 30

None

Question 31

Priority “E” (Emergency):

Priority “E” represents assist the officer or firefighter or pursuit situations, and assumes that a _____ is in progress.

Response to priority “E” calls for service is by uniformed officers in marked vehicles with the use of emergency lights and a siren and who remain at this response level until _____.

When advised of such, officers who have not arrived on the scene shall reduce their response to the priority dictated by the dispatcher, but shall continue to the scene unless otherwise instructed by a field supervisor or dispatcher.

Officers in plainclothes and/or unmarked vehicles (e.g., investigators, Crime Suppression Team [CST] officers) who may be responding to the priority “E” call shall respond as quickly as they can safely do so.

Answer 31

1) potential threat to life or the potential threat of serious bodily injury to an officer or firefighter

2) a supervisor, a unit, or dispatcher advises the situation is under control

Question 32

Priority One (Emergency Response):

Priority one assumes that a potential threat to life or the potential threat of serious bodily injury is in progress, and is used for all _____

Response to priority one calls for service is by uniformed officers in marked vehicles with the use of emergency lights and a siren. However, if circumstances are such that the officer believes that an _____ is most appropriate, then the officer may opt to run the call in that mode, but the dispatcher shall be immediately advised of the deviation from the standard response.

Answer 32

1) urgent calls other than assist the officer or firefighter or pursuit calls.

2) optional response (priority one silent, priority two, or lower)

Question 33

Priority Two (Immediate Response):

Priority two calls for service represent _____, and assume that if not in-progress, the event recently occurred or response to the scene is urgent.

Response to priority two calls for service is _____.

However, if the situation clearly warrants the use of emergency equipment, the officer has the option to use that mode, but that decision shall be immediately communicated to the dispatcher via police radio.

Answer 33

1) in-progress property crimes and/or a potential threat to human welfare

2) without emergency equipment

Question 34

Priority Three (Direct Response):

Priority three calls are incidents in which no known emergency exists, but which shall be handled expeditiously because of _____

No emergency lights or siren shall be used unless the officer has additional information justifying the use of emergency equipment and immediately communicates the decision to do so to the dispatcher via police radio. Officers responding to priority three calls for service shall _____.

Answer 34

1) the potential for the situation to escalate or the potential for criminal activity to occur.

2) obey all traffic laws

Question 35

Priority Four (Delayed Response):

Calls under this priority involve the delayed reporting of criminal incidents that are _____

Priority four calls also include _____. No emergency lights or siren shall be used unless the officer has additional information justifying the use of emergency equipment and immediately communicates the decision to do so to the dispatcher via police radio. Officers responding to priority four calls for service shall obey all traffic laws.

Answer 35

1) serious in nature.

2) incidents such as minor crashes and other incidents when the reporting of the necessary information is required in an expeditious manner

Question 36

Priority Five (Delayed Response):

Calls under this priority involve _____. Priority five also includes calls that are eligible to be handled by the _____.

No emergency lights or siren shall be used unless the officer has additional information justifying the use of emergency equipment and immediately communicates the decision to do so to the dispatcher via police radio. Officers responding to priority five calls for service shall obey all traffic laws.

Answer 36

1) delayed reports of criminal incidents that are non-violent in nature such as property crimes, various silent 9-1-1 calls, and certain alarm calls

2) Mobility Response Team (MRT)

Question 37

Priority Six (Diverted Response):

Priority six calls consist of service requests handled by _____.

Officers assigned to the PDU serve as an alternative to a field unit response. They are authorized to service certain calls that do not require a field response, provide information for field units, and advise citizens of options in an effort to more efficiently respond to their request for service.

Answer 37

Patrol Desk Unit (PDU) personnel in the Emergency Communications Division via the telephone

Question 38

Priority Seven (Diverted Response):

Priority seven consists of Teleserve eligible incidents. The primary responsibility of Teleserve personnel is to enter incident reports from information received from citizens via the telephone.

Calls for service that are eligible for referral and diversion to Teleserve include _____.

The types of reports handled by Teleserve shall be determined by the _____and recorded in the ECD SOPs. If it is determined by ECD that a field response is necessary, then a new response priority code shall be assigned:

Answer 38

1) minor offenses in which the safety of the citizen is not in question and no major crime scene or evidence exists

2) Chief of Police

Question 39

Priority Eight (Direct Response):

Priority eight consists of self-initiated activities that originate with an officer rather than the dispatcher or other external sources. These activities do not involve _____ but are initiated solely by an officer’s own actions.

The officer shall advise the dispatcher as to the nature of the event. The dispatcher can then create an event slip containing the appropriate priority eight cal/ code.

Answer 39

on-view investigations in which an officer is “flagged down,”

Question 40

Priority Nine (Diverted Response):

Priority nine consists of activities in which the dispatcher can refer complainants, reportees, or witnesses to _____.

Priority nine also consists of incidents for which the information is needed only on an advisory basis and/or _____. In this case, the call taker or dispatcher shall create an event slip and the dispatcher shall broadcast the information to the patrol area for all personnel to hear on an information only basis and then dispose of the call using the disposition code: GBF (General Broadcast - For Your Information).

Answer 40

1) another source to obtain incident assistance

2) an incident number needs to be generated

Question 41

Flagged Down (Direct Response):

Events that result from an officer being “flagged down” and that would have likely been or should have been reported to HPD shall be given the appropriate four digit code that best describes the event. This coding shall be done by the _____

Answer 41

dispatcher based on information provided by the field officer.

Question 42

Response to High-Risk Situations

Dispatchers shall send at least two officers and a field supervisor to scenes involving _____

If the information in the call-slip involves individuals experiencing mental health issues then the dispatcher shall request a CIRT unit to make the scene.

In all high-risk situations, if time and other circumstances allow, the responding supervisor and officers shall _____. In cases of imminent danger, responding officers should not delay the approach to wait for backup unit(s) or a supervisor. ECD dispatcher shall notify an ECD supervisor of the high-risk call as defined above and the supervisor shall monitor the call.

Answer 42

1) individuals exhibiting violent or irrational behavior, extreme agitation and/or brandishing a weapon.

2) assess the scene and develop a plan for approach

Question 43

Response to High-Risk Situations

Dispatchers shall send at least two officers to scenes involving any of the following:

a. Priority ____ or priority ____

b. _____call

c. _____

d. _____ event

e. ______

f. Situation in which _____is in question

Answer 43

a. Priority “E” or priority one call

b. CIT call

c. Weapon

d. High-priority, in-progress event

e. Disturbance

f. Situation in which officer safety is in question

Question 44

Response to High-Risk Situations

Calls involving large crowds and calls requiring crowd or traffic control shall have an appropriate number of back-up units assigned. The dispatcher shall_____

The dispatcher has the discretion to assign back-up units to calls that would not normally necessitate more than one field unit. If a field unit expresses a back-up unit is not needed on a call, the dispatcher has the authority to assign a back-up unit as a safety precaution.

When officers on scenes request additional units, (thereby exceeding two units at the Scene) or when there are more than two units dispatched to a scene, a field supervisor shall _____

Answer 44

1) ask the affected field sergeant for input.

2) also be dispatched to the scene along with the additional units, regardless of the priority of the call.

Question 45

Emergency Traffic Notification via Radio Communications

If an officer requires immediate, uninterrupted access to a radio channel, the officer shall state his assigned unit number and immediately follow this transmission with the words “_____.” The dispatcher shall acknowledge receipt of the transmission, secure the radio channel for the officer’s exclusive use, and notify a dispatch supervisor.

Answer 45

emergency traffic

Question 46

CALL PRIORITIZATION

Call Prioritization

Response priority (i.e., “E” or one through nine) is accomplished through a component of the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system called _____. SINS utilizes specific questions presented by call takers to callers. Through this automated means, a call type is generated in CAD based on _____.

Answer 46

1) SINS (Special Instructions)

2) the answers given by callers

Question 47

CALL PRIORITIZATION

When a call for service record is transmitted to a dispatcher, either the PRC or the call type may be upgraded or downgraded by the dispatcher under the following conditions:

a.
A dispatcher may upgrade a call for service based on information in the call slip or received from a call taker, a dispatch supervisor, a POU officer, field personnel, or citizen that indicates a _____. Upgraded priorities shall conform to the parameters set forth in the response priorities definitions in section 1 of this General Order.

b.
A dispatcher may downgrade a call for service with authorization from a _____, when additional information indicates a change in the level of threat to life or property. Downgraded priorities must conform to the parameters set forth in the response priority definitions listed in section 1 of this General Order.

Answer 47

1) change in the threat level to life or property

2) dispatch supervisor, a field supervisor, or a non-emergency call for service PDU officer

Question 48

CALL PRIORITIZATION

Assignment of calls for service to field units shall be made according to the appropriate priority. Assignments of high-priority calls shall be made before assignments of lower priority calls. Units may be preempted from lower priority calls to respond to higher priority calls. Unless _____, dispatchers, officers, and sergeants shall always ensure the highest priority calls in queue are assigned first.

Note: Officers shall NOT volunteer to accept lower priority calls via the radio or MCD when higher priority calls remain in queue unless_____.

Answer 48

1) proper justification exists

2) a clear and defensible reason is provided

Question 49

RESPONSIBILITIES DURING CALLS FOR SERVICE

Dispatcher Responsibilities

As soon as a priority _____call for service is received, the dispatcher shall immediately assign it to an available unit and then voice the call. If no unit is available, the dispatcher shall _____to respond to the call in accordance with the provisions of this General Order.

The dispatcher may preempt any field unit from a meal break, another out-of-service activity, or lower priority call for service to respond to a priority “E,” one, or two call.

Answer 49

1) “E,” one, or two

2) preempt any district unit or assign a district sergeant

Question 50

RESPONSIBILITIES DURING CALLS FOR SERVICE

Dispatcher Responsibilities

Dispatchers shall not general broadcast (GB) any priority “E,” one, or two call as a _____. These calls shall be directly assigned to the appropriate unit. Priority “E,” one, two, and three calls for service shall be dispatched by voice, unless _____. This pertains to both dispatchers and to field units who on-view events for which a priority has been established.

Follow-up information may be transmitted over the MCD unless the information_____, in which case the information shall be voiced. ECD personnel shall use voice communications as the primary assignment medium in all instances in which an officer’s safety would be best served by having other field personnel aware of the officer’s location and assignment.

Answer 50

1) primary means of attempting to assign the call to a field unit

2) ECD standard operating procedures (SOPs) indicate otherwise

3) affects officer safety or changes the nature of the scene

Question 51

Officer Responsibilities

Code E, 1, and 2 Responsibilities:

When responding to priority “E,” one, or two calls for service with the use of emergency
equipment, officers shall drive with due regard for the safety of themselves, fellow officers, and citizens. Units are to travel directly to the scene and not stop any traffic violators or other persons for minor offenses.

Field personnel shall notify their dispatcher via the radio when en route to and arriving on
priority “E,” one, or two calls for service, unless otherwise directed. Responding officers shall advise the dispatcher by radio of any delays in their response, as well as all _____. Field personnel are responsible for updating their unit status in a timely and proper fashion. Deviations from established procedure shall not be condoned.

While field personnel are on duty, they shall be directly available via radio and MCD or at least by radio if not in their vehicle. If not available, they shall _____ to the appropriate dispatcher.

Answer 51

1) status updates such as en route, arrived, under control, or clear

2) obtain authorization from a supervisor and relay the authorizing supervisor’s name or unit number

Question 52

Officer Responsibilities

Code 3, 4, and 5 Responsibilities:

When an officer responds to a priority three, four, or five call for service, the officer shall proceed to the call without unnecessary delay. However, if while responding, the officer on-views a situation more serious than the call assignment, then:

a. The officer shall immediately _____.

b. Once the immediate situation has been handled, the officer shall proceed directly to the originally assigned priority three, four, or five call unless _____

c. If the on-viewed situation is one in which the officer cannot proceed to the assigned call in a timely manner, the officer shall _____

Officers who volunteer to handle calls for service from their MCDs shall take the highest priority calls first (e.g., priority three versus priority four or five), unless _____

Answer 52

a. The officer shall immediately inform the dispatcher of his location and activity.

b. Once the immediate situation has been handled, the officer shall proceed directly to the originally assigned priority three, four, or five call unless the dispatcher has already reassigned the call.

c. If the on-viewed situation is one in which the officer cannot proceed to the assigned call in a timely manner, the officer shall inform his supervisor of the situation causing the extended delay.

1) their proximity to a call is so close it necessitates they take the lower priority call first.

Question 53

Field Supervisor Responsibilities

Code E, 1, and 2 Responsibilities:

For a priority “E,” one, or two call for service, supervisors shall perform the following
responsibilities:

a. Receive assignments to check for victims, preserve and identify evidence, and _____

b. Ensure that a proper response is made by the appropriate number of units according to _____.

c. Decide whether to recommend the dispatcher______, when such modification is warranted (i.e., additional information is received).

d. Ensure the _____ as soon as the situation has been adequately controlled and no additional units are required.

e. Ensure_____are immediately returned to service.

Answer 53

a. Receive assignments to check for victims, preserve and identify evidence, and hold the scene until a field officer arrives at the scene.

b. Ensure that a proper response is made by the appropriate number of units according to the priority code.

c. Decide whether to recommend the dispatcher modify some aspect of the response, when such modification is warranted (i.e., additional information is received).

d. Ensure the dispatcher has been properly notified as soon as the situation has been
adequately controlled and no additional units are required.

e. Ensure units not needed at the scene are immediately returned to service.

Question 54

Field Supervisor Responsibilities

Code 3, 4, and 5 Responsibilities:

For priority three, four, or five calls for service, field supervisors may utilize and draw from
whatever resources are available to them at the division level to assist the dispatcher in servicing a call. While doing so they shall continue to monitor the police service needs of their assigned areas. Available options for field supervisors to service a call include, but are not limited to:

f. Ensure that a proper response is made by the _____, according to the priority code.

g. Preempt a district unit from _____.

h. Assign the call to an _____

i. Reassign a unit from a l_____.

j. _____for assistance from available units or with preempting an adjacent district unit from a lower priority call.

k. _____ and, depending on the nature of the call and the circumstances, discuss possible alternative service delivery options.

I. _____the call if aware of circumstances that warrant the change.

m. _____ personally.

n. When manpower prevents servicing the call, advise the dispatcher to _____

Answer 54

f. Ensure that a proper response is made by the appropriate number of units, according to the priority code.

g. Preempt a district unit from an existing call.

h. Assign the call to an available unit currently not in the call for service loop, (e.g., radar and print units). This does not include CST and storefront personnel.

i. Reassign a unit from a lower priority call or special assignment.

j. Confer with adjacent field supervisors for assistance from available units or with preempting an adjacent district unit from a lower priority call.

k. Call the complainant and, depending on the nature of the call and the circumstances, discuss possible alternative service delivery options.

I. Reprioritize the call if aware of circumstances that warrant the change.

m. Handle the call personally.

n. When manpower prevents servicing the call, advise the dispatcher to hold the call for the next available unit.

Question 55

Field Supervisor Responsibilities

Code 3, 4, and 5 Responsibilities:

If while en route to a priority three, four, or five call for service, an officer on-views an incident that will cause an extended delay in responding to the original call and the officer has notified the supervisor of such, the supervisor shall exercise one of the following options:

o.
Advise the officer to disregard the original call for service and to proceed to handle the onviewed situation. If this option is exercised, the field supervisor shall _____

p.
Approve an extended delay in response and direct the officer to handle the on-viewed situation and then proceed to the original call for service. If this option is exercised, a field supervisor shall _____

q.
Advise the officer to _____

Regardless of which option the field supervisor chooses for servicing the call, the call shall be handled without further delay. Field supervisors shall be held accountable for the dispatch and arrival times of a call once the responsibility for servicing the call has been transferred to the field supervisor from the dispatcher.

Answer 55

o.
Advise the officer to disregard the original call for service and to proceed to handle the onviewed situation. If this option is exercised, the field supervisor shall decide what alternate unit is to run the original call and communicate that information to the dispatcher.

p.
Approve an extended delay in response and direct the officer to handle the on-viewed situation and then proceed to the original call for service. If this option is exercised, a field supervisor shall ensure that the repartee on the call is informed of the delay.

q.
Advise the officer to clear the on-viewed situation and to proceed directly to the assigned call.

Question 56

Field Supervisor Responsibilities

Code 3, 4, and 5 Responsibilities:

Field supervisors are responsible for ensuring that officers who volunteer to handle a call using their MCDs take the highest priority call first, unless _____

Under normal situations, arbitrarily holding calls shall NOT be allowed. If a district sergeant arbitrarily advises to hold calls, the dispatcher shall discuss the situation with an ECD floor supervisor.

On those occasions when holding calls becomes necessary, the district sergeant shall be able to _____. At shift change, the field sergeant who held the calls shall _____ of the reason(s) why calls for service are past queue.

Answer 56

1) the officer’s proximity to a lower priority call is such that it would be prudent to handle that call first.

2) articulate a specific justification for exercising the hold option

3) notify the on-coming patrol lieutenant and the roll call sergeant, when available,

Question 57

Extended High-Priority Events

When a priority “E” call for service, a pursuit, or a similar critical incident is of an extended nature and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Detail or any other specialized unit shall be called to the scene, the dispatcher shall perform the following responsibilities as soon as possible:

a. Advise all involved units to switch to a channel determined by an _____

b. Advise all other units to refrain from using the _____

Answer 57

1) ECD supervisor.

2) designated emergency channel.

Question 58

Assist Event Involving Other Agencies

When there is a request for emergency assistance for or from any agency’s police officer or firefighter, the procedures described below shall be followed:

a.
Because the officer initiating the assist event is usually the best judge of what resources are required to control the situation, the dispatcher shall abide by the requesting officer’s preferences, if possible. If those preferences cannot be communicated, dispatch personnel shall _____

Answer 58

determine which units shall respond to the assist event or pursuit and which response priority is appropriate.

Question 59

Assist Event Involving Other Agencies

When there is a request for emergency assistance for or from any agency’s police officer or firefighter, the procedures described below shall be followed:

b.
If the officer requesting assistance does not specify his location or the number of units needed, or sufficient information is not available, or if a citizen rather than an officer initiates the call, a basic response team consisting of all of the following shall be dispatched to the scene:

1. _____ sent priority one
2. _____ sent priority two
3. _____ sent priority one
4. If possible, a _____unit

Answer 59

1. Two units sent priority one
2. Two units sent priority two
3. A supervisor sent priority one
4. If possible, a helicopter unit

Question 60

Assist Event Involving Other Agencies

When there is a request for emergency assistance for or from any agency’s police officer or firefighter, the procedures described below shall be followed:

c. Emergency equipment shall be used for all _____events.

d. Units not dispatched to the assist event shall not use the police radio until _____

e. Responding units shall immediately advise the dispatcher of their arrival. As soon as the situation is under control, the _____ shall provide an evaluation of the situation to the dispatcher.

Answer 60

c. Emergency equipment shall be used for all assist events.

d. Units not dispatched to the assist event shall not use the police radio until on-scene personnel have downgraded the incident and the dispatcher has officially cleared the radio channel.

e. Responding units shall immediately advise the dispatcher of their arrival. As soon as the situation is under control, the first unit on the scene shall provide an evaluation of the situation to the dispatcher.

Question 61

CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINED (CIT)

When dispatchers receive a call requiring a CIT response, an available CIT unit shall be located using the designated identifying symbol located on the dispatcher’s CAD screen.

CIT calls shall NOT be general broadcasted and then placed in queue.

CIT units shall be utilized regardless of the beat; however, CIT units in the concerned beat shall be considered first. CIT units may be dispatched _____ to respond to CIT calls. No prior supervisory approval is necessary. However, a patrol supervisor’s approval is required to ______.

CIT officers shall always attempt to peacefully resolve scenes or situations involving persons exhibiting mental health crisis in accordance with CIT officer training and as outlined in General Order 500-12, Response to Mental Health Incidents.

Answer 61

1) across beats and districts within a division

2) dispatch a CIT unit outside division boundaries

Question 62

Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT)

Officers requiring the assistance of a CIRT at a scene shall notify their supervisor of the situation and request the assistance of a CIRT through their dispatcher. When called to assist at a scene with a person exhibiting mental health crisis, the CIRT shall _____

CIRT officers are not restricted by districts or beats and may go to any area of the city where a CIRT response is warranted. In addition, HPD and the Harris County Sheriffs Office (HCSO) operate off an inter-local agreement to provide CIRT coverage to all of Harris County. HPD CIRT officers may respond to calls in _____ when requested. HCSO CIRT officers may respond to calls within the Houston city limits when requested.

Answer 62

1) make the final determination as to the disposition of the call.

2) unincorporated Harris County

Question 63

ONLINE REPORTING

The department’s internet-based incident reporting system serves as an alternative reporting method by allowing repartees to make a police incident report and receive a police incident number via the internet system.

The internet-based incident reporting system is monitored by and under the supervision of _____.

Technology Services, at the discretion of the Chief of Police, shall continue to have the
responsibility for the technical operation of the system. Technology Services shall work with _____to achieve the goals and operation of this system.

Answer 63

1) ECD

2) ECD and the RMS Unit

Question 64

ROSTERS

All police stations utilizing field units shall enter roster information into the CAD system.

_____ are responsible for ensuring that roster information is entered timely and accurately. Rosters contain important information related to unit activity, officer capabilities, assignment decisions, and officer safety. The police stations shall enter the rosters _____for the information to be accurately captured by the CAD system during shift log on by the dispatcher.

Any changes made to a police station’s roster after the beginning of a particular shift shall be provided to the appropriate dispatcher in a timely manner so that an update can be initiated for the units (e.g., unit changes vehicles or swaps handheld radios).

Answer 64

1) Division commanders

2) before the beginning of a shift

Question 65

SIGNING ON OR OFF DUTY

Each field officer that signs on for duty shall notify the dispatcher of the following:

a. The _____number.

b. The unit is _____.

c. The _____assigned to the unit.

d. If the unit is hosting a _____.

Answer 65

a. The unit number.

b. The unit is signing on and is in service.

c. The number of officers assigned to the unit.

d. If the unit is hosting a ride-along participant.

Question 66

SIGNING ON OR OFF DUTY

Officers shall sign on for duty via radio or MCD with the dispatcher within ____minutes after the beginning of the shift whether they are in service or not. Officers shall advise the dispatcher, and give the authorizing supervisor’s name or unit number when they are unable to _____

Answer 66

1) 20

2) go on duty within 20 minutes after the start of the shift or when they are held out of service.

Question 67

SIGNING ON OR OFF DUTY

If a roll call sergeant anticipates a roll call shall be extended, it is the roll call sergeant’s
responsibility to _____ that the shift shall be signing on late. Officers shall not be required to notify the dispatcher of the late sign on in such instances.

After signing on for duty, officers shall go directly to their assigned beats unless they are
otherwise assigned. Supervisors are responsible for _____

Answer 67

1) advise the dispatcher and the ECD on-duty shift supervisor

2) ensuring these procedures are followed.

Question 68

SIGNING ON OR OFF DUTY

Field officers shall not leave their assigned beats more than ____minutes prior to the end of their shift. Division commanders may increase this time limit if necessary to accommodate an extended travel distance between a particular beat and the unit’s police station. If travel time is increased, the division commander shall ensure _____

Answer 68

1) 20

2) ECD is notified of the change.

Question 69

SIGNING ON OR OFF DUTY

If field officers sign off from duty early, they shall notify the dispatcher of the _____

If an officer is dispatched to a call for service while en route to the station to go off duty or otherwise needs to work past the normal off-duty time, the officer shall request authority to do so from an on-duty supervisor. After completing the assignment, the officer shall _____

Upon arrival at the station, officers shall notify the dispatcher that they are now off duty. Officers shall report to the appropriate supervisor before leaving the station.

Once a shift has ended, officers shall sign off from duty with the dispatcher upon arrival at the station. It is the responsibility of the dispatcher to ensure that all units have properly notified the dispatcher of their off-duty status. If an officer fails to notify the dispatcher of off-duty status, the dispatcher shall notify an ECD supervisor who shall _____

Answer 69

1) supervisor’s name or unit number that authorized the early off-duty time.

2) inform the dispatcher of the disposition of the call for service and then return to the station to go off duty.

3) work with appropriate patrol division personnel to determine what the correct status is.

Question 70

BEAT INTEGRITY

Calls for service within a particular beat shall be dispatched to police officers assigned to that beat based on call priority, police unit availability, and supervisor oversight. If another unit is closer to a call for service location than the dispatched unit, the closer unit shall _____. The dispatcher may assign the closer unit and disregard the original unit regardless of the location and beat.

Answer 70

notify the dispatcher of the unit’s location

Question 71

BEAT INTEGRITY

When call volume outpaces staffing, dispatchers are authorized to dispatch police units to run calls for service in another beat or district within the unit’s assigned division boundaries. However, dispatchers shall have _____ to dispatch units to address situations or calls outside the unit’s assigned division boundaries, if such need arises.

Answer 71

authorization from a patrol supervisor

Question 72

BEAT INTEGRITY

At the request of a field-training officer, the dispatcher may authorize an appropriate assignment (e.g., out of beat, district, or division assignment) to a unit containing a field training officer and a trainee. Such assignments are for _____.

Answer 72

training purposes only

Question 73

BEAT INTEGRITY

Officers are advised that once they receive their beat assignment, they are primarily responsible for _____. There are times when activity in another beat in the same district is either so frequent or is so severe that officers shall need to spend time working in those areas as opposed to remaining within their respective assigned beat. Once those instances subside, officers are expected to return to their assigned beat to provide needed services.

Answer 73

providing police services within that beat

Question 74

CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF COMMUNICATION

In the event of catastrophic radio and computer (MCD) failure, all on-duty patrol personnel, including supervisors, are to _____. Once there, a supervisor shall provide information, equipment, and assignments consistent with the particular emergency and the orders of the Chief of Police. Communications, assignments, and specific duties shall be developed by the _____ for each emergency and distributed via the chain of command.

For more information regarding mobilization during catastrophic events, see General Order 200-10, Emergency Management, and the department’s Emergency Response Plan.

Answer 74

1) report to their assigned Houston Police Station

2) Chief of Police

Question 75

HEC / ECD CONTINUITY

Any proposed changes to policies or procedures governing actions taken by Houston Emergency Center (HEC) call takers that have an effect on the operations performed by Emergency Communications Division (ECD) personnel, shall be reviewed and agreed upon by the _____prior to adoption and implementation by HPD.

Answer 75

ECD division commander and chain of command

Question 76

BEAT AND BOUNDARY DOCUMENTATION

Employees shall be aware of and retain working knowledge of the beat and boundary jurisdictions of the department. All employees shall be mindful that modifications to the jurisdictional beats and boundaries of the department are initiated in the _____

Any permanent changes to beat, district, or division geographic boundaries may be initiated only in the department’s Office of Planning and require approval by the _____

Answer 76

1) Office of Planning and Data Governance (Planning) and approved only by the Chief of Police.

2) Chief of Police.

Question 77

BEAT AND BOUNDARY DOCUMENTATION

_____shall have primary responsibility for clearly defining the jurisdictional boundaries between divisions, districts, and beats, and establishing jurisdictional guidelines between neighboring law enforcement agencies. The Office of Planning shall work with the _____ to evaluate requests involving street name changes or the creation of new streets. Planning also facilitates the review of requests for permanent street closures and quiet zones from the City of Houston Public Works and Engineering Department, as well as requests for temporary road and construction closures from the Texas Department of Transportation.

Answer 77

1) Planning

2) City of Houston Planning and Development Department

Question 78

BEAT AND BOUNDARY DOCUMENTATION

Planning maintains the Beat and Boundary Descriptions guide as agreed upon by concerned commanders and approved by the Chief of Police. Planning will ensure that all commands or divisions who use the jurisdictional boundary lines as a function of their mission are provided a copy of the approved boundary descriptions as soon as _____.

After modifications are made to the Beat and Boundary Descriptions guide, Planning is
responsible for communicating the changes to the _____

Answer 78

1) approved

2) HPD Crime Analysis & Command Center, RMS Unit, Emergency Communications Division, and commander(s) assigned to the districts affected by the changes.