I. AUTHORITY

This policy is issued under authority granted to the Chief Probation Officer.

II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to outline field operation procedures intended to maximize the safety of officers working in the community.

III. APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all peace officers employed by the San Luis Obispo County Probation Department.  

IV. BACKGROUND

Based upon the nature of their roles and responsibilities, Probation Peace Officers, are at times exposed to a heightened risk of danger when contacting individuals in the community.  This policy is intended to mitigate that risk by ensuring that officers in these situations   follow minimum standards and procedures when conducting field-related activities.

V. GENERAL POLICY

1.  Minimum Staffing
   1.  Officers shall not make contact with a probationer at their residence unless accompanied by either another Probation Peace Officer or a member of an allied law enforcement agency, unless approved by their supervisor.
2.  Non-Armed Officers Minimum Field Equipment Deployment 
   1.  Field officers shall carry the following equipment when working in the field:
      1.  Carry O.C. spray.
      2.  Carry handcuffs.
      3. Carry portable radio.
      4. Carry Department-approved baton, if certified.
      5.  Wear on his or her belt or outer vest a Probation Department issued badge.  
      6.  Officers will also carry a Probation Department identification card at all times while on duty. 
      7.  Officers are encouraged to wear body armor at all times when in the field.
3.  Use of Two-Way Radios
   1.  Designated sworn probation staff may operate two-way law enforcement radios.
   2.  Unless an exigent situation exists, only those staff members who have completed the Department’s training in the use of two-way law enforcement radios can operate two-way law enforcement radios, unless otherwise authorized by a supervisor. 
   3. Probation staff shall utilize professional demeanor when using the two-way law enforcement radio, including “car-to-car” communication. Car-to-car use should generally be conducted on grey channel.
   4.  Officers shall log in and log off with Sheriff’s Dispatch prior to going out in the field.
   5.  Officers shall use that city’s radio frequency when working within a specific city except for the city of San Luis Obispo.  
4.  Compliance Operations
   1.  A Field Unit Supervising Deputy Probation Officer (SDPO) will be designated as the on-duty supervisor for compliance operations.  Additional SDPOs will be assigned as needed.

VI. EXCLUSIVITY

This policy will remain in effect until superseded or suspended in writing by the Chief Probation Officer and can be reviewed as needed.