DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL
ORDER
I-28: MOBILE COMMAND CENTERS
Effective Date: DD MMM YY
Coordinator: Special Operations Division
EXHIBIT B
The Oakland Police Department maintains Mobile Command Centers1 (MCC) for command, control, and communications at the scene of critical incidents, natural disasters, community events, and search operations. They are centrally located to make them available to respond to any crisis in the City of Oakland in a short period. The vehicles may be equipped with mobile radios on multiple bands, CAD (Computer aided Dispatch), Field Based Reporting (FBR), Monitors, White Boards, High intensity lighting, and a mast-mounted camera. They also have a conference area where briefings may be held. The MCC is a resource for any mission deemed necessary by the Chief of Police, or designee.
A. PURPOSE AND TRAINING
A - 1. Purpose
Mobile command centers (MCCs) are designed to allow for centralization of information or command at critical incidents, natural disasters, community events, community relations, and search operations.
A - 2. Training
Operators for MCCs with gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 26,000 lbs. shall attend specific commercial driver training and possess a Class B driver’s license with Air Brake endorsement.
Operators for MCCs with GVWR under 26,000 lbs. shall possess a Class C driver’s license.
B. AUTHORIZED AND PROHIBITED USES
B - 1. Authorized Uses
MCCs may be used for any event or detail where either:
1. The MCC will assist with centralization of information or command at a given event, or
2. The presence of the MCC will further the Department’s crime strategy.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
a. Public events above a certain attendance threshold;
b. In a particular neighborhood where a violent crime has recently occurred or may occur to assure community members of police attention and presence;
3. For natural disasters or citywide emergencies and major crimes,
1 Also referred to as Mobile Command Vehicles (MCV).
DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER I-28 Effective Date
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT DD MMM YY
4. For community events, handing out supplies and food during a pandemic, or to provide privacy for reporting crimes to officers in the field.
Any MCC uses shall be authorized by a commander at the rank of Lieutenant or above, or by a member acting in that rank.
Whenever the MCC is sent on assignment, the Commanding Officer of the Traffic Operations Section shall be notified as soon as practical. Commanders authorizing the deployment of the MCC shall complete a Military Equipment notification tracking form and submit it to the Military Equipment Coordinator.
B - 2. Prohibited Uses
MCCs shall not be used for routine patrol (e.g., responding to calls for service, making routine traffic stops), and shall not be used for vehicle pursuits.
MCC vehicles shall not be used for surreptitious surveillance.
Members shall not duplicate the keys of MCCs without permission nor keep personal sets of keys to the vehicle.
C. DEPLOYMENT PROCEDURES
C - 1. Storage Locations
Designated members of the Oakland Police Department shall pick up the vehicle at the designated housing location (Corp Yard).
Members using MCCs shall return the MCC to the designated storage location after use. Storage locations include the Eastmont Substation and the City Corp Yard.
C - 2. Vehicle Checkout
Before leaving for an assignment, the assigned crew must:
1. Check out keys from the Electronic Key Distribution and Tracking System. The Electronic Key Distribution boxes are mounted on the walls of both the PAB Transportation office and the Eastmont Substation Key Room;
2. Plan the route to the assignment, taking into consideration the dimensions and overhead clearance of the vehicle. The driver should always attempt to use established truck routes because these roads are designed to accommodate large vehicles; and
3. Check the fuel, engine oil, tire pressure, and the overall vehicle condition.
C - 3. Driving MCCs
All members driving MCCs must drive cautiously and avoid railroad overpasses, parkways, parking decks, and non-commercial routes, and must use special care when operating the MCC in rain, snow, or icy conditions. All members operating the MCV shall be in possession of a Class B Commercial DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER I-28 Effective Date
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT DD MMM YY
License with an Air Brake endorsement and current medical clearance. A medical clearance is valid for up to two years, at which time it must be reviewed by a medical doctor. Members shall adhere to DGO F-07 – Drivers’ License and DGO J-04.1 – Emergency Driving Procedures.
C - 4. MCC Set Up and on-scene Procedures
At the scene, the MCC crew must:
1. Position the vehicle at a safe distance from an incident to provide maximum safety for person to enter and exit the vehicle. Depending on the type of incident and the terrain, this distance can extend to several thousand feet.
2. Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level concrete or paved surface for proper deployment of the leveling system (MCV).
3. Stabilize the vehicle by using the leveling system and/or wheel chocks (MCV).
4. Set up a safety zone around the vehicle using traffic cones and lighting.
5. Ensure that at least one member remains with the vehicle at all times.
6. Ensure that only those persons approved by the Incident Commander are allowed to enter the MCC at the scene of a critical incident or natural disaster.
7. During daylight hours, the CRV, when deployed for High Visibility Crime Deterrence in the community shall have an “Open Door Policy,” one door should be open for providing public the ability to make contact with officers, to ask questions, make reports, and request resource guides.
When the vehicle is no longer needed, the using Division/Section will ensure the vehicle is delivered to the housing station by trained Police personnel.
C - 5. Damage to MCC
Damage to the Mobile Command Vehicle will be handled in compliance with Department Policy DGO N-05 Lost, Stolen, or Damaged City Property, and J- 02 Traffic Collision Scene Management, Investigation, and Reporting, a crime report or other applicable documentation. Repairs of such damage must be coordinated through the Traffic Operations Section/Corp Yard.
C - 6. Maintenance and Inspection
The Traffic Operations Section Commander will be responsible for routine maintenance, supplies and vehicle inspections of all the Mobile Command Vehicles.
D. INQUIRY AND COMPLAINT PROCESS
(Government Code 7070 d (7)) For a law enforcement agency, the procedures by which members of the public may register complaints or concerns or submit questions about DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER I-28 Effective Date
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT DD MMM YY
the use of each specific type of military equipment, and how the law enforcement agency will ensure that each complaint, concern, or question receives a response in a timely manner.
The Oakland Police Department DGO M -3: Complaints Against Departmental Personnel or Procedures will inform all employees and the public of procedures for accepting, processing, and investigating complaints concerning allegations of member employee misconduct.
2 By order of
LeRonne L. Armstrong
Chief of Police Date Signed: _____________
2 Refer to DGO K-7 for additional information.