Riverside County RACES
W6CDF/Voice - KF6NPC/Digital

• Overview
• Authorities
• Member Requirements
• RACES Activation
• Operations
• Uniform Regulations
• Suggested Equipment
• Guidelines
• Appendices
  • #1 - RACES Alerting System
  • #2 RACES Communications Systems Test
  • #3 RACES Telephone Numbers
  • #5 Incident Number Requests
  • #6 RACES Job Descriptions
  • #8 Recommended Training
  • #11 Familiarization Exercise
• Glossary
• Abbreviations
• Download Manual

 

Guidelines

Procedures

Before responding to any emergency, make sure that you and your family are safe and cared for.  Check in to your primary repeater or simplex frequency.  If the repeater is down use the output frequency of the repeater.  If you are the first on the air you become net control.  Make sure that you gather the names, locations, and call signs of stations that check in.

In some cases you will be asked to stand-by on the frequency, as operators may not be needed immediately.  Be sure to continue to monitor the frequency until the net is shut down, or you are sure that there will be no further need for operators.

Demeanor

RACES personnel shall maintain the highest standards, of performance and behavior when called to serve. Make sure that you present yourself in an organized, professional manner.  You should be dressed appropriately as outlined in Uniform Regulations.  Clothing should be clean and wrinkle free. Remember as a volunteer entrusted to represent Riverside County you will be working with professionals, who expect professionalism in return. Listen more than you speak, and become familiar with how your served agency operates.  Check to see if your radio traffic is interfering with nearby conversation.  You should always use headphones unless you are in an area by yourself.

Remember that you are required to think on your feet, but you are not a maker of policy.  Be prepared to facilitate communication, whether it is on a cell phone, fax machine, or amateur radio.

Expectations of All RACES Operators

• Licensed amateur radio operator at the technician level or above is acceptable.
• You must be willing to commit time at inconvenient hours and occasions.
• You must be available to attend and participate in at least three events and/or meetings per year.
• The RACES members’ participation in the area meetings and NETS is expected and will aid in the development of needed skills and knowledge.
• You must demonstrate the ability to perform with a high standard of customer service, professional conduct and civil responsibility.
• It is important that you know how to operate your equipment and keep it in good order.  Try to attend all training classes offered.  Check into your local nets on a regular basis.  Participate in drills, public service events, and actual incidents.  Present yourself as a positive, capable resource.  Prepare to be a leader.
• Members that fail to meet the minimum requirements of training, nets, meetings and event participation will be placed in an inactivity status and cannot be used on call outs as radio operators. Could be used for non radio operations. Such members shall meet with their District E. C. to work out a plan to return to active status.

Discipline

It is the intent of this policy to clearly explain the procedures regarding the organization’s position on disciplinary action. It is important for all RACES members to know and abide by all the policies and procedures stated in this manual. Failure to follow these policies may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Complaints

When a non-ranking RACES member receives a complaint, it is important for that individual to forward the allegation onto his/her Emergency Coordinator (EC) or acting supervisor. The EC will then make contact with their respective RACES Division Chief.  This may be achieved in writing.

The RACES Division Chief, in consultation with the RACES Chief Officer and a designated OES Representative, will thoroughly examine the facts. If a determination is made that the allegation is factually true, it will be the responsibility of the RACES Chief, in consultation with the OES Representative to determine what disciplinary action is necessary.

Disciplinary options include:

• Remedial training

• Verbal Counseling

• Written Warning

• Suspension

• Dismissal

Appeals

There is no right of appeal for a RACES member who has received a verbal counseling, written warning or requested to attend remedial training. Any RACES member who has been notified that they will be suspended or dismissed may within 10 (ten) days of written notification of the disciplinary action, file an appeal to the Emergency Services Program Supervisor within OES. The appeal must be in writing stating the reasons for the appeal. The Emergency Services Program Supervisor will conduct an investigation of the circumstances leading up to the disciplinary action. Such investigation may include interviews, written statements, and review of all reports and documents. The Emergency Services Program Supervisor may uphold or modify the discipline as deemed appropriate.  The decision of the Emergency Services Program Supervisor is final.

Improper Conduct

If it is determined that a member is involved in improper conduct or behavior, discipline may be appropriate. Categories of “other improper conduct or behavior” may include, but is not limited to:

Criminal conduct

• Inappropriate use of ID or misstatement of official position.

• False statements

• Stealing

Other Inappropriate Conduct

• Insubordination
  
  
• Inappropriate or abusive language on the radio or in person.
  
  
• Self-Dispatching to incidents without proper notification or request.
  
  
• Any other violation of policies/procedures set forth by this procedural manual.
  
  
• Abandonment of an assigned position without permission of the Incident Commander or Supervisor. 
  
  
• Consuming alcohol while in uniform

Members are asked to refrain from businesses and employment opportunities that could nurture, or cause a conflict of interest.