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Board hears plan to configure CAD for task‑force callouts; pre‑alert tone change deferred pending coverage check
Summary
Staff explained how CAD can support task forces and automated modes for red‑flag or multi‑unit activations; a proposal to eliminate EMS/fire pre‑alert tones was tabled until coverage improves after a newly activated Cerro Pilato tower is evaluated.
The operations board discussed two related operational items: configuring the CAD system to support rapid task‑force or strike‑team callouts, and whether to remove EMS/fire pre‑alert tones to save dispatch time.
Ryan (staff) explained CAD uses attributes and modes of operation that let the system identify and assign needed units automatically; the board can define a red‑flag mode or specific task forces so that a single trigger spools up designated engines and supervisors. "You can actually set modes of operation in CAD...If you were to decide that you wanted a wildland urban interface strike team...all we have to do is tell CAD to look for that," the staff member said.
The chair proposed removing pre‑alert tones to eliminate a 5–10 second extra step in dispatching. Some jurisdictions objected because they routinely rely on pre‑alerts to 'stop and listen'—their tone/voice reception varied locally on the new 700MHz system. Staff urged jurisdictions to report each missed verbal/tone incident so training or console provisioning can be corrected. During the meeting Cerro Pilato tower testing was reported to have just gone live and may materially improve coverage in affected northern corridors; members agreed to revisit the pre‑alert question after coverage is assessed.
No final policy change was adopted; staff will return with further data and testing results before any tone‑protocol change.
