The San Diego County Sheriff's Office Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) is made up of specially trained communications volunteers managed by the San Diego County Sheriff's Office Communications Center. These volunteers provide support when there is a need for supplemental communications during planned events and emergencies.

Using Amateur Radio, public safety radio networks, and other communications systems, ACS volunteers are prepared to provide emergency auxiliary radio communications during disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or wildfires. When the San Diego County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated during these types of incidents, ACS provides communication support and works with the County of San Diego's Office of Emergency Services, the various cities in San Diego County, the American Red Cross, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), the State of California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, and many other emergency management and disaster organizations.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office owns and maintains a network of closed Amateur Radio repeaters in various bands to facilitate auxiliary communications support during planned events, emergencies, and disasters.

ACS is the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) organization for the San Diego County Operational Area as outlined in Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 97, Section 407 of the Federal Communications Commission Rules and Regulations. ACS is granted this authority by the San Diego County Unified Disaster Council

Expectations and Requirements of ACS Volunteers:

• Maintain a valid Amateur Radio operators license issued by the Federal Communications Commission (Technician License or higher)
• Own and be familiar with using a dual-band (2m & 70cm) handheld radio
• Be willing to serve during pre-planned events, emergency incidents and disasters
• Comply with Sheriff's Office and County of San Diego policies and procedures
• Complete self-paced, online FEMA Independent Study courses IS-100, 200, 700, and 800
• Complete the tasks outlined in the ACS "Auxiliary Emergency Communicator Position Task Book" and annual addenda
• Attend three module training courses (4 hours each module)
• Attend a minimum of four monthly general meetings each year
• Participate in at least eight weekly ACS Amateur Radio Nets each year. The weekly net is conducted on Monday evenings
• Serve as Net Control Operator for the ACS Weekly Net at least twice each year
• Participate in at least one functional exercise, full-scale exercise, drill, or simulation per year
• Obtain, assemble, and maintain equipment and supplies in a portable container (referred to as a Go-Bag) to be self-sustained during an emergency activation or deployment for at least a 12-hour period
• Attend or complete other training or tasks as determined by the Sheriff's Office or the County of San Diego

Minimum Qualifications to Apply:

• Currently hold a valid Amateur Radio operators license issued by the Federal Communications Commission (Technician License or higher)
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a Lawfully Admitted Permanent Resident
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License and auto insurance
• Must have medical insurance
• Must have good moral character
• Have no physical or emotional limitations that would prevent performing ACS volunteer duties
• Must pass a comprehensive background check conducted by the Sheriff's Office

To learn more, or to apply to become a volunteer with the Sheriff's Auxiliary Communications Service, send an email to acs@sdsheriff.org.