RACES/ACS
Marin County RACES/ACS operates under the authority of the Marin County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES). The goal of RACES/ACS is to provide adjunct communications services to OES in the event of a significant emergency in Marin County.
During times of emergency, RACES/ACS teams may be called upon to exchange messages between key locations such as fire stations, police stations, hospitals, public works facilities, and other county resources. Our members are trained in the use of various communications modes and use the best available means to provide adjunct communications. This means that we are not limited to “ham radio” but may also use the county radio system, the Internet, mobile telephone, social networking systems, and traditional landline telephone systems.
The RACES/ACS volunteers are organized into four regions and managed by a hierarchical leadership team. The membership of RACES/ACS is screened by the Marin County Sheriff’s Department and is required to maintain competency in communications, technology, and emergency response processes through regular training and drills.
RACES/ACS members meet weekly ‘on the air’ for a formal network check-in. There are additional training opportunites, including general membership meetings four times a year at the Marin County Emergency Operations Center. Prospective members are invited to take part in the weekly nets and to attend the General Meeting.
For more information check out the Marin RACES/ACS website.
2016_MOA_RACES_Field Operations Guide (1)
Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) / Marin Radio Communications Volunteers (RCV) Mission Statement
Mission: During national, regional, or local emergencies provide effective backup radio communications in support of the Marin Office of Emergency Management (EOC) / Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) or other non-public safety agencies within the Marin County Operating Area (OA) when requested by competent authority.
Capabilities: Proven ability to establish and maintain radio communications between OA EOC/VOAD and CBOs during exercises including the three annual Golden Eagle and two Great Shakeout exercises. Ability to deploy and operate portable stations as needed to establish reliable communications in areas that are otherwise out of touch with the EOC/VOAD.
Resources: Develop and maintain the resources that may be needed to support the overall mission:
- Operators – A corps of trusted radio operators with: (1) basic skills and a commitment to establishing radio communications when needed; (2) ongoing participation, training, and practice in accurately passing message traffic using a variety of basic analog and specialized digital means.
- Mobile stations – Individual operators routinely test and maintain their own radio transceivers and related equipment including power supplies, which can be deployed to locations otherwise lacking reliable communications with the EOC/VOAD or between two or more CBOs.
- Relationships – Establish on-going relationships of familiarity and trust between RCV operators and with key staff of served agencies, including EOC and VOAD.
