Emergency Services Standards

Part 1: Scope

ESR 1.1 Who this regulation applies to

Every emergency service operating in San Andreas, whether State, county or municipal: fire departments, emergency medical services, sheriff's offices and police departments, and their members. It applies to an agency's members while on duty, and while off duty only when they are acting as representatives of their agency.

ESR 1.2 Local control is preserved

Each agency head remains responsible for setting the uniform, equipment and conduct policies of their own agency. Nothing in this regulation transfers the management of a county or municipal agency to the State.

ESR 1.3 No backdating

This regulation applies only to acts and omissions on or after it comes into force. Nothing that happened before that date may be dealt with under it.

Part 2: Standards

ESR 2.1 Written uniform and appearance policy

1. Every agency must have a written uniform and appearance policy, approved by its agency head.
2. A copy must be filed with the Office of Emergency Services within 14 days of this regulation coming into force, and again whenever it changes.
3. Members must follow their own agency's policy while on duty and while representing their agency at official or public events.
4. Off-duty dress at private and social occasions is not regulated, unless the member is attending as a representative of their agency.

ESR 2.2 Professional conduct

1. Members and agency heads must conduct themselves professionally towards members of the public, other agencies and State officials acting in an official capacity.
2. Abusive, threatening or demeaning language towards a State official carrying out a lawful inspection or official visit is a breach of this regulation.
3. State officials must equally conduct themselves professionally towards agency members. A breach by a State official is dealt with under ESR 5.2.

ESR 2.3 Records

Every station must keep, and make available on inspection, up-to-date records of daily vehicle and appliance checks, equipment and PPE inspections, training, and (where it applies) custody, armoury and evidence handling. Each entry must show the date, time, name and signature of the person making it.

Part 3: State inspections

ESR 3.1 Power to inspect

The Director of Emergency Services, or an inspector they authorise in writing, may inspect the stations, records and equipment of any agency that receives State funding or takes part in State mutual aid. Inspectors must show their credentials when asked.

ESR 3.2 Findings in writing

Every inspection must end with written findings given to the agency head, stating each finding, the standard it relates to, the action required and a reasonable deadline. Verbal findings alone have no effect under this regulation.

ESR 3.3 Agency response

1. The agency head must give a written response to the findings within 7 days, accepting each one or stating why they disagree.
2. If the Director asks for a meeting, the agency head or a named deputy must attend at an agreed time within 14 days.

ESR 3.4 Inspection orders

Where a finding concerns public or crew safety, the Director may issue a written inspection order. Failure to comply with an inspection order is an offence under section 1054 of the Fire Code (FG 1054). No other criminal penalty arises under this regulation.

Part 4: Consequences

ESR 4.1 Steps

1. First breach: a written notice to the agency head, with the action required.
2. Breach not put right by the deadline, or repeated: a formal notice to the agency's governing body (for a county agency, the Board of Supervisors), and new discretionary State grants to the agency may be paused until it is resolved.
3. Continued breach: the agency may be moved from a lead to a supporting role in State-tasked operations until it is resolved.

ESR 4.2 Limits on the State

1. Money owed to an agency for work already done, including mutual-aid reimbursement and earthquake response costs, may never be withheld under this regulation.
2. No step may be taken that reduces an agency's ability to respond to emergencies.
3. The State may not discipline, suspend or remove a member of a county or municipal agency. Conduct by an agency head is referred to their governing body.

Part 5: Challenges and complaints

ESR 5.1 Appeal

An agency may appeal any finding, order or step under this regulation to the Secretary of State within 14 days. Steps under ESR 4.1(2) and (3) are paused while an appeal is decided. The Secretary of State must decide within 14 days and give reasons in writing.

ESR 5.2 Complaints about the State

Any agency or member may complain about the conduct of a State official under this regulation to the Secretary of State, who will investigate independently of the Office of Emergency Services.

ESR 5.3 Publication

Inspection findings and agency responses are public records and may be published once the agency has had the chance to respond under ESR 3.3.

Part 6: Commencement

This regulation is made under the emergency powers of the Office of the Governor, comes into force at 00:00 on Monday 26 October 2026, and is to be reviewed after six months.