Response Times

Since there are varying ways law enforcement agencies calculate response times, we would like to
explain our methodology and not just the raw data related to response time. Here is how the Palos
Verdes Estates Police Department calculates response times:

When someone calls the police department to report a crime, they provide the dispatcher (in PVE) with
certain information. That information is entered into our Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and a
“call” is generated, which starts the “Dispatch” clock.

Calls are swiftly assigned to available officers, minimizing delays to ensure a prompt response. Dispatch
enters the assigned officer to the CAD system, which starts the officer’s “Travel” response clock. When
the officer radios back to dispatch that they arrived on the scene, the dispatcher enters the information
into CAD and response time clock stops.

A Priority One call is an emergency, such as a burglary in progress, a traffic collision with injuries, a
felony assault, a medical emergency and a fire. A Priority Two call is urgent but not an emergency.
Examples include a suspicious person, family disturbance, a burglary alarm, 9-1-1 hang-up, traffic
collision without injuries, and a reckless driver.

2023 Response Times Table