Auxiliary Communications Services

The Auxiliary Communications is an outgrowth of many volunteer communications programs, including the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), the American Radio Relay League’s Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) program and other civilian and government programs. ACS is a part of the overall State of California Office of Emergency Services program for public safety.

The ACS unit consists of FCC licensed men and women ham radio operators who donate their time and talent to serve the public during emergencies and disasters. The ACS volunteers have the same training and responsibility as agency employees and are designated as “Disaster Services Workers” by the State of California. The ACS is a fully integrated part of the sponsoring government agency, and can be activated by the Laguna Niguel Chief of Police services to assist in the event of a disaster or emergency. ACS volunteers are vital during these events. They are considered members of the emergency response team. ACS provides supplemental communications to the City as required when primary communications are interrupted.

ACS utilizes the 400 MHZ Band for drills and weekly nets. Weekly nets are conducted every 1st, 2nd and 4th Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Face-to-Face ACS meetings are held every 3rd Thursday at 7 p.m. ACS participates in the County of Orange Operational Area exercises and such other drills as required to maintain proficiency.

ACS volunteers have participated in numerous City sponsored events. ACS provides communications at Laguna Niguel’s Annual Holiday Parade supplementing Police Services law enforcement security radio traffic. They have participated at several Safety Expos and are prepared to assist law enforcement as required.

All applications must be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as an “amateur radio operator” prior to becoming a member of ACS. Licensed radio operators who are interested in becoming involved in this volunteer program should contact The City of Laguna Niguel Office of Emergency Services ACS unit at (949) 362-4312 or come to Laguna Niguel Police Services located at 30111 Crown Valley Parkway for further information.