Planning. Coordination. Readiness — for what’s next.

The Emergency Planning Detail (EPD) plays a critical role in preparing the Sheriff’s Office and our community for emergencies and disasters. EPD supports readiness for natural and man-made incidents including wildfires, floods, civil unrest, terrorist threats, and mass casualty events.

What We Do Sheriff’s Operations Center (SOC) SEMS & NIMS Contact

Emergency: Call 911. Non-emergency: Contact your local Sheriff’s station.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Emergency Planning Detail is to support the San Diego County Sheriff's Office in the preparation and management of natural and manmade disasters.

San diego sheriff emergency planing logo silver blue and orange lighting with seven point silver star.

How EPD Supports Readiness

EPD works around the clock to ensure readiness for emergencies and disasters by developing plans, coordinating training, and supporting resources such as the Sheriff’s Mobile Field Force and the Sheriff’s Operations Center (SOC).

  • Emergency response planning & plan maintenance
  • Training coordination and readiness exercises
  • Interagency coordination and operational alignment
  • Resource coordination for major incidents and mutual aid

Astrea helicopter blue and white flying over a fire that is orange.
Blue screens with silver seven point star and desks with personal wearing vest and looking at maps.

Emergency Planning

Develops and updates emergency response plans, procedures, and coordination frameworks to support Sheriff’s operations during critical incidents.

Search and Rescue team wearing orange shirts outside with olive green pants and a deputy in front of the rose bowl

Search & Rescue (SAR)

Supports preparedness and coordination for SAR operations, ensuring readiness and alignment with partners when expanded incidents occur.


Reserve Coordination

Coordinates reserve resources to strengthen staffing capacity, readiness, and response support when incidents expand.

Infrastructure Security

Supports planning and coordination to help safeguard critical facilities, systems, and continuity of operations during emergencies.

Screens with news, maps and multiple monitors

SEMS & NIMS

To ensure a unified and effective response, EPD utilizes the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). These systems provide a consistent framework for coordination among local, state, and federal agencies during emergencies, ensuring interoperability and compliance with national standards.

Blue screens with silver seven point star and desks.

Sheriff’s Operations Center (SOC)

The SOC is a command support center used during major incidents and emergencies to centrally coordinate, manage, and support Incident Commander(s) during events involving Sheriff’s personnel or mutual aid.

Outside building with blue sky and green trees.

What the SOC Provides

  • Central location for operational mission support to the Incident Commander
  • Resource procurement and allocation support
  • Coordination of law enforcement mutual aid requests and responses
  • Scalable staffing aligned with ICS/SEMS/NIMS

SOC staffing is coordinated by EPD. The SOC Manager has overall responsibility for SOC operations and support.

Partnerships
& Grant Support

EPD collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies to strengthen regional preparedness and coordinated response. EPD also supports preparedness efforts through coordination of eligible activities funded through Homeland Security grants and helps ensure compliance with emergency management standards.

Outside building with blue sky and green trees.

Contact Emergency Planning Detail (EPD)

For planning, coordination, training, and preparedness inquiries:

This contact method is not monitored for emergencies. If you need immediate assistance, call 911.