Free PSD Radio Communications and Procedures Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A neighboring jurisdiction requests mutual aid for a large-scale incident. Per the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which radio communication practice is most critical for ensuring successful interoperability between the different agencies?
- Using agency-specific 10-codes to keep transmissions brief.
- Communicating on a designated shared, plain language channel. (Correct answer)
- Limiting radio traffic to command staff only.
- Using the APCO phonetic alphabet exclusively for all transmissions.
Correct answer: Communicating on a designated shared, plain language channel.
NIMS guidelines strongly advocate for the use of plain language (common terminology) on shared radio channels during multi-agency incidents. This eliminates confusion that can arise from different agencies using unique 10-codes or jargon, ensuring all responders can understand critical information.
Question 2: A dispatcher needs to broadcast the license plate '5PETER-GEORGE-721' to a patrol unit. Using the standard APCO phonetic alphabet, how should this be read?
- "Five Papa Golf Seven Two One"
- "Five Paul George Seven Two One"
- "Five Peter George Seven Twenty-One"
- "Five Peter George Seven Two One" (Correct answer)
Correct answer: "Five Peter George Seven Two One"
The standard APCO phonetic alphabet uses specific, easily distinguishable words for each letter to avoid confusion over the radio. 'Peter' is used for 'P' and 'George' is used for 'G'. Numbers are typically read individually to ensure clarity, so '721' is read as 'Seven Two One'.
Question 3: During a radio transmission, a field unit says, 'Control, 1-Adam-12, what is your 20?' What specific information is the unit requesting from the dispatcher?
- The time
- Permission to go off-duty
- Their location (Correct answer)
- The status of their last call
Correct answer: Their location
In the system of police 10-codes, '10-20' or simply '20' is a common brevity code used to ask 'What is your location?'. The dispatcher would respond with the address or cross-streets of the communications center.
Question 4: Which of the following is the primary reason for a dispatcher to maintain a calm, professional, and clear tone of voice during all radio communications?
- To fulfill FCC licensing requirements.
- To project authority and control over field units.
- To minimize the emotional impact on callers who may be listening.
- To ensure messages are understood and reduce stress for responders in the field. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To ensure messages are understood and reduce stress for responders in the field.
A dispatcher's calm and clear voice sets the tone for the entire response. It ensures that crucial information is transmitted accurately and can be easily understood by responders who are often operating in high-stress, noisy environments. This professional demeanor helps field units remain focused and calm.
Question 5: A dispatcher receives an urgent 'officer in trouble' call. After dispatching backup, what is the most critical subsequent radio procedure?
- Resume normal dispatching for other pending calls.
- Place a phone call to the officer's supervisor.
- Maintain radio silence on that channel except for traffic directly related to the emergency. (Correct answer)
- Broadcast a BOLO (Be On the Look Out) to all surrounding agencies.
Correct answer: Maintain radio silence on that channel except for traffic directly related to the emergency.
In an officer-down or emergency situation, maintaining radio discipline is paramount. The dispatcher must keep the channel clear for the involved officer(s) and responding backup units. Non-essential traffic could prevent a critical message from being heard, jeopardizing officer safety.
Question 6: The term 'keying up' on a radio refers to the action of:
- Turning the radio on at the beginning of a shift.
- Pressing the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button to transmit. (Correct answer)
- Encrypting the radio channel for a sensitive conversation.
- Logging into the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
Correct answer: Pressing the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button to transmit.
'Keying up' is common radio terminology for depressing the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button or microphone key, which activates the transmitter and allows the user to speak over the air. It's a fundamental action for all voice transmissions.
Free PSD Radio Communications and Procedures Questions and Answers 1
A neighboring jurisdiction requests mutual aid for a large-scale incident.
Per the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which radio communication practice is most critical for ensuring successful interoperability between the different agencies?