911 Operator Test Radio Communication Protocols 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a major incident, a dispatcher is told to 'go to talk-around.' What does this mean?
- Use cell phones instead of radios temporarily
- Switch to direct unit-to-unit radio communication without using the repeater (Correct answer)
- Broadcast on all channels simultaneously
- Relay messages through a neighboring dispatch center
Correct answer: Switch to direct unit-to-unit radio communication without using the repeater
Talk-around (also called direct or simplex mode) bypasses the repeater system and lets units communicate directly with each other on a shared frequency.
Question 2: What is the appropriate response when a unit fails to respond to three consecutive radio calls from dispatch?
- Mark the unit as out of service and move on
- Initiate a welfare check per agency protocol (Correct answer)
- Assume the unit is on a call and stop trying
- Switch the unit's channel assignment remotely
Correct answer: Initiate a welfare check per agency protocol
Failure to respond to repeated calls is a safety concern requiring a welfare check, as the officer may be in danger or incapacitated.
Question 3: What does the phrase 'negative contact' mean when transmitted by a field unit?
- The unit refused to respond to the call
- The unit was unable to locate or make contact with the subject or location (Correct answer)
- The unit lost radio contact with dispatch
- The unit's radio battery is critically low
Correct answer: The unit was unable to locate or make contact with the subject or location
Negative contact means the officer arrived at the scene or attempted to reach a subject but was unable to locate them or make contact.
Question 4: What is the primary reason dispatchers should avoid using 'ten-codes' in NIMS-compliant communications?
- Ten-codes are too long and slow down transmissions
- Ten-codes vary by agency and can cause confusion during multi-agency responses (Correct answer)
- Ten-codes are no longer legally recognized by the FCC
- Ten-codes cannot be used on digital radio systems
Correct answer: Ten-codes vary by agency and can cause confusion during multi-agency responses
NIMS promotes plain language because ten-codes differ between agencies, creating dangerous miscommunications when multiple agencies work together.
Question 5: A unit transmits 'Show me Code 4, no further assistance needed.' What is the dispatcher's responsibility at this point?
- Dispatch a backup unit to confirm the scene is safe
- Acknowledge the transmission and update the unit's status in CAD (Correct answer)
- Request the unit return to the station immediately
- Log the transmission as incomplete until a supervisor confirms
Correct answer: Acknowledge the transmission and update the unit's status in CAD
The dispatcher should acknowledge the Code 4 transmission and update the Computer-Aided Dispatch system to reflect the unit's current status.
Question 6: Which of the following is a best practice for authenticating an unusual or suspicious radio request?
- Comply immediately to avoid delaying emergency response
- Request the caller identify by unit number, name, and supervisor if needed (Correct answer)
- Record the transmission and review it after complying
- Transfer the call to a senior dispatcher without verifying
Correct answer: Request the caller identify by unit number, name, and supervisor if needed
Verifying identity by requesting unit number and name helps prevent unauthorized persons from impersonating officers and directing false dispatches.
Question 7: What does the term 'squelch' refer to on a radio?
- The volume level for incoming transmissions
- A circuit that mutes the receiver when no signal is present to eliminate static (Correct answer)
- The delay between pressing PTT and transmission start
- The encryption key applied to outgoing signals
Correct answer: A circuit that mutes the receiver when no signal is present to eliminate static
Squelch is an electronic circuit that silences the radio's audio output when no signal is detected, preventing continuous background static.
911 Operator Test Radio Communication Protocols 5
During a major incident, a dispatcher is told to 'go to talk-around.' What does this mean?