Computer-Aided Dispatch Systems Flashcards
7 cards from real CED practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Computer-Aided Dispatch Systems flashcards as text
What is the significance of a 'time-stamp audit trail' in a CAD incident record?
Answer: It provides a legal and operational record of every action taken from call receipt through incident close
Time-stamped audit trails document every status change and entry, supporting legal proceedings, liability reviews, and response time analysis.
A caller reports a structure fire but gives an address that does not validate in the CAD system. What is the dispatcher's best course of action?
Answer: Use cross-street information, landmarks, or nearest-intersection data to approximate the location and dispatch immediately while verifying
Life-safety incidents require immediate dispatch even with imperfect location data; cross-street and landmark information can be used to identify the approximate location while verification continues.
What does 'unit utilization rate' mean when pulled from CAD data?
Answer: The percentage of time a unit is committed to incidents versus available for assignment
Unit utilization rate measures how much of each shift a unit spends on calls versus being available, informing staffing and deployment decisions.
Why should a dispatcher avoid using abbreviations or agency-specific jargon in CAD free-text notes?
Answer: Notes are often shared with other agencies, courts, or investigators who may not understand internal shorthand
CAD records are legal documents shared across agencies and reviewed in legal proceedings, so clear, universally understood language ensures accurate interpretation.
What is a 'CAD interface' with a records management system (RMS)?
Answer: A direct data link that automatically transfers closed incident data from CAD into the agency's long-term records database
The CAD-to-RMS interface automates the transfer of closed incident records into the RMS, eliminating duplicate data entry and ensuring data integrity.
During a major event with high call volume, a dispatcher notices the CAD system response time has slowed significantly. What is the appropriate action?
Answer: Notify IT/system administrators and activate the center's high-call-volume or CAD degraded operations protocol
System slowdowns during peak demand must be escalated to IT immediately while the center activates its contingency procedures to maintain safe dispatch operations.
Which CAD feature allows a dispatcher to assign a specific radio talk group or channel to an incident so all responding units communicate on the same frequency?
Answer: Talk group / channel assignment field in the incident record
The talk group or channel assignment field in the CAD incident record ensures all units on the same call know which radio frequency to use for coordinated communications.