CED Computer-Aided Dispatch Systems 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a CAD system's 'unit history' log?
- To schedule preventive maintenance for vehicles
- To record every status change and action taken by a unit during a shift (Correct answer)
- To store contact information for unit personnel
- To generate payroll reports
Correct answer: To record every status change and action taken by a unit during a shift
The unit history log provides a time-stamped audit trail of all status changes, assignments, and actions for each unit during a shift.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes a CAD 'hot key' or 'macro'?
- A physical emergency button on the dispatcher console
- A pre-programmed keystroke shortcut that automates repetitive CAD entries (Correct answer)
- A color-coded alert for high-priority calls
- A direct radio channel to field supervisors
Correct answer: A pre-programmed keystroke shortcut that automates repetitive CAD entries
Hot keys and macros allow dispatchers to execute complex or repetitive CAD actions with a single keystroke, improving speed and accuracy.
Question 3: When a call is upgraded from a Priority 3 to a Priority 1 in CAD, what action is typically triggered automatically?
- The incident is transferred to a supervisor for approval
- Additional or faster resources may be recommended and alerting changes (Correct answer)
- The original call is closed and a new one is created
- The call is removed from the active queue
Correct answer: Additional or faster resources may be recommended and alerting changes
Upgrading priority in CAD typically triggers re-evaluation of assigned resources and may change audible/visual alerts to reflect the increased urgency.
Question 4: What is the function of a CAD system's 'mutual aid' module?
- To request and track resources from neighboring jurisdictions (Correct answer)
- To automatically generate billing invoices for out-of-area responses
- To record disciplinary actions against dispatchers
- To manage the agency's training schedule
Correct answer: To request and track resources from neighboring jurisdictions
The mutual aid module facilitates requesting, tracking, and documenting resources borrowed from or lent to neighboring agencies during large-scale incidents.
Question 5: A dispatcher accidentally clears (closes) an active incident in CAD. What is the correct immediate action?
- Notify a supervisor and reopen or recreate the incident as appropriate (Correct answer)
- Wait to see if field units report back
- Create a paper record and continue
- Log off the CAD system and back on
Correct answer: Notify a supervisor and reopen or recreate the incident as appropriate
Accidental incident closures must be reported to a supervisor immediately so the incident can be reopened or reconstructed to maintain continuity of response.
Question 6: In CAD terminology, what is a 'call taker' role distinct from a 'dispatcher' role?
- Call takers process 9-1-1 calls and enter incidents; dispatchers assign and manage field resources (Correct answer)
- Call takers only handle non-emergency lines; dispatchers handle all 9-1-1 calls
- Call takers operate radio; dispatchers operate the telephone
- They are interchangeable terms with no functional difference
Correct answer: Call takers process 9-1-1 calls and enter incidents; dispatchers assign and manage field resources
In many centers, call takers gather incident information and create CAD records while dispatchers focus on assigning and coordinating field resources.
Question 7: What does 'GIS integration' add to a CAD system's capabilities?
- It enables geographic mapping, routing, and spatial analysis within the dispatch environment (Correct answer)
- It provides a direct link to the national criminal database
- It automates payroll processing for dispatchers
- It replaces radio communications with data messaging
Correct answer: It enables geographic mapping, routing, and spatial analysis within the dispatch environment
GIS integration gives CAD systems mapping layers, address validation, beat boundaries, and routing data that enhance location accuracy and resource deployment.
CED Computer-Aided Dispatch Systems 3
What is the primary purpose of a CAD system's 'unit history' log?