CritiCall Dispatcher Test Communication Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the NATO/law enforcement phonetic alphabet, what word represents the letter 'K'?
- King
- Kilo (Correct answer)
- Kansas
- Knight
Correct answer: Kilo
In the NATO phonetic alphabet used in emergency communications, 'K' is represented by 'Kilo'.
The NATO phonetic alphabet assigns unambiguous words to each letter to prevent miscommunication over radio. 'Kilo' represents K. This standardized system is used in dispatch, law enforcement, military, and aviation worldwide to ensure clarity when letters might otherwise be confused (e.g., B vs. D, M vs. N).
Question 2: What does the 10-code '10-4' typically mean in radio communications?
- Request for backup
- Message received and understood (Correct answer)
- Officer needs assistance
- Traffic stop in progress
Correct answer: Message received and understood
10-4 is one of the most widely recognized radio codes meaning 'acknowledged' or 'message received and understood'.
The APCO 10-codes were developed in 1937 to shorten and standardize radio communications. 10-4 specifically signals that the transmission has been received and understood. While APCO now promotes plain language for interoperability, 10-codes remain in use in many local dispatch systems.
Question 3: A dispatcher needs to relay a street address over the radio. The street is '15th Avenue NW'. How should this be read phonetically?
- Fifteen Avenue Northwest (Correct answer)
- One-Five-th Avenue November-Whiskey
- One Five Avenue N-W
- Fifteen-th Ave NW
Correct answer: Fifteen Avenue Northwest
Addresses are typically spoken as full words in radio communication for clarity: 'Fifteen Avenue Northwest'.
When transmitting addresses over radio, dispatchers use plain English numbers ('fifteen' not 'one-five') and spell out directional abbreviations ('Northwest' not 'NW') unless phonetic spelling is specifically needed for an unusual street name. Clarity and brevity together prevent misrouted responses.
Question 4: Which communication behavior is MOST important for a dispatcher to maintain during a high-stress incident?
- Speaking quickly to convey urgency
- Maintaining a calm, clear tone and precise language (Correct answer)
- Using technical jargon to sound authoritative
- Avoiding unnecessary questions to save time
Correct answer: Maintaining a calm, clear tone and precise language
Calm, clear communication prevents errors, reassures callers, and ensures field units receive accurate information during critical incidents.
Research in emergency communications consistently shows that a controlled, steady dispatcher voice improves information accuracy from callers, reduces errors in data entry, and helps field units make better decisions. Emotional contagion — picking up on stress — degrades performance in both callers and responders.
Question 5: What does '10-33' typically indicate in many dispatch systems?
- Routine traffic stop
- Officer emergency or urgent request for all units to stand by (Correct answer)
- Shift change notification
- Report of a vehicle accident
Correct answer: Officer emergency or urgent request for all units to stand by
10-33 is widely used as an 'emergency traffic only' or officer emergency code, signaling that all non-emergency radio transmissions should cease.
When 10-33 is broadcast, all other radio traffic is suspended so that the emergency communication can be heard clearly. It may indicate an officer in danger, a critical incident, or a signal for all units to clear channels. Dispatchers must respond immediately by silencing routine traffic and coordinating the emergency.
Question 6: When ending a radio transmission, what phrase signals that you are done speaking and expect a response?
- Over (Correct answer)
- Out
- Roger
- Copy
Correct answer: Over
'Over' means 'I have finished transmitting and await your response.' 'Out' means the conversation is completely ended.
Proper radio discipline is essential in dispatch. 'Over' invites a reply from the receiving party. 'Out' signals the conversation is complete and no reply is expected. 'Roger' and 'Copy' acknowledge receipt. Using these correctly prevents radio congestion and ensures units know whether to respond.
CritiCall Dispatcher Test Communication Skills 2
In the NATO/law enforcement phonetic alphabet, what word represents the letter 'K'?