CritiCall Dispatcher Test CritiCall Reading Comprehension 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A dispatcher receives the following radio transmission: 'Unit 14, respond to 452 Oak Street, reported structure fire, occupants may still be inside, caller disconnected.' What is the most critical piece of information missing from this transmission?
- The caller's name
- Whether the fire department has been notified
- The number of potential occupants inside (Correct answer)
- The time the call was received
Correct answer: The number of potential occupants inside
Knowing how many occupants may be inside is critical for coordinating rescue operations and ensuring all persons are accounted for.
Question 2: A CAD entry reads: 'B/M, approx 35 yoa, 6'1", 200 lbs, blue jacket, last seen NB on Main St near 3rd Ave, wanted for felony assault.' What does 'NB' indicate in this context?
- No bail
- Northbound (Correct answer)
- Nearby building
- Non-belligerent
Correct answer: Northbound
'NB' is standard law enforcement shorthand for 'northbound,' indicating the direction the subject was last seen traveling.
Question 3: An incident report states: 'Complainant advises neighbor's dog has been barking continuously for 4 hours. No prior calls at this location. Complainant requests officer contact but does not wish to file a formal complaint.' What action should the dispatcher record?
- Log as an emergency call requiring immediate response
- Log as a civil matter with no police jurisdiction
- Log as a non-emergency request with officer contact, no formal complaint (Correct answer)
- Decline to log the call since no formal complaint was requested
Correct answer: Log as a non-emergency request with officer contact, no formal complaint
The dispatcher should accurately capture the caller's specific requests—officer contact without formal complaint—in the incident log.
Question 4: A dispatcher reads the following BOLO: 'Be on the lookout for a silver 2019 Honda Accord, LIC: ABC-1234, stolen 0300 hrs, possibly occupied by armed suspect.' What does 'occupied' mean in this context?
- The vehicle is locked and cannot be entered
- Someone may be inside or driving the vehicle (Correct answer)
- The vehicle has been impounded
- The vehicle is parked in a restricted zone
Correct answer: Someone may be inside or driving the vehicle
In law enforcement communication, 'possibly occupied' means the stolen vehicle may have a person (suspect) inside or driving it.
Question 5: A CAD note reads: 'RP states subject is 10-96 and refusing transport. FD on scene. Requesting PD for assistance.' What does '10-96' most likely indicate?
- Subject is under arrest
- Subject is mentally disturbed (Correct answer)
- Subject is a minor
- Subject has no identification
Correct answer: Subject is mentally disturbed
10-96 is a common police radio code indicating a mentally ill or disturbed person who may require special handling.
Question 6: A traffic incident report reads: 'MVA, PI, 2 vehicles, airbags deployed, one driver trapped, fuel leaking.' What does 'PI' indicate?
- Property incident only
- Personal injury involved (Correct answer)
- Police investigation required
- Partial impact recorded
Correct answer: Personal injury involved
'PI' in MVA (motor vehicle accident) reports stands for personal injury, signaling that medical response is required.
A dispatcher receives the following radio transmission: 'Unit 14, respond to 452 Oak Street, reported structure fire, occupants may still be inside, caller disconnected.' What is the most critical piece of information missing from this transmission?