FREE PSD Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) Systems Operations Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the primary function of a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system in a public safety communications center?

Accepted Answer

To create, manage, and track incidents and the deployment of resources.

Answer

To automatically route 9-1-1 calls to the correct dispatcher.

Answer

To record all incoming and outgoing telephone and radio communications.

Answer

To provide field units with turn-by-turn navigation to an incident.

Question 2

In a CAD system, what does the acronym 'AVL' stand for and what is its purpose?

Accepted Answer

Automatic Vehicle Location; it tracks the geographic position of field units.

Answer

Automated Voice Logging; it records radio transmissions.

Answer

All-Vehicle Locator; it finds any vehicle by its license plate.

Answer

Available Unit List; it shows which units are not on a call.

Question 3

How does a typical CAD system assist a dispatcher in prioritizing calls for service?

Accepted Answer

By using a pre-defined coding system that ranks incidents by severity.

Answer

By automatically assigning the highest priority to the first call received.

Answer

By allowing field units to select their own calls from a list.

Answer

By randomly assigning priorities to ensure all calls are handled fairly.

Question 4

What is the main purpose of the 'unit status monitor' feature in a CAD system?

Accepted Answer

To display the real-time activity status and location of all field units.

Answer

To track the maintenance schedule for each vehicle.

Answer

To allow units to send private messages to each other.

Answer

To monitor the fuel levels and engine diagnostics of the fleet.

Question 5

When creating a new call for service (CFS) record in CAD, which of the following pieces of information is considered the most critical to obtain first?

Accepted Answer

The exact location of the incident.

Answer

The caller's full name and date of birth.

Answer

A detailed description of the suspect.

Answer

The caller's relationship to the incident.

Question 6

What is a 'geofile' or 'geobase' within the context of a CAD system?

Accepted Answer

A database of all streets, addresses, and jurisdictional boundaries.

Answer

A file containing the personnel records of all dispatchers.

Answer

A log of all geological or weather-related alerts.

Answer

A list of past incidents that occurred at a specific location.

Question 7

Why is it crucial for a dispatcher to use standardized terminology and ten-codes when entering information into the CAD narrative?

Accepted Answer

To ensure clarity, consistency, and reduce the risk of miscommunication.

Answer

To save keystrokes and enter calls faster.

Answer

To make the CAD record more difficult for the public to understand if released.

Answer

To meet the minimum requirements of the software vendor.