PSD Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PSD facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A dispatcher is unable to reach a field unit after multiple attempts. What is the appropriate next step? → Immediately notify a supervisor and attempt contact through alternate means
2. Which of the following best describes a 'Charlie' level determinant in MPDS? → A potentially serious call requiring an ALS response
3. A unit transmits its location as a cross street but the dispatcher cannot confirm it in CAD. The best response is to: → Ask the unit to verify the cross street spelling or nearest address
4. During a large-scale natural disaster, the CAD system goes offline. What should a dispatcher do? → Switch to manual logging using backup paper logs and notify a supervisor immediately
5. What does the term 'jurisdiction' mean in the context of public safety dispatching? → The legal authority and geographic area within which an agency operates
6. Which situation would most justify activating a radio 'emergency button' by a field unit? → An officer is in immediate physical danger and needs urgent backup
7. A suicidal caller states they have taken pills and hangs up. The BEST next step is to: → Use ANI/ALI to identify the location and dispatch EMS immediately
8. Which of the following best describes 'secondary traumatic stress' as it applies to dispatchers? → Trauma symptoms that develop from indirect exposure to others' traumatic experiences
9. A caller reports an incident 'at the big clock tower in the town square.' In dispatch terms, the clock tower is being used as a: → Common Point of Reference (CPR)
10. Which document formally records the resources, support, and reimbursement terms agreed upon between jurisdictions before a mutual aid event? → Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
11. In the NATO phonetic alphabet, the letter 'M' is represented by: → Mike
12. A dispatcher notices a CAD unit-status field showing 'OOS.' What does this typically indicate? → The unit is out of service and unavailable for calls
13. In most dispatch protocols, what is the defining characteristic of a 'Priority 1' or 'Code 3' call? → A situation with an imminent threat to life or a serious crime in progress.
14. When CAD recommends a 'closest available unit' that is outside the normal beat boundary, a dispatcher should: → Use judgment to balance response time needs against beat integrity per local protocol
15. Which of the following is a poor decision in a high-stress call? → Placing the caller on hold unnecessarily
16. When documenting an incident in CAD, dispatcher notes should be: → Detailed, objective, and use standard abbreviations
17. Which NATO phonetic alphabet letter corresponds to the letter 'K'? → Kilo
18. Which of the following is an example of an 'open-ended' question a dispatcher might use? → 'Can you describe what happened?'
19. What radio term is used to indicate that a transmission is complete and a response is expected? → Over
20. A 'CAD-to-CAD' transfer between a primary PSAP and a secondary PSAP refers to: → Electronically transferring incident data between two dispatch centers' CAD systems
21. When receiving a silent 9-1-1 call from a landline, what is the standard procedure after attempts to make voice contact fail? → Dispatch a law enforcement unit to the address for a welfare check.
22. When a dispatcher hears gunshots in the background during a 911 call, the IMMEDIATE priority is: → Send law enforcement and advise the caller to take cover and stay on the line
23. During a hazmat incident, a dispatcher should advise citizens in the immediate area to: → Shelter in place or evacuate based on the incident commander's guidance
24. What is the function of a 'selective router' in the E9-1-1 network infrastructure? → It directs 9-1-1 calls to the correct PSAP based on the caller's location.
25. When a 9-1-1 call arrives at a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), what specific information is provided by the Automatic Location Information (ALI) database? → The registered service address or approximate coordinates of the caller
26. Which of the following is an evidence-based individual coping strategy for dispatchers managing occupational stress? → Regular physical exercise, adequate sleep, and social support outside of work
27. What is 'logging recorder' equipment used for in a PSAP? → Recording all incoming calls and radio transmissions for documentation and review
28. Within the Incident Command System (ICS), what is the role of the 'Staging Area'? → A location where responding resources assemble before being assigned.
29. What should be done if a dispatcher accidentally shares confidential info? → Report to supervisor right away
30. What is the purpose of an Incident Command System (ICS) number within a CAD system? → To assign a unique tracking number to each incident for reference and documentation