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 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)
2. 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.
3. Which of the following is a poor decision in a high-stress call? → Placing the caller on hold unnecessarily
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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
7. Within the Incident Command System (ICS), what is the role of the 'Staging Area'? → A location where responding resources assemble before being assigned.
8. What should be done if a dispatcher accidentally shares confidential info? → Report to supervisor right away
9. Why is brevity important in radio communications? → To minimize radio congestion and confusion
10. Which of the following is the primary reason for a dispatcher to maintain a calm, professional, and clear tone of voice during all radio communications? → To ensure messages are understood and reduce stress for responders in the field.
11. Which type of incident requires immediate radio broadcast? → Officer down or active threat
12. Why should dispatchers avoid using technical jargon? → To ensure caller understanding
13. What does the term 'need to know' refer to? → Job-related necessity
14. A caller reports their car was broken into overnight, and a laptop was stolen. The suspect is gone. This call would be best classified as: → Priority 3 - Routine/Non-Emergency
15. What is the primary reason for verifying the location of a 9-1-1 caller, even when Automatic Location Information (ALI) is displayed? → To ensure accuracy, as ALI data can be incorrect or imprecise.
16. A dispatcher needs to broadcast the license plate '5PETER-GEORGE-721' to a patrol unit. Using the standard APCO phonetic alphabet, how should this be read? → "Five Peter George Seven Two One"
17. Which information is most critical during an emergency call? → Exact location of the emergency
18. Why is it crucial for a dispatcher to use standardized terminology and ten-codes when entering information into the CAD narrative? → To ensure clarity, consistency, and reduce the risk of miscommunication.
19. What is the importance of repeating key details during a call? → To confirm accuracy of information
20. What does the term 'interoperability' refer to in public safety communications? → The ability for different agencies to communicate on a shared radio system.
21. What does '10-4' typically mean in radio dispatching? → Message received
22. How should dispatch records be stored? → In secure, access-controlled systems
23. What is the primary function of radio communication in dispatching? → To communicate with field personnel efficiently
24. Which of the following is a common sign of acute stress in a dispatcher immediately following a critical incident? → Emotional numbness or feeling dazed and detached.
25. During a radio transmission, a field unit says, 'Control, 1-Adam-12, what is your 20?' What specific information is the unit requesting from the dispatcher? → Their location
26. Which of the following is considered an unhealthy coping mechanism for dealing with the chronic stress of being a public safety dispatcher? → Relying on alcohol or substance use to unwind.
27. What is the primary goal of emergency call handling? → To assess and dispatch appropriate emergency help
28. What does the term 'hundred block' refer to in the context of locating an address? → The numerical range of addresses on a street between two intersections.
29. What is the standard, nationally recognized abbreviation a dispatcher should use to open communication with a TDD/TTY user? → GA (Go Ahead)
30. In a CAD system, what does the acronym 'AVL' stand for and what is its purpose? → Automatic Vehicle Location; it tracks the geographic position of field units.