Radio Operations & Incident Dispatching Flashcards
7 cards from real PSD practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Radio Operations & Incident Dispatching flashcards as text
A dispatcher is unable to reach a field unit after multiple attempts. What is the appropriate next step?
Answer: Immediately notify a supervisor and attempt contact through alternate means
Failure to contact a field unit is a potential officer safety issue and requires immediate supervisory notification and alternate contact attempts.
What information should a dispatcher broadcast in an 'officer down' radio alert?
Answer: Location, description of what occurred, officer's condition, and resources needed
An officer down alert must include precise location, nature of the event, known condition, and what responders are needed.
Which phonetic alphabet letter represents the letter 'M' in the NATO phonetic alphabet used in public safety dispatching?
Answer: Mike
In the NATO phonetic alphabet, 'M' is represented by 'Mike,' the international standard used in public safety communications.
What does the term 'incident command frequency' refer to in radio dispatching?
Answer: A dedicated radio channel assigned for command-level coordination at a major incident
The incident command frequency is a designated channel that allows incident commanders to coordinate resources without congesting tactical channels.
A caller reports that a fire is spreading rapidly in a residential neighborhood. When broadcasting this to fire units, what is the highest priority piece of information?
Answer: The exact address and cross street of the fire
The exact location with a cross street enables units to reach the scene quickly and without confusion.
In dispatch, what is the purpose of a 'callback' procedure after an initial radio broadcast?
Answer: To verify that all assigned units received and understood the dispatched information
A callback confirms receipt and understanding of critical dispatch information, reducing the risk of units missing key details.
Under NIMS, the term 'unified command' affects radio operations by:
Answer: Coordinating communication plans across multiple agency commanders sharing authority
Unified command integrates multiple agency commanders, requiring coordinated communication plans that allow each agency to retain its radio infrastructure while sharing key channels.