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
During a radio transmission, a field unit uses an unfamiliar agency code. What should the dispatcher do?
Answer: Ask the unit to repeat using plain language to ensure accurate understanding
Requesting plain language clarification prevents misinterpretation of codes that may differ across agencies or jurisdictions.
A dispatcher notices that radio traffic on a tactical channel is becoming congested with non-essential transmissions. The best course of action is to:
Answer: Broadcast a reminder for units to limit transmissions to incident-related traffic only
A brief broadcast reminding units to restrict transmissions to essential traffic helps clear congestion and maintain operational effectiveness.
In Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), what is the purpose of the 'pending' queue?
Answer: To hold calls that have been received but not yet dispatched to a unit
The pending queue contains calls awaiting assignment, allowing the dispatcher to prioritize and manage workload effectively.
What is the significance of confirming a unit's status as 'on scene' during an incident?
Answer: It updates the CAD record, starts the on-scene timer, and allows the dispatcher to monitor scene duration
On-scene confirmation updates the CAD system, enables duration tracking, and ensures the dispatcher maintains situational awareness of the unit's location.
When relaying information about a suspect vehicle over the radio, in what order should descriptors typically be broadcast?
Answer: Color, make, model, license plate, direction of travel
Broadcasting the most visually identifiable characteristics first—color, make, model—followed by the plate and direction helps units quickly locate the vehicle.
A dispatcher receives a report that a unit has been in a traffic accident. After broadcasting emergency assistance, what is the next priority action?
Answer: Ensure medical units are dispatched and notify the unit's supervisor
After alerting resources, the dispatcher must ensure EMS is en route and the supervisor is notified so command-level decisions can be made promptly.
What is the role of Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) in radio dispatching?
Answer: It provides real-time GPS positions of field units to assist the dispatcher in selecting the closest available resource
AVL gives dispatchers live location data to identify and assign the closest appropriate unit, reducing response times.