PSD Dispatch Technologies and Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the acronym CAD stand for in public safety dispatching?
- Computer-Aided Dispatch (Correct answer)
- Centralized Alert Database
- Communications and Data
- Coordinated Agency Dispatch
Correct answer: Computer-Aided Dispatch
CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) is the software system used to process and manage emergency calls and unit assignments.
Question 2: In a CAD system, what is a 'premise history' used for?
- Tracking unit availability
- Displaying prior incident records at a specific address (Correct answer)
- Logging dispatcher login times
- Routing calls to the correct PSAP
Correct answer: Displaying prior incident records at a specific address
Premise history in CAD shows previous incidents at a specific location, alerting responders to recurring hazards or special circumstances.
Question 3: Which technology allows a caller's location to be automatically delivered to a PSAP when dialing 911?
- VoIP routing
- Automatic Location Identification (ALI) (Correct answer)
- Geographic Information System
- Selective Router Override
Correct answer: Automatic Location Identification (ALI)
ALI (Automatic Location Identification) transmits the caller's address or coordinates to the PSAP along with the incoming 911 call.
Question 4: What is the primary function of a selective router in a 911 system?
- Recording all calls for quality review
- Directing 911 calls to the appropriate PSAP based on the caller's location (Correct answer)
- Encrypting radio traffic
- Managing CAD incident prioritization
Correct answer: Directing 911 calls to the appropriate PSAP based on the caller's location
A selective router routes incoming 911 calls to the correct PSAP based on the originating telephone number and geographic boundaries.
Question 5: What does 'ANI' provide to a PSAP during an incoming 911 call?
- The caller's medical history
- The caller's phone number (Correct answer)
- The caller's GPS coordinates
- The nearest unit's status
Correct answer: The caller's phone number
ANI (Automatic Number Identification) delivers the calling party's telephone number to the PSAP, aiding callback and location lookup.
Question 6: Which Next Generation 911 (NG911) feature allows citizens to send text messages to a PSAP?
- IP-based call routing
- Text-to-911 (Correct answer)
- RapidSOS integration
- Enhanced ALI
Correct answer: Text-to-911
Text-to-911 is an NG911 capability that enables users to send SMS messages to a 911 center when voice calls are not possible.
Question 7: A dispatcher notices a CAD unit-status field showing 'OOS.' What does this typically indicate?
- The unit is en route to a scene
- The unit is out of service and unavailable for calls (Correct answer)
- The unit has cleared the scene
- The unit is on a staging assignment
Correct answer: The unit is out of service and unavailable for calls
OOS (Out of Service) indicates the unit is unavailable for assignment, often due to mechanical issues, crew needs, or administrative reasons.
PSD Dispatch Technologies and Systems 2
What does the acronym CAD stand for in public safety dispatching?