PSD Dispatch Technologies and Systems 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the role of GIS (Geographic Information System) in modern dispatch operations?
- Encrypting radio communications
- Providing map-based visual data to support incident location and unit routing (Correct answer)
- Managing dispatcher shift scheduling
- Automating mutual aid requests
Correct answer: Providing map-based visual data to support incident location and unit routing
GIS gives dispatchers visual mapping tools to pinpoint incident locations, display unit positions, and support routing decisions.
Question 2: What does 'interoperability' mean in the context of public safety communications?
- The ability of different agencies' radio systems to communicate with each other (Correct answer)
- The process of transferring 911 calls between PSAPs
- A CAD feature for multi-agency incident logging
- The standard for encrypting digital radio traffic
Correct answer: The ability of different agencies' radio systems to communicate with each other
Interoperability refers to the ability of public safety agencies using different radio systems to communicate seamlessly during incidents.
Question 3: Which radio system standard is widely used for digital public safety communications in North America?
- TETRA
- P25 (Project 25) (Correct answer)
- DMR Tier III
- NXDN
Correct answer: P25 (Project 25)
Project 25 (P25/APCO-25) is the North American standard for digital radio communications used by public safety agencies.
Question 4: What is a 'trunked radio system'?
- A system that records all radio traffic automatically
- A system that dynamically assigns channels from a pool to users as needed (Correct answer)
- A dedicated point-to-point radio link between two PSAPs
- A backup radio system activated during power outages
Correct answer: A system that dynamically assigns channels from a pool to users as needed
A trunked radio system uses a controller to automatically assign available channels from a shared pool, improving spectrum efficiency.
Question 5: What is the purpose of an Incident Command System (ICS) number within a CAD system?
- To identify the PSAP handling the call
- To assign a unique tracking number to each incident for reference and documentation (Correct answer)
- To encrypt sensitive call data
- To designate mutual aid resource levels
Correct answer: To assign a unique tracking number to each incident for reference and documentation
An ICS or incident number is a unique identifier assigned by CAD to each incident, enabling consistent tracking, retrieval, and documentation.
Question 6: During a major incident, a dispatcher needs to activate mutual aid. Which system is commonly used to track and request resources from neighboring agencies?
- NCIC
- WebEOC (Correct answer)
- NLETS
- AFIS
Correct answer: WebEOC
WebEOC is a web-based crisis information management system commonly used to coordinate resources and track mutual aid requests during major incidents.
Question 7: What does 'PSAP' stand for?
- Public Safety Answering Point (Correct answer)
- Primary System Alert Protocol
- Public Service Agency Platform
- Personnel Safety Assessment Program
Correct answer: Public Safety Answering Point
PSAP stands for Public Safety Answering Point, the official term for a 911 dispatch center that receives emergency calls.
PSD Dispatch Technologies and Systems 3
What is the role of GIS (Geographic Information System) in modern dispatch operations?