PSD Radio Operations & Incident Dispatching 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a field unit requests a radio channel change during an active incident, what should the dispatcher do first?
- Immediately switch the unit to the requested channel
- Confirm the unit's current assignment and ensure coverage before switching (Correct answer)
- Deny the request until the incident is closed
- Notify a supervisor before taking any action
Correct answer: Confirm the unit's current assignment and ensure coverage before switching
The dispatcher must verify that the unit's current assignment will remain covered and that the new channel is appropriate before authorizing the switch.
Question 2: In radio communications, what does the term 'simplex' operation mean?
- Transmitting and receiving on two different frequencies simultaneously
- Transmitting and receiving on the same frequency, one at a time (Correct answer)
- Using encrypted channels for secure communications
- Relaying traffic through a repeater system
Correct answer: Transmitting and receiving on the same frequency, one at a time
Simplex operation uses a single frequency for both transmitting and receiving, requiring users to take turns speaking.
Question 3: A dispatcher receives simultaneous emergency transmissions from two different units. What is the correct protocol?
- Respond to the unit with higher call priority first and ask the other to stand by (Correct answer)
- Ignore both transmissions and wait for them to retry
- Attempt to answer both units at the same time
- Transfer one unit to another dispatcher without acknowledging
Correct answer: Respond to the unit with higher call priority first and ask the other to stand by
The dispatcher should address the highest-priority transmission first, then promptly acknowledge the second unit.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a radio dead zone in dispatch operations?
- An area where radio communications are unreliable or nonexistent due to terrain or interference (Correct answer)
- A designated quiet channel reserved for administrative traffic
- A timed lockout period after excessive radio use
- A zone where only supervisors may transmit
Correct answer: An area where radio communications are unreliable or nonexistent due to terrain or interference
Dead zones are geographic areas where radio signals cannot reliably reach due to topography, buildings, or interference.
Question 5: During a major incident, a dispatcher is told to implement 'radio silence' except for emergency traffic. Which transmission would be appropriate to make?
- A routine status check with all field units
- A request for a unit to pick up supplies
- A notification that a field officer is injured and needs immediate assistance (Correct answer)
- An administrative update about shift schedules
Correct answer: A notification that a field officer is injured and needs immediate assistance
Radio silence orders allow only true emergency transmissions; an officer injury requiring assistance qualifies as emergency traffic.
Question 6: What is meant by 'talk-around' mode on a radio system?
- Broadcasting on all channels simultaneously
- Direct unit-to-unit communication bypassing the repeater (Correct answer)
- Encrypting transmissions for secure communication
- Using a cell phone instead of a radio
Correct answer: Direct unit-to-unit communication bypassing the repeater
Talk-around (or direct mode) allows units to communicate directly without going through the repeater, useful when the repeater is down.
Question 7: When dispatching to a multi-agency incident, which radio practice helps prevent confusion among responding units?
- Using agency-specific jargon freely on shared channels
- Assigning a dedicated interoperability channel and using plain language (Correct answer)
- Allowing all agencies to transmit on their home channels simultaneously
- Restricting all communications to a single supervisor
Correct answer: Assigning a dedicated interoperability channel and using plain language
Assigning a shared interoperability channel and communicating in plain language ensures all agencies can understand radio traffic.
PSD Radio Operations & Incident Dispatching 2
When a field unit requests a radio channel change during an active incident, what should the dispatcher do first?