PSD Radio Operations & Incident Dispatching 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A dispatcher is unable to reach a field unit after multiple attempts. What is the appropriate next step?
- Log the failed attempts and wait 30 minutes before trying again
- Immediately notify a supervisor and attempt contact through alternate means (Correct answer)
- Clear the unit from the incident log
- Assume the unit is busy and continue dispatching other units
Correct 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.
Question 2: What information should a dispatcher broadcast in an 'officer down' radio alert?
- Only the officer's name and badge number
- Location, description of what occurred, officer's condition, and resources needed (Correct answer)
- The officer's home address and emergency contact information
- A general area description without specific location details
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which phonetic alphabet letter represents the letter 'M' in the NATO phonetic alphabet used in public safety dispatching?
- Metro
- Mike (Correct answer)
- Mary
- Manila
Correct answer: Mike
In the NATO phonetic alphabet, 'M' is represented by 'Mike,' the international standard used in public safety communications.
Question 4: What does the term 'incident command frequency' refer to in radio dispatching?
- The primary channel used by the 911 call-taker to receive incoming calls
- A dedicated radio channel assigned for command-level coordination at a major incident (Correct answer)
- A backup frequency used only when the main repeater fails
- A channel reserved for statewide mutual aid requests
Correct 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.
Question 5: 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?
- The caller's phone number
- The exact address and cross street of the fire (Correct answer)
- The names of the residents
- The time the call was received
Correct 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.
Question 6: In dispatch, what is the purpose of a 'callback' procedure after an initial radio broadcast?
- To allow units to discuss administrative matters on the tactical channel
- To verify that all assigned units received and understood the dispatched information (Correct answer)
- To cancel a previously dispatched call
- To relay information to a neighboring jurisdiction
Correct 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.
Question 7: Under NIMS, the term 'unified command' affects radio operations by:
- Requiring all agencies to operate on a single encrypted channel
- Coordinating communication plans across multiple agency commanders sharing authority (Correct answer)
- Eliminating the need for interoperable radio channels
- Giving one agency sole control over all radio traffic
Correct 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.
PSD Radio Operations & Incident Dispatching 3
A dispatcher is unable to reach a field unit after multiple attempts.
What is the appropriate next step?