SDPD - San Diego Police Department Radio Communication Protocols Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An SDPD officer is involved in a multi-unit response to a large disturbance. To avoid congesting the primary dispatch channel with unit-to-unit coordination, what is the standard procedure?
- Use a cell phone to communicate with other units.
- Keep all transmissions on the primary channel but make them brief.
- Move communications to an assigned tactical (Tac) channel. (Correct answer)
- Limit communications to only emergency traffic.
Correct answer: Move communications to an assigned tactical (Tac) channel.
Tactical (Tac) channels are specifically designated for on-scene, unit-to-unit communications during an incident. This procedure keeps the main dispatch channel clear for other priority calls and allows for more effective coordination among responding officers without being broadcast city-wide on the primary frequency.
Question 2: An officer needs to broadcast a California license plate of '9CWX123' over the radio. Using the internationally recognized NATO phonetic alphabet, which of the following is the correct transmission?
- "Nine Charles William X-ray One Two Three"
- "Niner Charlie Whiskey X-ray One Two Three" (Correct answer)
- "Nine Company Walter X-ray One Two Three"
- "Niner Charlie William X-ray One Two Three"
Correct answer: "Niner Charlie Whiskey X-ray One Two Three"
The correct NATO phonetic alphabet words are 'Charlie' for C and 'Whiskey' for W. Additionally, it is standard practice to say 'Niner' for the number 9 to avoid confusion with the number 5 over a potentially distorted radio transmission. While some agencies historically used different phonetic alphabets (like the APCO/LAPD version), the NATO alphabet is the widely accepted standard for clarity.
Question 3: Which of the following radio transmissions best demonstrates proper radio discipline, often summarized as the 'ABCs' of communication?
- "Yeah, Control, we're over here by the donut shop, looks like it's all good."
- "Control, 1-Adam-12, show us Code 4 at the corner of 5th and Broadway. The RP is GOA." (Correct answer)
- "Hey dispatch, this is me, can you tell 1-Adam-13 to meet me? It's about that thing we discussed earlier."
- "1-Adam-12... Control... uh... standby... Control, we have a... never mind, it's nothing."
Correct answer: "Control, 1-Adam-12, show us Code 4 at the corner of 5th and Broadway. The RP is GOA."
This transmission is accurate (provides unit ID and clear status), brief (uses standard 'Code 4' and 'GOA' - Gone On Arrival), and clear (states location and disposition concisely). The other options are unprofessional, lack clarity, use ambiguous language, or demonstrate poor planning before transmitting, all of which violate proper radio discipline.
Question 4: An officer is the first to arrive at a chaotic scene and determines the situation is under control and no further assistance is needed. What is the most appropriate and universally understood radio transmission to relay this status?
- "Control, I'm 10-98."
- "Control, the situation is handled."
- "Control, we are all clear here."
- "Control, show me Code 4." (Correct answer)
Correct answer: "Control, show me Code 4."
"Code 4" is a widely used and understood radio code in California law enforcement meaning "No further assistance needed" or "the situation is under control." While other phrases might convey a similar meaning, "Code 4" is the standardized, brief, and clear term for this specific status update.
Question 5: An officer initiates a traffic stop and needs to run the driver's license. The primary dispatch channel is busy with a high-priority call. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the officer to take?
- Interrupt the priority traffic to run the license, as it is an officer safety issue.
- Wait for a complete break in all radio traffic, even if it takes several minutes, before keying the mic.
- Use the Mobile Data Computer (MDC) to run the information. (Correct answer)
- Switch to a tactical channel and ask another unit to run the license for them.
Correct answer: Use the Mobile Data Computer (MDC) to run the information.
The Mobile Data Computer (MDC) is the primary tool for running routine checks like licenses and plates. Using the MDC avoids congesting the voice radio channel, which is especially important when it is occupied with a priority incident. This allows dispatch and other units to focus on the active call while the officer can still obtain the necessary information efficiently.
Question 6: When broadcasting an 'Attempt to Locate' (ATL) for a wanted suspect, which of the following is the most critical information to provide immediately after the initial alert?
- The suspect's last known address.
- A detailed clothing description.
- The reason the suspect is wanted (e.g., the specific charge). (Correct answer)
- The case number for the report.
Correct answer: The reason the suspect is wanted (e.g., the specific charge).
Immediately after alerting units to an ATL, broadcasting the reason the person is wanted (e.g., 'wanted for 211 PC, armed with a handgun') is most critical for officer safety. This information allows responding officers to understand the potential threat level and adjust their tactics accordingly before they even receive a physical description.
SDPD - San Diego Police Department Radio Communication Protocols Questions and Answers
An SDPD officer is involved in a multi-unit response to a large disturbance.
To avoid congesting the primary dispatch channel with unit-to-unit coordination, what is the standard procedure?