14. Radio Procedures Flashcards
Why is it important that we adhere to radio communication procedures?
To preserve the security of the information being transmitted.
Regardless of how secure the equipment you are using may be, always operate on the basis that someone could be listening in on your transmissions.
What are the functions of Call Signs?
- to protect the identity of the parties involved
- simplify communication between large groups of people
Give an example of how call signs may be used.
Call signs can based either on the Phonetic alphabet or a person’s area of responsibility.
E.g., Charlie 1, 2 and 3 for team members. Or, if at a rock concerts the three members assigned to the stage may be called stage 1, 2 and 3.
What is the purpose of using code words?
To prevent the true nature of the subject being discussed from being overheard by uninvited listeners.
Give an example of when the use of code words might be useful.
A security officer receives a radio call informing him that the door to one of the venue’s cash offices has a broken lock.
The call also informs him that the staff member at that location will be leaving the area unattended for a period of time.
He is therefore requested to get someone there to keep an eye on the money. If anyone were listening in on the conversation, it would be a simple matter of getting there first or worse, taking the officer out of the picture and helping themselves to the contents of the cash office.
Give examples of how code words can be assigned to a specific location.
E.g., rather than saying the cash office on the third floor in the member’s area, you could refer to its location as “Members 3”.
Give examples of how code words can be assigned to specific incidents.
Incidents can also be assigned code words such as “Code Blue”, which might refer to a non-crucial incident requiring assistance when possible.
An incident that requires more immediate assistance but is not yet dangerous could be a “Code Yellow” and a serious incident that requires immediate assistance could be a “Code Red”.
Similarly, specific incidents can be assigned specific code words. For example, a violent situation could be “Cyclone”. Back up needed could be “Tanto.”
“Cash office to security. We have a Code Blue at Members 3. Require assistance.” “OK cash office. Escort one en route to Members 3.”
What are the 3 main key words used to convey certain messages over the radio?
- ROGER: means message understood
- OVER: Call sign has transmitted and awaiting reply
- OUT: Call sign is finished transmitting at this time
What is the correct procedure to follow when transmitting a message over the radio?
- Start the message with your call sign and then say the call sign of the person you wish to contact.
- Any time you expect a response, finish your transmission with the word OVER. This will let the person you are talking to know you are waiting for their reply.
- When you are responding to someone else’s message, use the word ROGER to let them know you have understood their transmission. If you didn’t understand the transmission for some reason ask them to repeat the message by saying, “Repeat last call”.
- When you have finished your transmission and wish to end the conversation use the word OUT. This lets the person you are talking to know that you are finished. It also lets anyone else waiting to use the radio know that the channel is clear and they can go ahead.
What are some Common Problems with Radio Procedures?
- Cutting short transmissions
- Not paying attention to radio calls
- Babbling
Expand on the common problem of Cutting Radio Transmissions Short.
This is when someone accidentally cuts off the first few seconds of a transmission.
By doing this, the caller effectively cuts off their own call sign. As a result, all you hear is your call sign with no idea of who is calling.
To prevent this problem from occurring, simply push the transmit button on the radio and count to two before you begin to relay your message.
Expand on the common problem of not paying attention to Radio Transmissions.
Be aware of your call sign and be vigilant for its use.
It is annoying when someone won’t answer their radio either because they are not paying attention to transmissions or because they have turned their unit down and can no longer hear it properly.
The solutions to both these problems are simple – pay attention to radio calls and check your volume at regular intervals.
What procedures should you follow if you will be unavailable to answer your radio communications?
If you are going to be unavailable for any period of time, call your supervisor and let them know and then inform them when you are back on air.
If you are tied up with a patron or in the middle of something, rather than ignoring your radio, respond with your caller’s call sign followed by your own and then say “stand by”. When you are free to talk, open radio communications with the last caller using correct procedure and say “go ahead”.
Expand on the common problem of babbling Radio Transmissions.
People who babble distract other staff, clog up radio channels and make it difficult for anyone else trying to use the radio.
Name some of the few basic guidelines for training in the correct use of radios.
- During training sessions, set up a program designed to get staff familiar with using call signs and code words. Simulate instances and responses to situations using the radio so that everyone gets experience using the correct procedures. This is the best practice other than on the job experience.
- Try to use the best quality radio that you can afford. These will usually be more reliable and offer better clarity.
- Become familiar with the radio. Make sure you can operate all of its switches, by feel, in the dark.
- Make sure you have spare batteries and suitable recharging equipment.
- Keep talk time to a bare minimum. No chit chat. Operational use only.
- An ear piece is recommended for added security and clarity, especially when in high noise areas. It also enables you to receive messages hands free.
- Remember, everything you say can be heard. Therefore, don’t say anything you do not want anyone one else to hear.
- Learn the Phonetic Alphabet. Any word can be spelled out with clarity using this internationally recognised protocol.
- Don’t forget to do a radio check not only when you first receive your radio but again when you are in your area of operation.
