7.235 Voice Radio Communications

Question 1

What is the overall policy in regards to Voice Radio Communications?

Answer 1

It is the policy of the department to utilize and enforce uniform communications procedures to enhance the safety of members in field operations, to ensure the most effective use of the fixed and mobile communications systems, and to conform to applicable regulations.

Question 2

Under what circumstances can a field supervisor use the “self-dispatch” feature?

Answer 2

To close out or cancel calls after contacting the person reporting and/or resolving the call.

• After closing out the call, the supervisor is required to advise the dispatcher by sending an administrative message (preferred method) or advising over the radio

Question 3

Under what two circumstances can dispatch send units out of the area?

Answer 3

1. In the event of an emergency, or
2. Approval/direction from an area sergeant

• Includes Cadet and PSR units, but requires sergeant approval

Question 4

Under what two circumstances can dispatch send units out of jurisdiction?

Answer 4

1. A hold has been placed by this department, OR

2. Approved by the area lieutenant

Question 5

When plain clothes units are conducting an operation in an area, who must be notified?

Answer 5

1. A Communications supervisor, AND

2. The area sergeant

Question 6

What is the procedure for an officer who has a complaint about a Communications procedure?

Answer 6

The officer will contact their sergeant to discuss the complaint. The sergeant will then contact the Communications supervisor.

“At no time will complaints be directed to the dispatcher via telephone call or radio broadcast.”

Question 7

What is the overall policy in regards to Voice Radio Communications?

Answer 7

It is the policy of the department to utilize and enforce uniform communications procedures to enhance the safety of members in field operations, to ensure the most effective use of the fixed and mobile communications systems, and to conform to applicable regulations.

Question 8

In the event of voice communication breakdown, regarding SELF DISPATCH, field supervisors are responsible for what actions?

Answer 8

Supervisors:

1. Field supervisors are responsible to ensure officers are not using the self-dispatch feature outside detailed expections.
2. Field supervisors are permitted to utilize the self-dispatch feature under the following circumstances:
   a. To close out pending non-response required type calls without using the radio (i.e., a sergeant call a person reporting (PR) and determines a 416B subject is gone. The sergent can self-dispatch to update and close the call.).
   b. After contacting the PR and deeming the call can be cancelled, or if the sergeant resolves the call, the may utilize the self-dispatch feature.
3. In both cases, the supervisor is required to send an administrative message (preferred method) to the dispatcher or advise over the radio which event they have self-dispatched to in addition to updating the call with the appropriate dispostion and details.

Question 9

Dispatch will send units according to a predetermined Response Category Profile, what is a field supervisor role(s)?

Answer 9

The field supervisors will have the responsibility to supplement and delete field units responding to call in their area as the deem necessary, taking into account their knowledge of the incident, location, and participants involved. Supervisors maybe required to explain these variations of the RCP to their superiors. Supervisors are to avoid over response to calls and exercise discretion in these variations.