Radio Procedures - Dispatch, Talk Groups, Call Prioritization 1-2

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Questions and Answers

When should an incident be moved to an event Talk Group?

Whenever a dispatch officer recommends it.

Only if it is a multi-agency event.

When the incident commander requests it.

When the incident is large or prolonged and it is tactically safe to do so. (correct)

Who is responsible for assigning an event Talk Group?

The agency with primary jurisdiction.

The dispatch center. (correct)

The highest ranking officer on scene.

The incident commander.

What is the primary purpose of Metro Talk Groups?

To facilitate communication between agencies with different jurisdictions. (correct)

To handle high-volume calls during major incidents.

To provide backup channels for emergency situations.

To provide encrypted communication for sensitive information.

Which of the following events could necessitate the use of Metro Talk Groups?

An incident that crosses county lines. Signup and view all the answers

During a dynamic event that crosses state lines, how are assisting officers directed to the appropriate Metro Talk Group?

The assisting officer’s dispatch center directs them to a Metro Talk Group. Signup and view all the answers

When communicating with outside agencies or disciplines, what form of communication should officers use?

Simple and clear plain English. Signup and view all the answers

When is the use of the provided template mandated for large-scale events?

For events that require the use of ICS/NIMS protocols. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason for face-to-face contact between incident commanders in multi-agency events?

To exchange information and coordinate communication plans. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Douglas County 911 Communications Center?

To facilitate call taking and radio dispatch for the Omaha Police Department. Signup and view all the answers

What do Talk Groups in the radio system facilitate?

Seamless sharing of frequencies between assigned groups. Signup and view all the answers

How often does the Omaha Police Department review its call prioritization levels?

Continually and adjust as needed. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a 'Post' in the context of the Omaha Police Department's operations?

A fixed point or location to which an officer is assigned for duty. Signup and view all the answers

Which document governs the tactical radio communications for all-hazard incidents in the OPD?

The Tri-County Tactical Interoperable Communications (TTIC) Plan. Signup and view all the answers

When are Uniform Patrol Bureau (UPB) district cars expected to respond to calls during their shifts?

Until five minutes past their assigned call-in time. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a unit is dispatched in a precinct area other than its assigned area?

It is dispatched using the radio Channel for that precinct. Signup and view all the answers

What does a 'Channel' represent within the radio communication system?

A physical location on the radio for a Talk Group. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step taken by 911 Communications for a Priority 1 or 2 incident reported from within OPD’s jurisdiction but occurring outside of it?

Check for available units in the jurisdiction of the incident. Signup and view all the answers

When OPD officers arrive at an incident in their jurisdiction reported from outside, what action will they take?

Take control of the incident upon arrival. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when a person reports a 'cold' incident in another jurisdiction?

Direct them to the appropriate local agency. Signup and view all the answers

What process should a Dispatcher follow if there is a 'no answer' from an officer?

Call the officer’s sergeant after five attempts. Signup and view all the answers

When should encrypted Talk Groups be utilized by OPD employees?

When officer safety or investigative integrity is at risk. Signup and view all the answers

If an officer fails to respond to the radio, what must the supervisor do according to protocol?

Determine the reason for the failure to answer. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the broadcasts by field officers?

Broadcasts are only allowed for urgent crimes in progress or when necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a police unit is not available to respond in a timely manner for an incident outside OPD jurisdiction?

An OPD officer may be dispatched to assist. Signup and view all the answers

What must officers do when contacting 911 Communications by phone?

Use their normal radio call signs for identification. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of attempts a Dispatcher must make to contact a police unit before declaring 'no answer'?

Five attempts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using encrypted Talk Groups during an active investigation?

To communicate sensitive information safely. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure when a robbery is in progress according to the policies?

Immediate simulcasting with alert tones is required. Signup and view all the answers

What should officers do once they arrive on scene during an active investigation broadcast?

Clear the air on all channels to focus communications. Signup and view all the answers

What should the on-scene command officer notify after securing the scene?

That they are 88, or all secure. Signup and view all the answers

What phrase should the senior first responder use to establish command to 911 Communications?

Jones Street Command has been established. Signup and view all the answers

When should the on-scene Incident Commander consider moving officers to an event Channel?

When the event is stabilized and all personnel are aware. Signup and view all the answers

What must be done if there is a partial failure of the radio system?

Users can only communicate with units on the same radio tower site. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step officers should take if they cannot establish radio contact on the primary Talk Group?

Attempt to make contact on another primary Talk Group. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a user presses the Emergency button in Site Trunking Mode?

Emergency Call is set up but won't transmit until PTT is pressed. Signup and view all the answers

In the case of a vehicle pursuit, which information must be simulcasted by 911 Communications?

Direction of travel and most recent location of the pursuit. Signup and view all the answers

If radio contact is possible with 911 Communications but not with other units, officers should do what?

Advise the Dispatcher of the failure and switch to a back-up base station. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of emergency does NOT warrant simulcasting according to the guidelines?

Routine traffic stops. Signup and view all the answers

During large-scale incidents, what option does the Incident Commander have regarding primary and event Channels?

They can remain on the primary Channel and request that non-affected personnel move to another Channel. Signup and view all the answers

What should a command officer do if there is no radio contact available on any Talk Group?

Make cellular contact with 911 Communications. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if radio contact with 911 Communications cannot be established?

Attempt contact using another primary Talk Group. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of officers assisting an outside agency?

To switch over to the Talk Group of the primary agency. Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of Dispatchers during a system failure?

To switch to a back-up base station if the failure persists. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs after the incident is stabilized?

The operation will transition to an event Channel as per the Commander's discretion. Signup and view all the answers

What must officers do before changing their Talk Group to assist another agency?

Notify their Dispatch and confirm clear on the call. Signup and view all the answers

What crucial detail must command officers include when making cellular calls to 911 Communications?

Their usual radio call signs. Signup and view all the answers

What should the command officer do if they can establish radio contact with other mobile units but not with 911 Communications?

Make radio contact with 911 on a different primary Talk Group. Signup and view all the answers

How should communication on encrypted Channels be conducted?

Only for official purposes and in a professional manner. Signup and view all the answers

Under which circumstance can officers remain on their own dispatch when assisting another discipline?

If it is yet to be determined which event is primarily law enforcement or fire. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of Dispatch during an incident?

To ensure continuity of command and monitor primary dispatch channels. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation does NOT necessitate simulcasting according to the guidelines provided?

Routine patrol updates. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if an officer needs to communicate via an alternate Talk Group?

Conduct a roll call to ensure all units are aware and understand the switch. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Incident Commander regarding Event Talk Groups?

To determine when to move to an event Talk Group. Signup and view all the answers

In the case of a foot pursuit, what information should 911 Communications present?

Direction of travel and location of the pursuit. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about processing requests from outside agencies is correct?

Requests must be made on official agency letterhead. Signup and view all the answers

Which protocols should officers follow if a mobile radio malfunctions?

Check both mobile and portable radios before reporting. Signup and view all the answers

If officers are involved in a felony crime in progress and cannot maintain contact, which action is incorrect?

Continue without radio or back-up. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Douglas County 911 Communications Center (DC 911) Policy

DC 911 handles call-taking and radio dispatch for the Omaha Police Department (OPD).
OPD and other Douglas County law enforcement agencies use standardized radio Talk Groups and terminology.
All communications adhere to FCC procedures and requirements.

OPD Call Prioritization and Tactical Communications

Call response prioritization levels are reviewed and adjusted regularly.
OPD personnel adhere to the Tri-County Tactical Interoperable Communications (TTIC) Plan for all-hazard incidents.
Response times are subject to established call-in times, as seen in UPB Form 72.

Definitions

Area: A patrolling sergeant's geographic area, encompassing multiple patrol districts
Channel: The radio frequency location of a Talk Group (zone A-F, number 1-15)
Post: A fixed duty location for an officer.
Talk Group: An assigned radio communication group (e.g., Northeast Dispatch), facilitating seamless frequency sharing.

Call Handling Procedures

Calls outside primary precinct: Units in other precincts are dispatched via the relevant precinct's radio Channel. They return to their primary Channel when their assignment is complete.
Incident jurisdiction: For Priority 1 or 2 incidents outside OPD's jurisdiction (but reported within it), DC 911 handles as follows: if the incident is in Douglas/Sarpy County, units from that jurisdiction may respond; if not, OPD may be dispatched, handling the incident transfer to the correct jurisdiction.
"Cold" incidents: Callers reporting incidents in another jurisdiction are directed to the appropriate agency.
Officer broadcasts: General broadcasts are limited to urgent situations, crime occurrence, or expediency. Officers contact DC 911 via phone to provide details using pre-determined codes.
Failure to answer: A "no answer" declaration is made by the officer's supervisor, and appropriate steps are taken. This includes contacting and notifying the Deputy Chief regarding reasoning.

Encrypted Talk Groups

Encrypted Talk Groups are used for investigative/officer safety sensitive communications.
Reasons to encrypt: risk/compromise officer safety, maintain investigative integrity, sensitive tactical/investigative information, or by command order.
Protocol on switching to an encrypted Talk Group: locations/information are immediately communicated; additional updates are communicated; monitoring by non-involved officers from other precincts occurs; on-scene clearing is conducted.

Major Incidents

First responders communicate "Incident Command" establishment to DC 911.
Incident names are related to event (e.g., "Jones Street Command").
When incident is stabilized, shift to a dedicated "event Channel".

Radio System Failure

Site Trunking: If a control link fails, radio towers operate in site-trunking mode. Communication within the same site is possible.
Emergency calls: Emergency calls are handled differently in site-trunking mode.
Partial failures: Alternatives to radio communication are used, including contact via backup control stations, telephone, and portable radios. Roll calls are conducted.

Simulcasting

Simulcasting informs officers of ongoing incidents like felony crimes in progress, officer/firefighter assistance, pursuits, etc. This is done on non-involved Channels to enhance awareness and response.
Simulcasting for pursuits includes location and direction.

Interoperable Communications

Assisting outside agencies: Officers assisting outside agencies (within discipline) switch to the other agency's Talk Group. Verification of this activity is done by supervisors.
Other disciplines: Officers assist other disciplines if the nature of the issue is clear (command decisions).
Utilizing metro Talk Groups: These are used for crossing county/state lines, issues on the Missouri River, or involvement of non-law enforcement entities. A primary jurisdiction determines which Talk Group for assisting officers.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the DC 911 Communications Center policies and procedures. This quiz covers call handling, radio dispatch protocols, and communication terminology used by the Omaha Police Department and other agencies. Assess your understanding of the OPD call prioritization and tactical communications as outlined in the policy.