LAFD Communication Channels Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the mutual aid 8TAC channels?

They are limited to internal communications within a Bureau.

They are exclusively for direct communication only.

They work in both direct and repeat mode. (correct)

They can only be used one at a time.

When a tactical area is activated, what does MFC switch to?

Emergency Incident Procedures.

Fallback Communications Plan. (correct)

Tactical Command Structure.

Standard Communication Protocol.

Which channel should be used for incidents outside the tactical alert area in Operations Central Bureau?

Channel 7 (correct)

8TAC91

LFD T-1

Channel 1

What happens to the tactical area dispatch frequencies once MFC transfers responsibility to Area Command?

They are released for use by Area Command. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having Operations South Bureau, Operations Valley Bureau, and Operations West Bureau share tactical frequencies?

To minimize frequency interference by maximizing distance separation. Signup and view all the answers

Which channel is specifically designated for communication between Incident Commanders and their respective Area Command?

Bureau Command frequency Signup and view all the answers

What must Incident Commanders do once an FCP is activated?

Use tactical channels assigned to the Area Command. Signup and view all the answers

Which channel is used for communicating between different Area Commands?

Channel 11 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of implementing Mode-1?

To increase communication capability during overwhelming incidents Signup and view all the answers

When should Mode-2 be initiated?

When the voice repeater system is compromised but other systems are operational Signup and view all the answers

What happens to dispatch capabilities in Mode-3?

Normal dispatch capability is completely compromised Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the impact of Mode-2 on field operations?

Direct communication tactics may be necessary due to reduced performance Signup and view all the answers

What type of incidents led to the effective use of Mode-1?

Large-scale protests with numerous incidents Signup and view all the answers

How does Mode-1 specifically enhance MFC's capabilities?

By decentralizing dispatching into multiple channels Signup and view all the answers

What is the operational status of mutual aid repeaters during Mode-3?

Mutual aid repeaters are operational at only two sites Signup and view all the answers

What communication strategy is employed when the voice repeater system is down in Mode-2?

Switching to Mount Lukens repeater to mitigate the impact Signup and view all the answers

What should members do when using cache radios or radios not regularly assigned?

Notify MFC through their assigned officer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Area Communications Unit at each Command Post?

Aggregate radio traffic and forward it to necessary operations. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if MFC is non-operational?

There will be no emergency trigger capability. Signup and view all the answers

How do amateur radio operators assist during communications failures?

They relay important information using Mode-4. Signup and view all the answers

What organization oversees the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) during disasters?

The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES). Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Bureau/Area Communications Units during a major incident?

To cover any Battalion Communications Unit that is inactive. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element of mutual aid emergency communications during disasters?

Control and management of communications by CalOES. Signup and view all the answers

What should members do to ensure their radios are identified within the MFC Radio Alias Database?

Notify their assigned officer for programming. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

LAFD Communications Protocols

LAFD channels can operate in direct or repeat mode depending on frequency assignment.
Mutual aid 8TAC channels function in both direct and repeat modes, but with limited capabilities in repeat mode.
Only one 8TAC channel can be used per repeater site to avoid interference, e.g., 8TAC91 SPH and 8TAC91 VPK cannot be used simultaneously.

Tactical Area Operations

Upon tactical area activation, the MFC switches to the Fallback Communications Plan (FCP) relevant to the affected Bureau.
Additional frequencies are provided for dispatch, with Operations Central Bureau (OCB) using LFD T-1 inside tactical alert areas and Channel 7 outside those areas.
MFC can transfer dispatch responsibility to Area Command for incidents within tactical alert areas and release specific frequencies for their use (Channels 1, 2, 3, or 13).

Incident Commander Communication

Incident Commanders must use tactical channels assigned to the Area Command for their incident, primarily in direct mode.
Operations South, Valley, and West Bureaus share tactical frequencies to enhance communication distance and minimize interference.
Communication between Incident Commanders and Area Command occurs on Bureau Command frequency, using Channel 11 for inter-Area Command communications.

Radio Identification and Non-Operational Status

Members with cache or non-assigned radios should notify MFC for proper FCC radio identification programming.
No emergency trigger capability is available if MFC is non-operational.

Bureau/Area Communications Unit Structure

Each Area Command Post has a communications unit leader and emergency communicators primarily responsible for relaying radio traffic.
This unit supports any Battalion Communications Unit that fails to activate.

Auxiliary Communication Services (ACS)

When the radio system malfunctions, amateur radio operators can relay vital information (Mode-4).
Amateur operators respond to specified MFC zones, Area Command Posts, and a Mobile Radio Command Trailer.
The amateur radio program operates under the Fire Department's supervision, adhering to California's CalOES regulations.

Dispatch Modes Overview

Mode-1: Implemented when normal channels are overwhelmed; MFC decentralizes dispatching into four channels and enhances capability using available talk groups and mutual-aid channels.
Effective Example: Mode-1 saw success during the 2020 Safe LA Protest, allowing enhanced communication management.
Mode-2: Activated when 9-site voice repeater systems fail but backup systems remain operational; may result in reduced voice performance, especially in South and West Bureaus.
Mode-3: Initiated when Mutual Aid repeaters function at only two sites (San Pedro and Verdugo) and normal dispatch capabilities are compromised; designated mutual aid channels are used for dispatching.

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Description

This quiz covers the operational aspects of LAFD communication channels, including the usage of 8TAC channels in direct and repeat modes. It also discusses the limitations and assignments of frequencies to ensure effective communication among members. Understanding these channels is crucial for efficient coordination during emergency responses.