Radio Procedures - Signals, Codes, Call Signs

Omaha Police Department (OPD) Radio Procedures

• OPD policy mandates proper radio procedures, signals, codes, and call signs for all sworn and non-sworn personnel.
• Policy is continuously reviewed and updated as needed.

Vehicle Description

• Vehicle descriptions follow a specific order (CYMMBALS).
• "D" after code number = Domestic Violence.
• "L" after code number = Limited English Proficiency (LEP) incident.
• "MH" after code number = Mental Health-related incident (officer discretion).

Officer Call Disposition Codes

• Officers provide one disposition code upon returning to service.
• Additional details given if needed for future reference (e.g., Code 8, Code 7).
• Officers use best judgment in identifying and reporting priority codes.

Records Check/Signal Responses

• Officer requests for records checks (NCIC, NCIS, WANTS, STOLEN) receive a "Signal" response for officer safety.
• 911 dispatch handles stolen vehicle checks and some limited information.
• Officers should minimize suspect hearing requests/responses.
• "Signal" prefix distinguishes from disposition codes.
• "Bound Over" subjects in the IMS are signaled.

Signal 66T (Suspected Terrorist Organization Member)

• OPD informs officers if a person is a suspected terrorist.

• FBI entries to NCIC: Violent Gang and Terrorist Organizational File.

• Information Operators signal "66T" if a subject matches that category.

• OPD Form 74 (Record Check/Signal Response Card) reflects this signal.

• Officer Contact (Signal 66T):

  • Information is strictly for officer use.
  • Officers do not alert the subject to FBI interest.
  • NCIC provides specific programmed warning statements.
  • FBI categorization:

• Category 1: Formal charges (Most Wanted), caution, warning, arrest, detention, FBI contact.

• Category 2: Counter-terrorism interest, caution, detention, questioning, FBI contact.

• Category 3: Full domestic/international terrorism investigations, caution, no arrest unless violation, investigation, FBI contact.

• Category 4: Active investigative interest, caution, no arrest unless violation, investigation, FBI contact, Intelligence Unit contact, OPD Form 150 and Form 42 forwarding.

Signal X Criteria

• "Signal X" designation indicates specific offenses: arson, assault, bomb threats, escape, false imprisonment, flight, kidnapping, murder/manslaughter, officer alert, protection order violation, resisting, robbery/attempted robbery, sexual assault, stalking, terroristic threats, weapons violations.
• "Signal X" knowledge, combined with other factors, may justify a pat-down search.

Signal D Criteria (Infectious Disease)

• "Signal D" indicates a known/suspected infectious disease case at an address.
• A temporary address designation.
• Officers to don PPE (face masks, gloves) before approaching.
• Interviews/investigations to be conducted outside, when possible.

Rescue Squad Transportation Codes

• Codes inform officers of victim condition.
• Code 1: Minimal or no apparent injury, examination.
• Code 2: Obvious, non-serious illness/injury.
• Code 3: Apparent serious injury needing immediate attention.
• Code 4: Fatal injury.
• Code 5: Deceased infant.
• Code 99: Life-threatening situation, CPR in progress.
• TCC: Trauma center candidate.

Radio Format/Procedure

• Officers use a specific radio format, generally.
• Radio call signs use beat designations (100, 200, 300, 400, 500 series) aligned with their assigned precinct area.
• Beats to provide location to dispatch, which may change throughout the shift.
• Radio shift designations 1-3 influence beat designations.
• Selected schools have direct access for life-threatening emergencies, radio call sign = school name.

This quiz covers the radio procedures and protocols mandated by the Omaha Police Department (OPD). It focuses on vehicle descriptions, officer call disposition codes, and records check responses, ensuring comprehension of the essential codes and signals for effective communication. Test your knowledge and understanding of these crucial policies.