Personal Communication Devices

Questions and Answers

What is the primary restriction on carrying a Personal Communication Device (PCD) while in uniform?

It must be visible at all times.

It should be turned on loud for alerts.

It cannot be carried unless in an approved carrier. (correct)

It may be used for personal communications.

Which of the following personnel are allowed to keep their PCDs audible while on duty?

EMS and Contract Coordinators only.

Chief Officers only.

All firefighters.

Both B and C. (correct)

What is the guideline regarding personal business conduct using a PCD while on duty?

Personal business is always allowed.

Using PCDs for personal business is mandatory.

Brief personal communications are permitted. (correct)

All PCD communication should be work-related only.

In what situation can PCDs be used instead of radio communications?

When radio communications are impracticable or not feasible. Signup and view all the answers

What are members prohibited from doing with PCDs in terms of media?

Recording or taking pictures unless directly related to official business. Signup and view all the answers

What is the expectation regarding access to social networking sites while on duty?

Access is prohibited unless for official department business. Signup and view all the answers

What action should members take if they are aware of inappropriate conduct using PCDs?

Report it to a supervisor promptly. Signup and view all the answers

What is a responsibility of supervisors regarding PCD use?

Setting limits on personal device use. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary responsibility of supervisors regarding Personal Communication Devices (PCDs)?

Provide training on their use Signup and view all the answers

What should members ensure before conducting an administrative search of a PCD?

Consult with the Fire Chief or authorized designee Signup and view all the answers

When is it deemed acceptable to use a Personal Communication Device (PCD) while driving?

Only for urgent matters while the vehicle is stopped Signup and view all the answers

Why should caution be exercised when using Personal Communication Devices (PCDs)?

Conversations can be intercepted or overheard Signup and view all the answers

What expectation of privacy exists for members using personally owned PCDs?

No expectation of privacy during administrative searches Signup and view all the answers

How should sensitive or private communications ideally be conducted?

On a secure land-based or department communications network Signup and view all the answers

What is required when a member is reported for improper use of a PCD?

A thorough investigation should be initiated when warranted Signup and view all the answers

What type of calls should hands-free use of PCDs be restricted to?

Business-related and urgent calls Signup and view all the answers

What is the expectation of privacy for members using personally owned PCDs in the workplace?

Reduced expectation of privacy when using PCDs Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can members use their personally owned PCD to record or disclose department business-related information?

With express authorization from the Fire Chief or designee Signup and view all the answers

What is the policy regarding the inspection and access of data on a member's personally owned PCD?

Use of a personally owned PCD implies consent for the Department to access it for various needs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT required from members regarding personally owned PCDs when carried on-duty?

Removing personal applications from the device Signup and view all the answers

When are members required to engage in department business-related communications using their PCDs?

With prior express authorization from their supervisors Signup and view all the answers

What should members do if they work off-duty and engage in department-related communications?

Document the time worked and communicate it to their supervisors Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly reflects the Department's policy on the use of personal PCDs during off-duty hours?

Members can choose to respond at their discretion without obligations Signup and view all the answers

What requirement exists concerning documentation of off-duty departmental activities?

Members independently documenting must provide records to the Department Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Use of Personal Communication Devices (PCD)

PCDs must not be visible while in uniform unless in an approved carrier.
All PCDs in the workplace should be set to silent or vibrate mode, with exceptions for Chief Officers and EMS/Contract Coordinators.
Personal use of PCDs while on duty is prohibited, except for brief communications about family matters.
Limit PCD use to authorized breaks unless an emergency requires otherwise.
PCDs can be used for communication when radio isn't feasible but should not replace traditional radio communications.
Members are forbidden from taking pictures, audio/video recordings, or making copies unless related to official business; unauthorized disclosure may lead to disciplinary action.
Accessing social networking sites for non-work purposes using a PCD is not permitted.
Harassment, threats, or inappropriate conduct via PCDs is prohibited; members must report violations to a supervisor.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Supervisors must provide training to members about PCD usage per policy guidelines.
They should monitor PCD use and take corrective actions if misuse occurs, initiating investigations when necessary.
Prior consultation with the Fire Chief is required before any administrative search of a member's personal device.

Official Use of PCD

PCDs lack security; conversations may be intercepted, hence sensitive communications should occur on secure networks.
Members must limit sensitive discussions via PCDs and switch to land-based department networks as soon as possible.

Use While Driving

PCD use while driving can distract from safe operation and is generally restricted, especially in emergency vehicles.
Firefighters should only use PCDs for urgent matters, preferably pulling over to do so.
Unless in an emergency, non-emergency vehicles without lights/siren should not use PCDs unless hands-free technology is employed.
Hands-free use should be restricted to business-related or urgent calls.

Privacy and Access

Members using personal PCDs have reduced privacy expectations in the workplace and none regarding department-related communications.
Recording or sharing department business without approval is forbidden.
Using a personal PCD implies member consent for departmental access to inspect and copy data as needed.
If on duty with a PCD, members must provide the department with their telephone number.
Members aren’t required to monitor or respond to electronic communications off-duty unless expressly authorized by supervisors.
Approved off-duty communications should be documented for compensation purposes, with records provided to the department for accurate tracking.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz focuses on the policy manual regarding Personal Communication Devices (PCDs) as outlined by the New Lenox Fire Protection District. It covers the training of members and monitoring practices in accordance with the policy. Participants will test their understanding of the guidelines and protocols associated with PCDs.

Personal Communication Devices - Policy Manual