Radio Communications Procedures for Patrol and Jail Management

Radio Communications Procedures

• This course covers radio use and procedures, including discussion and demonstration.

Objectives

• Operate and understand functions of assigned radio equipment
• Identify the ABC2 Rules of Radio Transmission
• Discuss three methods of improving transmissions during emergencies
• Describe how to initiate and acknowledge radio transmissions
• Apply Interoperability principles and appropriate use of plain language
• Appropriately use the Phonetic Alphabet
• Identify five effective radio/microphone techniques

Radio Equipment

• Portable Radios: handheld receiver-transmitter using a battery as a power source and integrated antenna; limited range (approximately 1-mile)
• Mobile Radios: receiver-transmitter mounted inside a vehicle; powered by the vehicle battery (power system) which increases the effective range; higher antenna also increases range
• Trunked Radio Systems: allow multiple users to operate on fewer frequencies; frequencies are assigned to tower sites; importance: radio spectrum is very busy and limited
• Conventional systems: use radio-to-radio (direct) communication or a system of repeater sites; repeaters use more powerful radios and taller towers to receive and repeat transmissions

ABC2 Rules of Radio Transmission

• A: ACCURACY - get the desired information to the receiving party without errors
• B: BREVITY - avoid unnecessary or repetitious words
• C: COURTESY - respect reflected in tone of voice
• C2: CLARITY - ability to be understood; say what is expected in the proper format; speak clearly and concisely

Improving Transmissions during Emergencies

• Minimize noise around you (wind noise, screaming, etc.)
• Maintain composure and keep calm during stressful situations
• DO NOT shout (over-modulates the microphone and disrupts communications)

Initiating and Acknowledging Radio Transmissions

• When initiating traffic, state your badge number and then the identifier of the person you are trying to contact
• Always provide your location when initiating contact or when called or when going out on a stop or incident
• Acknowledge radio transmissions directed to you by saying "understood", using the appropriate 10-code, or identifying yourself by badge number

Interoperability and Plain Language

• Use plain language for multi-agency, multijurisdictional, and multi-discipline events to improve interoperability
• Avoid using private codes or terminology during these events
• Be aware that language or terms used may be unique to one jurisdiction or discipline and may not be common to others outside of that group

Phonetic Alphabet

• Used to improve clarity and understanding over the radio
• Law Enforcement in Missouri generally uses the Police (LAPD) Phonetic alphabet (A-Adam, B-Boy, C-Charles, etc.)
• Some agencies may use the International (military) alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.)

Effective Radio/Microphone Techniques

• Microphones are sensitive; position the microphone at a 45-degree angle to avoid picking up breath sounds and hold the microphone one inch from your lips
• LISTEN to make sure nobody else is talking; LISTEN for dispatch to sign off
• THINK before you SPEAK; collect your thoughts before calling to avoid dead air or verbal signs
• Conventional radio repeater systems have a slight delay in keying; wait a few seconds to allow the electronics to catch up
• The location of your radio antenna will affect your transmission; avoid blocking yourself by parking too near buildings, under power lines or overpasses

This lesson plan covers radio use and procedures, including operating and understanding assigned radio equipment and identifying ABC2 Rules. It includes discussion and demonstration.