Communicating with Dispatch

Communication from Officers to Dispatch

Effective communication with dispatch is crucial for the safety and efficiency of both officers and the public. Utilizing ten-codes in radio communication not only streamlines interactions but also ensures clarity and brevity. Below are guidelines and examples on how to properly communicate with dispatch.

Always Be Clear and Concise

When initiating contact with dispatch, it's vital to be both clear and concise. This means speaking calmly, clearly, and using standardized ten-codes. Here's an example:

• Incorrect: "Hey, I'm over here at the corner of 5th and Main, and I've got a situation with a guy who seems kinda suspicious. Can you check if he's known to us?"

• Correct: "Dispatch, this is GD-202, Requesting backup on a suspicious male subject, corner of 5th and Main. Over."

Confirm Receipt

Always confirm you've received and understood dispatch's messages:

• Example: "Dispatch, GD 202, Copy on that last message. Advancing with caution."

Keep the Line Clear for Important Communication

Engage in radio communication only when necessary to keep the line clear for urgent transmissions.

• Remember: Use the concise language for swift and efficient communication, ensuring the line is open for critical updates.

By following these guidelines and employing concise language, officers can maintain clear and efficient communication with dispatch, ensuring swift responses and safety for all involved.

Communication From Dispatch to Officers

Just as officers need to communicate effectively with dispatch, it's equally important for them to understand and appropriately respond to communications initiated by dispatch. Here are some guidelines and examples on how to properly respond to dispatch communications.

Understanding Dispatch Calls

When you receive a call or message from dispatch, it's crucial to listen carefully, confirm understanding, and respond succinctly. Here are examples of typical dispatch communications and how you should respond:

• Dispatch initiates: "GD-202, we have a disturbance in your vicinity, can you respond? Over."

• Correct Response: "Copy, Dispatch, GD-202 responding to the disturbance. ETA 5 minutes. Over."

Adapting to Dynamic Situations

Situations can evolve rapidly, and dispatch's instructions are based on the latest available information. Here's how not to and how to respond to sudden changes in orders:

• Incorrect: "Dispatch, this makes no sense, I'm already here. Can't I just finish up? Over."

• Correct: "Copy, Dispatch, understood. Adjusting approach now. Over."

Acknowledging Dispatch Decisions

Sometimes, dispatch might make decisions based on broader knowledge or information about priorities. Officers should acknowledge and comply without debate. Here’s how:

• Dispatch: "GD-202, reroute to assault on 4th and Main. Over."

• Correct Response: "Copy, Dispatch, GD-202 rerouting to assault on 4th and Main. Over."

It's not acceptable to argue or debate with dispatch during operations. Here's an incorrect and a correct way to handle disagreement:

• Incorrect: "Dispatch, GD-202, why am I being rerouted? The current situation seems more critical. Over."

• Correct: "Copy, Dispatch, GD-202 rerouting as advised. Over."

Always remember, the dispatcher has an overview of all ongoing incidents and must prioritize based on information that may not be available to you in the field. Trusting their judgment and following directives is paramount for the safety and efficiency of all emergency responses.

By maintaining respectful and efficient two-way communication, officers and dispatch can work together seamlessly to address incidents and ensure public safety.