Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

How would a police station / dispatch contact and communicate with a detective in his vehicle? For example, would they use "over", and how would they end the (radio) communication?
Thanks,
Justin

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I recommend websites like this (http://www.radioreference.com/apps/audio/) as the best way to learn.

Spend a few hours a day for a few days listening. You'll get a great feel for how radio communications works. Once you do, if you have questions, come on back and ask. We'll be happy to help out and clarify.

-Citicop.

I don't exactly get your question.

With the technology today, just about all "units" have vehicle and "portable" radios, unlike the old days when portable radios were bigger than a brick radios now are very small and easy to carry even in "plainclothes".

Reference how communication between dispatch is "worded" it would depend on the Agency, but again with everyone having access to scanners even on smart phones, most communication is more proffesional and more "codes" are used instead of "plain talk".

So would dispatch just call his smart phone?

By the way, it's a very short communication:
-dispatch contacts the detective, who's on the way to a crime scene
-the detective answers
-dispatch gives him an update regarding the crime
-they end the call

Thanks,
Justin



I don't exactly get your question.

With the technology today, just about all "units" have vehicle and "portable" radios, unlike the old days when portable radios were bigger than a brick radios now are very small and easy to carry even in "plainclothes".

Reference how communication between dispatch is "worded" it would depend on the Agency, but again with everyone having access to scanners even on smart phones, most communication is more proffesional and more "codes" are used instead of "plain talk".

Reference how communication between dispatch is "worded" it would depend on the Agency, but again with everyone having access to scanners even on smart phones, most communication is more proffesional and more "codes" are used instead of "plain talk".

They are going the opposite direction here, more plain speak.



So would dispatch just call his smart phone?

By the way, it's a very short communication:
-dispatch contacts the detective, who's on the way to a crime scene
-the detective answers
-dispatch gives him an update regarding the crime
-they end the call

Thanks,
Justin

He means there are scanner apps you can get on your smartphone, you don't even need a scanner. If you are writing a book just use common sense. Dispatch calls unit number, unit number replies, info is given by dispatch, and he may reply with a 10-4 or ask for additional info.

Smartphone??? WHAT smartphone????

It is only recently that my department allowed officers to carry their personal cell phones on patrol at all -- and it certainly is not considered part of their official equipment. Some supervisors do get department-issued cell phones -- but "smartphones"???? Get real!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, yes I was referring to CIVILIANS having scanner apps etc. on their phones, since more folks may be listening more Agencies are getting more strict on the "radio traffic", with the "less is more" theory.

As BlackGoat stated, it would be a simple transmission, or they may call his "duty phone" if they did not want the "traffic" on the radio etc.

With my Agency, anything that may get the "press" involved or is "sensitive" info they simply let us know "10-21" so we know to call dispatch or they are calling us.

Smartphone??? WHAT smartphone????

It is only recently that my department allowed officers to carry their personal cell phones on patrol at all -- and it certainly is not considered part of their official equipment. Some supervisors do get department-issued cell phones -- but "smartphones"???? Get real!!!!!!!!!

I guess it depends on your Agencie's policy. We/Supers/CPO's/Detectives are issued a pager and cellphone. They used to be POS's but they are not too bad now, they are NOT smartphones but what we call "beep-beeps", they are basically motorolla phones with "push to talk".

As for cellphones in general, I can't think of anyone on the road without a personal cell. Our policy only restricts the use of cellphones while driving. Then again it also restricts the use of our MDC/Computers while driving but its impossible since 99% of the dispatches our MDC only (not over the radio).

When I started cellphones were for the rich folks and the size of a briefcase, and we did not have laptops. Now I can't imagine not having a smartphone or MDC, I would never get any work done due to Officers having constant issues/questions. Usually I can solve the issue by having them call my cell. I have had no issues with anyone on my shift using their cellphones on duty (I do have a rule they must be on silent/vibrate though).

Smartphone??? WHAT smartphone????

It is only recently that my department allowed officers to carry their personal cell phones on patrol at all -- and it certainly is not considered part of their official equipment. Some supervisors do get department-issued cell phones -- but "smartphones"???? Get real!!!!!!!!!

Where I work our cell phone numbers are recorded so that our supervisors and other officers can call us if necessary, be it because the conversation will be verbose or overly sensitive. Everyone has one and uses it, even if they are not issued. They are especially useful when on assignment not but no uniform.