Call Taking and Radio Dispatching Notes

Rotations

  • Days, swings, and mids are the rotation options.
  • Seniority determines rotation assignments; meds are not an option for everyone.
  • Swings shifts are considered the busiest and provide the most learning opportunities.
  • Mid shifts are limited to three specific individuals.

Training

  • The speaker does not train on phones due to disagreement with certain procedures (e.g., reliance on the map, filling in specific EE screen fields).
  • The speaker prefers using text for clarity on the channel for dispatchers.
  • Radio training is preferred due to the fast-paced nature and the need for immediate typing.
  • Typing speed requirements are:
    • Lower for phones due to the nature of call taking.
    • Higher for radio due to constant information flow.
    • Emphasis is placed on upper row numbers for VINs and police identifiers.
  • If you're not a strong 10-key typist, practice using the top row for numbers.

Call Taking

  • Written text is ad-libbing, filling in the RP's story.

Obtaining Descriptions

  • Obtain descriptions from head to toe, as that's how officers observe.
  • Acronym "CYMBAL" (Color, Make, Body, License) is not explicitly taught anymore but is still relevant for vehicle descriptions.

Texting Style

  • The goal is clarity for dispatchers and officers.
  • Include:
    • Direction first (at the bus stop, by the Yellow House).
    • What's happening.
    • When it occurred.
    • Injuries.
    • Who is being looked for.
    • Potential dangers/weapons.
    • Whether intoxicated or mentally unstable (811).
    • Any other relevant information (909).
  • Cut through the clutter of extra details to get to the facts quickly.
  • Ensure enough information for officers to respond safely and secure the scene (code four).
Example of White Male Description
  • Prioritize information: race, age (if known), DOB (if known).
  • Always ask about weapons and clarify what is seen.
Hot Call Scenario
  • For a shooting, send a priority 217 immediately with a brief summary (e.g., "RP says someone just got shot").
  • Police information is gathered before medical information to ensure scene safety.

Purse Snatching Scenario

  • First question: Where is it?
  • Best sentence starter: "RP says…"
  • Example: "RP says a lady is getting her purse taken."
Additional Questions
  • What does the suspect look like?
  • Which way did they go?
  • What are they wearing? (Top to bottom).
  • Race, color of hat, shirt, jacket, pants, shoes.
  • Any tattoos.
  • Description of the victim (race, male/female, appearance).
Follow-Up
  • Reaffirm that police are being sent.
  • Ask if the caller is willing to speak with the police or leave their name and number.
  • If they don't want to leave their name, don't ask for their phone number.
  • Note if RP does not want to provide further information (909) or is leaving the area.
Text Formatting
  • Use sentence separators (dots, dashes, slashes) instead of line-by-line text.
  • Label descriptions (e.g., "Suspect: white male, thirties, red shirt/blue pants…").

Questioning Techniques

  • Ask clarifying questions to pinpoint locations (e.g., what business are they in front of?).
  • Be nosy and ask questions that will help responding officers.

Protocol

  • New call every time.
  • Use B and C priorities to check calls and text; A priorities require sending initial information quickly and supplementing as more details are gathered.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle tab allows running the plate but can make the information choppy.
  • Detach and involvements may not be frequently used.

Abbreviations and Spelling

  • Use approved abbreviations only; this is not texting.
  • Be mindful of sunshine laws and potential court appearances.
  • Avoid unapproved abbreviations (e.g., LOL, CB for callback).
  • Spelling is important for clarity; incorrect spelling can change the meaning and disrupt the dispatcher's flow.
  • Abbreviations are helpful for keystrokes and typing speed.

Typing Speed

  • The minimum typing speed of 40 WPM for initial status may not be sufficient for radio dispatch.
  • Aim for 55 WPM, especially during emergencies.
  • During emergencies, you must type everything that is said.
  • Failure to type fast enough can hinder your ability to perform effectively, especially during emergencies when partners may not be able to assist.

Codes

  • Learn your codes and know them well, as officers speak in code.
  • This knowledge is essential for your dispatch life, not just call taking.
  • Example given:
    • An officer mentions "800" and "594". Here, 800 means priority and 594 is used to indicated vandalism. So knowing that 594 means vandalism we can substitute 594 to what it actually represents which is vandalism.
  • Abbreviations will help you when you're call taking.
  • Abbreviations are going to help with shortening your text.