MOBILE TWO-WAY RADIO SETS

Mobile two-way radio sets consist of a radio transmitter for sending messages and a radio receiver for receiving them. Installed as an operating unit in a motor vehicle, a set provides two-way voice communication with the base central station and all other stations in the net. The sets are used in law enforcement and protection functions of the patrol unit. The sets enable each patrol to keep in constant touch with patrol headquarters and with other patrols of the unit. They provide direct communication with other patrol vehicles when investigating crimes and reporting traffic and other public safety conditions. The set can be used to request immediate assistance in an emergency.

Since a two-way radio communication system consists of a base station and one or more mobile units, or patrol vehicles in the patrol net, all sets in the net must operate on the same frequently.

TRANSMISSION PROCEDURES

Certain operational and procedural practices facilitate transmission and reception of messages. Personnel using radio communication equipment must know these operating practices.

Net Organization

Radiotelephone is the transmitting medium most frequently employed in patrol operations. In these operations, all stations comprising a net transmit and receive on the same operating frequency. A minimum of two stations is necessary to form a radio net. In a net of three or more stations, one is designated net control station (NCS). The NCS is sometimes referred to as the base station, central station, or fixed station. In patrol operations, the NCS is usually located at headquarters. The primary function of the NCS is to control patrols. It also maintains circuit discipline and ensures that subordinate stations conduct operations in accordance with prescribed operating procedures.

Call Signs

Each radio station is assigned a call consisting of a combination of letters and/or numbers, to identify units without disclosing names or locations. They are used when any station in the net desires to contact any other station in the net.

Standard 10-Code Communication

Security departments must have radio communication practices that are standard from base to base. Personnel transferring within the security field should not be required to learn a new radio code with each transfer. During emergencies and crisis management situations absolute clarity of communications is mandatory. You should use the standard 10-code, standard response codes, and the phonetic alphabet (fig. 12-2) when transmitting.

Plain Language Communication

Plain language means the use of short statements to contact units, give assignments, describe situations, give locations, and provide specific instructions and warnings. Some examples of plain language transmissions by a dispatcher are as follows:

"UNIT SIX, SEE THE MANAGER, A FIGHT, NAS ENLISTED CLUB"

"UNITS TWO AND FOUR, REPORT OF A WOMAN SCREAMING, ROOM TWO THREE FOUR, BARRACKS EIGHT. UNIT TWO YOUR CALL IS CODE THREE."

"UNITS ONE AND THREE, SILENT ALARM AT THE CREDIT UNION, CODE TWO."

^{"UNIT SEVEN,} SEE THE WOMAN REPORTING A PROWLER, QUARTERS ONE THREE FOUR ALFA, CODE TWO."

"ALL UNITS RESPONDING TO SILENT ALARM AT THE DISBURSING OFFICE, CODE FOUR, FALSE ALARM, CONTINUE PATROL."

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

The FCC was created by the Communications Act of 1934 as an independent agency to regulate interstate

Figure 12-2.-10-Code, Response Codes, and Phonetic Alphabet.

and foreign commerce in communications by wire and radio. Military radio transmissions are subject to monitoring by the FCC. Supervisors and patrol personnel whose duties require them to operate radio equipment should be acquainted with practices prohibited by the FCC. In carrying out its responsibilities, the FCC specifically prohibits

1. use of profane or obscene language over the air;

2. transmission of superfluous, false, or deceptive signals or communication;

3. transmission not in accordance with the limitations of a station license or by an unlicensed station; and

4. transmission by unauthorized operators.

The patrol watch commander must monitor and inspect all communications systems while on duty to ensure

1. compliance with orders and prescribed doctrine or policy;

2. adherence to FCC regulations;

3. efficiency of operations in the accomplishment of assigned mission;

4. use of correct phraseology and radio procedures;

5. proper maintenance of radio logs; and

6. that all radio equipment is in operating condition and that repairs are made by qualified personnel only.