Radio Communication Procedures

Unit 2 Radio Communications Lesson 1 Radio Procedures Lesson Goal You will be able to use a radio to communicate effectively with other officers. Think About This Officer Perkins used his radio to communicate with other officers concerning an emergency incident in the recreation area. Since Officer Reynolds was close to the incident, he was able to respond quickly. Can you imagine what could have happened if Officer Reynolds experienced difficulty with the radio transmission? Radio Use Officers use radios to send and receive vital information. Some examples of radio use include calling for assistance, participating in general communication, identifying inmates and visitors, or notifying staff of an emergency situation. ✅ CO221.1. Follow the guidelines for using a radio Proper knowledge and use of the radio is essential for a correctional officer. Once you are issued a radio, it is your responsibility to ensure that it is operational. If you experience radio transmission difficulties, immediately use a landline telephone to report the malfunction. You should know your agency’s operating procedures, general orders, or policy on what to do if an assigned radio malfunctions. The portable radio is the primary method of communication for correctional officers. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) prohibits everyone using radios from: • transmitting non-essential or excessive signals, messages, or communication • using profane, indecent, or obscene language • willfully damaging or permitting damage to radio apparatuses • maliciously interfering with another unit’s radio transmission • making unidentified transmissions • transmitting before the air is clear • transmitting a call signal, letter, or numeral not assigned to the agency or unit • adjusting, repairing, or altering a radio transmitter (except by agency-authorized radio technicians) • using radio communications systems for illegal or personal business When using the portable radio system, plan your message before transmission. The more you plan a message, the more coherent and professional the communication is. Adjust the volume level based on the situation and surroundings. In stressful situations, an officer’s voice may crack or become distorted or high-pitched, making the radio message difficult to understand. Officers must be proficient on the radio, speaking slowly and distinctly, using an evenly controlled tone of voice and avoiding the display of emotions. Before transmitting, you should listen to make sure there is no other radio traffic. Depress and hold the transmit button for about one second before speaking. Make sure your mouth is 1 to 3 inches away from the microphone, and speak directly into it. Types of Radio Equipment in Corrections Radio communications in corrections generally rely on three types of radios: • the handheld or portable radio carried by an officer • the radio base station located in the control room • the mobile radio affixed in vehicles used for transporting inmates Primary Components of a Portable Radio There are many brands, models, and types of radios. The basic corrections radio is generally fitted with switches or buttons to control power, volume, squelch, and channel selection. Squelch is a circuit that suppresses the output of a radio receiver if the signal strength falls below a certain level. The portable radio unit may have an extended or built-in microphone. Agencies will train officers on the specific components and usage of a portable radio. Radio Codes Transmitting radio messages in plain English is becoming the preferred method of communication in many correctional agencies. Plain English transmission is especially ideal during emergency situations, due to interagency involvement and coordination. ✅ CO221.2. Understand the purpose and types of radio codes that you may be required to use Some agencies, however, use correctional radio signals and codes. These save airtime and convey precise meanings. Types of radio codes include: • signals—a system of communication using numbers that are preceded by the word “signal” • phonetic-alphabet—a system of verbal communication using the letters of the English alphabet only • 10 or numeric codes—a system of communication by which “10” precedes numbers that stand for specific activities • numeric-alpha codes—a system of communication that combines numbers and letters of the alphabet, or the combination of some or all of the above to transmit messages Refer to your agency’s policy concerning appropriate radio language and training. Radio Base Station Even though radio base stations are not found in all correctional facilities, they are typically associated with correctional control room operations or the command center in case of an emergency. ✅ CO221.3. Understand the purpose of a radio base station The radio base station operators send and receive messages to and from officers. These operators monitor radio frequencies for all operational units and also have the ability to override the portable radio system in an emergency. While receiving and sending messages, a radio base station operator will continue to coordinate the up-to-the-minute statuses of all units.