7-104 - Radio Contact and Use

This policy defines the parameters of working with a radio, including the use of an Mobile Data Computer (MDC).

Radio Contact

1. Members working on the street (including when at lunch or any other break) shall be in radio contact at all times.

2. Members handling an assigned call shall remain available for emergency or higher priority calls by maintaining radio communication via a portable radio.

Use of Base Units

1. Base unit radio transceivers located in divisions, precincts and units shall not communicate directly with their mobile or portable personnel or other base units, except on the designated car to car channel, or with the approval of MECC.

2. For MECC approval to communicate directly, the base unit operator shall contact the dispatcher by radio and request use of the air for the necessary transmission.

Unnecessary Use of Radio or Mobile Data Computer (MDC)

1. The police radio and MDC are for police business only. They shall not be used to conduct personal business or to transmit personal messages.

1. MDC messages are public information and are subject to public disclosure.
2. These communications are subject to the provisions in other policies that cover electronic communications, (such as the policies in P&P 5-100 Code of Conduct). Inappropriate language or remarks shall be immediately reported to a supervisor, Inspector or Commander, or Bureau Head.
3. Communication about incidents over the radio or MDC shall only include the information, questions or comments necessary to handle or respond to the incident. Commentary shall not be included.

2. Information checks shall be requested only on the channel designated for such purposes. In most instances, Channel 7 will be the designated channel. When requesting information from Channel 7 or the precinct base, members should try to include the nature of service in the initial transmission ("Squad 320, REGISTRATION," wait for acknowledgment; then "Squad 320, David Adam Paul 543").
3. Members shall use Channel 5 or any other designated channel for non‑emergency squad-to-squad or squad-to-precinct radio communications.
4. Requests for interoperable radio channels (MPD detail, Metro or State talk-groups) shall be made through the MECC Duty Supervisor.

Definitions

Refer to the Commonly Used Terms page for general definitions.