Proper Radio Use and Etiquette

Radio use is a command and control tool. It is used to pass information from one person to another person or to a group of people, across great distances. Radio makes coordination of resources possible in a way that other means of communications just can't match. However, like any other tool, it can be misused. Here are codes that will help security personnel stay out of trouble with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission).

Radio Language

Use simple English language aka "Clear Text"
Use location identifiers or functional titles
Location examples- Command Post, Dispatch, Base
Functional Titles- Post Commander, On Duty Manager (ODM), Client, Patrol
These identifiers are known by all Security personnel and should be used instead of lengthy statements to keep radio traffic to a minimum and the frequency open for potential emergency radio traffic.
Use 10 codes whenever possible in order to simplify transmission and reduce the time of the transmission.

Code Meaning

10-1     Poor Reception/Unable to copy
10-2     Good Reception
10-3     Hold all traffic, emergency on channel
10-4     Affirmative/Understood/Okay
10-5     Relay
10-6     Busy
10-7     Out of Service/Ending Tour of Duty
10-8     Back in Service/On Duty
10-9     Repeat last message
10-20   What is you current location
10-21   Call on Phone

In addition to 10 codes standard expression reduce the amount of time transmitting on frequencies and reduces confusion.

Expression Meaning

Go ahead           Pass your message
Copy                Message received and understood
Say Again          Retransmit message
Standby             Message acknowledged but unable to reply
Affirmative         Yes
Negative            No
Over                  Information passed, waiting for reply
Out                    Transmission finished
Do you Copy      Do you understand, please acknowledge
En Route            Resources heading to that location
Unreadable         Used when signal is unclear or not understood
Disregard            Don't pay attention to the last radio traffic

For the maximum radio efficiency, remember to: know what you want to say before you key the radio, keep it short and simple, pause your transmission every 5 to 10 seconds depending on the length of your radio transmission, speak clearly and don't shout, speak as if the whole world were listening, and remain calm. Contact your local office with any questions.