Gordon Graham
Category: Public Safety

Gordon Graham Here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s tip is for all my friends in public safety and it’s about sharing the radio. If you have ever listened to public safety radio channels, you know what I’m talking about. 

Please overthink this. Carefully plan every syllable. Keep your radio transmissions concise. 

We’ve all experienced it. We are just about to key the mic to ask a question or relay an important message. But before we can begin, Officer Gabby or Firefighter Chatterbox starts talking. 

You know that you won’t be able to use the radio for a while. Once the monolog is over there will be three or four others waiting to transmit.  

Even with the advent of mobile computers and modern dispatch systems, the radio is still our primary means of communication. It can be a challenge sometimes to make sure we are heard by the communications center. 

Ask yourself this. Do I use radio air-time wisely? Does someone I work with unnecessarily tie up the radio? 

Please overthink this. Carefully plan every syllable. Keep your radio transmissions concise. Say what’s important and get your thumb off the button. The radio is no place to dictate a report. And if you want to fill the dispatchers in on some curious detail, pick up the phone. 

Every second that you have the mic keyed is a second that your coworkers cannot use the radio to summon help, should they need it. Supervisors, this is your responsibility too. Now is a great time to remind your folks about the importance of concise radio traffic.  

How we use the radio is important. Do your part. Set the example for others.  

And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham signing off.