Communication
This domain tests clear, disciplined communication, on the radio, face to face and in writing.
Principles
Communication needs a sender, a message, a channel, a receiver and feedback. Noise, jargon and assumptions distort it, so the receiver confirms understanding. Listening is at least half the skill. Non-verbal signals such as posture, tone, eye contact and personal space carry much of the meaning and vary across cultures.
Radio procedure
- Listen before transmitting; think before speaking; keep it short.
- Identify your unit and the station you are calling, using call signs.
- Spell names with the phonetic alphabet; read figures digit by digit; use the 24-hour clock, for example 'zero two fourteen hours'.
- Prowords: Roger means received and understood; Wilco means will comply; Say again; Standby; Over invites a reply; Out ends the exchange with no reply expected; Mayday is a life-threatening emergency; Pan-pan is urgency.
- Never send cash movement details or personal data on an open channel; use code words.
- No personal use, batteries charged, radio check at the start of shift.
Written communication
Factual, chronological, plain language, no jargon, names spelled clearly, 24-hour times, signed and dated.
Worked example
Control asks where you are. Correct: 'Control, this is Guard Twelve, at the north gate, over.' Incorrect: 'I am here at the gate.' Precision lets control task you and send help to the right place.
Traps
Saying 'over and out'; asking a radio operator to 'repeat', which in voice procedure means fire again, when you mean say again; using ten-codes across agencies that do not share them; discussing a cash escort on an open channel.