Communication Systems and Equipment Handling
Communication systems and equipment handling tests whether you can pass clear, brief, accurate information by radio and use security equipment correctly.
Radio basics
- Know your call sign and the control room's.
- Listen before transmitting; press the key, pause one second, then speak.
- Speak slowly and clearly at normal volume, with the microphone away from wind.
- Keep messages short: who, where, what, when, what you need.
- Use "Over" to hand back, "Roger" for received, "Say again" for repetition, "Standby" for wait.
- Spell important words phonetically: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo.
- Never transmit passwords, alarm codes, or personal data in clear unless authorised.
Equipment
Check battery, signal, and charger at every handover. Know how to arm and disarm alarm systems, use a panic button, view CCTV, and export footage for police. Never tamper with recordings, and log every fault.
Worked example
You see two men by the rear fence. Reasoning: "Control, this is Gate Two, over." "Go ahead, Gate Two." "Two males at the rear fence, north-east corner, one in a red shirt, trying the gate. Request police and supervisor, over." Short, precise, no story - the channel stays free for others.
Traps that cost marks
- Shouting into the radio or whispering.
- Long stories that block the channel.
- Not repeating a critical message back.
- Leaving a flat battery in the radio at handover.