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Explanation of Dispatch Scenarios
Dispatch scenarios are set up in levels for beginning, intermediate and advanced radio dispatching. Each has incorporated various aspects of dispatching including recognizing streets that do not intersect or run the same direction, anticipating officer needs, taking the initiative to start back up or cover units, make appropriate notifications and clear the channel for emergency situations.
Scenarios are designed to be generic enough for any agency to use. Each scenario is scripted but can easily be modified to be agency specific. Unit numbers can be changed and terminology can be changed. Other items can be added including disposition codes and requests for specific resources. Scenarios can be modified to work on problem areas the trainee may be having. Scenarios can be used as documentation to release a trainee from the training program to work ‘solo’ or to terminate an employee who is not making it.
Beginning, intermediate and advanced level scenarios are designed to build on skills. They go from general to specific and from easy to hard. It is recommended trainees start with at least one beginning scenario even though they may be more advanced in skills, just so they know what to expect. With each level, the pace increases and the time between radio transmissions should decrease. The scenarios will also get longer in duration.
The coordinator preparing the training session should have sufficient copies of the script, locations needed and vehicle or wanted persons inquiries for each role player.
The coordinator or monitor of the training scenarios can easily answer the ‘evaluate’ questions on the script to determine the level of performance. This form should be forwarded with a copy of the radio traffic to the training officer for review and further documentation in the daily observation or performance reports. Additional evaluations can be found on the CD in the Dispatch Scenario folder. They are titled Dispatching Evaluation Form.doc and Dispatching Score Sheet.doc. The Dispatching Score Sheet is more detailed than the Dispatching Evaluation Form. Either may be used if you wish to score the scenario.
Beginning Scenarios
Beginning scenarios will typically start with a call that could be a major incident but isn’t. Here, the goal is to start building some anticipation so the dispatcher is alert and responsive to units. The pace should be slow and very low key. (Think ho-hum boring.) Do not push the trainee in this phase. Give them time to complete each task and provide verbal assistance when needed. Remember, the goal is to set the trainee up to succeed. Units may ad lib as long as it is productive and stays within script guidelines. If suspects are part of the scenario, they will be taken into custody without incident.
Expectations for beginning scenarios are basic and trainees should be told what those expectations are. They include:
· Ability to use the correct dispatch format.
· Ability to send the correct number of units.
· Ability to respond to units appropriately and in a timely manner.
· Ability to manipulate the CAD system properly.
· Ability to anticipate and clear the channel for emergency traffic.
· Ability to secure the channel from emergency traffic.
· Ability to handle field requests.
Intermediate Scenarios
Intermediate scenarios begin picking up the pace. The pace should be moderate with some urgency to the tone. Push the trainee but do not overwhelm them. Remember, once again the goal is to set the trainee up to succeed. Units may ad lib as long as it is productive and stays within script guidelines. There may be a foot or vehicle pursuit with several locations given before the suspects are apprehended.
The expectations for intermediate scenarios include the beginning scenario expectations plus the following:
· Ability to handle updates to a call.
· Ability to coordinate responding units.
· Ability to recognize the need for backup/cover units and send them without prompting.
· Ability to recognize the need for and ask for descriptions when not given by units.
· Improved ability to control and manage the frequency.
· Improved ability to manipulate the CAD system.
· Ability to access databases for running people or vehicles.
Advanced Scenarios
Advanced scenarios are designed to test trainee’s skills before they are released to work ‘solo’. The pace should be fast with more urgency. Again, push but do not overwhelm the trainee. At this level the trainee should be able to keep up with the pace easily. Remember, the goal is still to set the trainee up to succeed. Units may ad lib as long as it is productive and stays within script guidelines.
Advanced scenarios will likely include two simultaneous events such as a foot pursuit one direction and a vehicle pursuit related to the same call in another direction. It may include two separate incidents being dispatched and the one you least likely to expect to go sideways is the one that does. It is designed to train on incidents a trainee may not otherwise encounter due to the ‘luck of the draw’.
The expectations for advanced scenarios include the beginning and intermediate scenario expectations plus the following:
· Improved ability to manipulate the CAD system properly.
· Improved ability to control and manage the frequency.
· Ability to keep two simultaneous events separate while controlling each.
· Ability to recognize streets that do not intersect.
· Demonstrating the initiative to ask for descriptions when not given.
· Demonstrating an understanding the importance of locations and asking for them when they are not given.