Nelson Moler wrote: Thu Jun 24, 2021 2:40 amREAL-LIFE
Radio System
The LASD uses an old and redundant system: every time a deputy keys their radio, a channel is assigned between that radio unit and a free dispatcher. This is where the “busy†tone activates; whenever a deputy is speaking with SCC, no other unit on that channel will be able to transmit and there will be a repeating solid busy-warning that transmits every couple of seconds. Likewise, whenever a dispatcher speaks (e.g., to voice a call for service), the channel is assigned. The dispatcher can also self-assign channels via their computer.
This radio system is considered to be a simplex system. Keep that in mind.
The Patch
The LASD’s normal radio system runs on a simplex system, whereas two individuals (a field unit and an SCC dispatcher) communicate, or a dispatcher voices a call. This is inconvenient for emergent situations which require multiple units. Therefore, deputies can request a duplex patch (most commonly referred to as simply “the patchâ€), which patches in other units on that frequency to that generated simplex channel between the unit and SCC. In other words, SCC can patch other units into their channel with a unit. [...]
Here’s a good example of how the patch functions.
Dispatching
Whenever a person dials 911, they are connected to their closest sheriff’s station (e.g., Lost Hills). The deputy or civilian dispatcher will take the call, interrogate, and put it into the system. One of three things may happen:
- The call is sent to SCC to be voiced (emergent calls);
- The call is voiced by the station desk over L-TAC (priority calls); or
- The call is sent to the MDC of a unit by the station desk (routine calls).
[...]
Radio Channels
For the most part, radio channels are divided into the following:
- Dispatch;
- Local TAC (L-TAC);
- Area TAC (A-TAC);
[...]
L-TACs are used for unit coordination on incidents and for car-to-car speak (units may ask a unit if they are “by,†or on the radio channel, and may ask SCC to have the requested unit switch to the channel (10-31) if they need them on L-TAC). A-TACs are used to coordinate larger incidents using multiple units from multiple areas [...]
IN-GAME
Now that you know how SCC is run (roughly) in real life, let’s discuss how we can translate this to in-game roleplay and radio operations.
Radio System
The faction roleplays that our dispatch channel is a simplex channel, as it is in real life. Therefore, units are not able to hear each other — units reserve the channel when they transmit. Faction members can roleplay being assigned a call via their MDC by simply responding (/rs) to the call.
The Patch
Units may request the patch during emergent situations — although most commonly over Teamspeak, deputies may request it in-game for when their situation does not require OOC voice communications. Members roleplaying as SCC are to give the deputy the patch when appropriate. For example, the following are all appropriate (assuming 226K is requesting emergency clearance/the patch):
- "Unit with emergent, go";
- "Go"; or
- "226 King, you're on the patch, go."
Requests
Deputies should run requests (e.g., ambulance/902R) through SCC, and SCC should be handling any intradepartmental communications (departmental) [...]
REFERENCES
Thanks to Wildcat, Timid, and Bonk for their assistance.