TWO WAY RADIO PROCEDURES AND POLICIES. So the first thing to understand about two way radios is that they can be programmed to have various groups (channels) that talk with each other and not heard by other groups.

Additionally, a channel can be programmed so that all radios can communicate with each other, and heard by all.

Lastly, a channel can be programmed to “scan” all other channels so that a designated person (usually security supervisor) can listen in to all conversations to ensure the overall safety of the groups.

GENERAL POLICIES:

Do not violate students or family rights to privacy over the two‐way radio. Minimize the use of personal information about students as much as possible.

Begin all transmissions by Identifying Yourself, Your Location, and your message (Code Yellow, etc).

Use of inappropriate comments including profane language or harassing comments will not be tolerated. Be concise and keep transmissions to a minimum.

Radios to remain on at all times. If you tend to hear what is deemed interference from nearby RF devices, notify a supervisor (frequencies can be re‐programed), but the radios are of no use if they are turned off.

RADIOS.

There are three types of two‐way radios. Portable, Base, and Mobile.

Base radios are stationary and generally used by a front desk or security station, and are in use due to their higher output power and the fact that they cannot be removed or stolen.

Mobile radios are installed in vehicles for the purpose of ensuring they remain in place.

Portable radios are personal devices that are kept with the person allocated the radio. The benefit of this is that in an emergency it travels with the person. The precautions of a portable radio require policies and training to ensure they are in working order and used properly.

1. Charging. Portable radios include a desktop charger that the radio stands up in. The radio can either be on or off while in the charger, as these chargers have over‐charge circuit protection. Portable radios on a full charge should allow for a full day of use, and then replaced onto the charger each evening. Best Practice: Charge the battery up fully and remove from the charger each day. Additionally, having an extra battery per radio is suggested, with the spare battery charging and rotating at all times.

2. Teachers (with a class room) should keep the radio on at all times, and within reach and visible. If leaving the classroom for any reason, the radio should travel with the teacher. This ensures continual communication availability.

GROUPS.

When programming channels for Groups, it is important to know that other Groups cannot listen in. The down side of this is that if an emergency occurs, only the members of that Group will be made aware of it. The upside is that in an emergency sometimes it is good to have key members only know about a situation in order to contain panic and maintain control.

NOTE: During an emergency, it is critical to have a working knowledge of how radios function in order to maintain proper and effective communication. For example, if the PTT button is pressed and held down by a person in panic, no one else can talk until the PTT button is released. This process should be practiced by members when issuing radios and occasionally thereafter to ensure situational panic‐response awareness.

SUGGESTED CHANNEL PROGRAMMING:

1. All Call. All radios will have the same frequencies on Channel 1. This creates an “all call” Channel that is open to all members (people with radios). This default channel then is utilized for general discussions as well as emergency use.

2. Campus 1. All radios assigned to Campus 1 will have access to talk openly on this channel.

3. Campus 2. All radios assigned to Campus 2 will have access to talk openly on this channel.

4. Security. Only the radios assigned to Security and Administrators will have this channel available to talk to each other. No access from other radios

5. Custodial. For custodial and maintenance only. No access from other radios.

6. Administrators. For admin staff only. No access from other radios.

16. Scan. Assigned personnel can monitor on this channel, scanning conversations on all channels.

CODES:

Codes are utilized as a quick‐knowledge method, as with public safety, health care and military personnel, in order to communicate a situational status with a simple phrase.

These codes should be practiced and drilled occasionally so they become reflex in a situation. This will save all panic driven descriptions of the event occurring by eliminating the circumstances that people tend to consider important, but rarely are in an actual emergency.

NOTE: A standard phrase that includes Your Name, Location, and the Code, are the 3 Critical things to state, and should be repeated. Immediately release the PTT to allow others to reply.

Proper transmission: “This is Mr. Smith. Code Red in the Cafeteria. Code Red in the Cafeteria.”

Hold the radio 3‐6 inches from your mouth and speak clearly. Yelling often distorts the communication.

Proper response to this would be a Security person replying with:

“All personnel use emergency exit procedures now and guide students away from the Cafeteria, and onto the playground.” At this time, Security Personnel should switch to Channel 4 and discuss the situation and actions to take.

Copyright Klein Electronics, Inc. 2018

STANDARD CODES:

When using your radio for the below codes, practice and remember these basic rules:

1. Stay calm. 2. Do NOT talk on the radio unless required. Wait to hear instruction. Only talk on radio if your room /

area is in immediate danger or has a medical emergency. 3. Keep students quiet.

RED. Emergency on campus. Shooter, Fire, etc.

Teachers & Non‐Security Staff: Stay calm, do NOT talk on radio. Wait to hear instruction. Keep students quiet. Have personal cell phone ready. Only talk on radio if your room / area is in immediate danger or has a medical emergency.

YELLOW.

Imminent danger or situation awareness. Example: Witnessing campus violence, nearby fire, earthquake warning, gas leak, etc.

Keep radio channel open, do not talk on radio unless you have threat or emergency.

WHITE. Situational Awareness. No immediate threat. Example: A student was injured and ambulance is on the way.

Calmly convey Code, Location, and if assistance is required.

POLICIES:

Do not violate a student’s or family’s right to privacy over the two‐way radio. Minimize the use of personal information about students as much as possible. Begin all transmissions by identifying yourself with your bus number.

Use of inappropriate comments including profane language or harassing comments will not be tolerated. Be concise and keep transmissions to a minimum. The radio must be on at all times

Radios to remain on at all times. If you tend to hear what is deemed interference from nearby RF devices, notify a supervisor (frequencies can be re‐programed), but the radios are of no use if they are turned off.

Copyright Klein Electronics, Inc. 2018

Copyright Klein Electronics, Inc. 2018