Page 72 - Ranger Manual 2017_Neat

Chapter
10

Open Space and Mountain Parks

Communication and Radio Procedures

Radio Procedure Policy

Radios are critical links among rangers, Boulder citizens, and other agencies. Radio communication
is important for ranger safety and is a professional indicator. The Open Space and Mountain Parks
(OSMP) Department works with the Boulder Regional Communications Center to ensure proper
radio procedures are followed when coordinating activities with other agencies and to ensure
emergency transmissions are understood. This is especially critical when on a dispatch channel.

Radio communication should be brief, clear, and professional. Rangers must keep in mind that
many parties are capable of hearing radio transmissions, including members of the media and the
public. Radio traffic on all frequencies and telephone calls into the communications center are
recorded and kept for approximately 24 months.

Communicating Patrol Status to Dispatch and Other Rangers

When beginning their shifts, rangers will call into service via their radios and follow
appropriate communication protocols. After completing their shifts, rangers will call out of
service according to the same protocols. Rangers should communicate their status and
availability by advising dispatch whenever they:
• Will be away from their vehicles for an extended patrol;
• Are entering into a law enforcement contact; and
• Are unavailable for calls due to meetings, programs, and so on.
(Note: Rangers beginning and/or ending shifts at unusual hours should notify other rangers.)

Rangers must always be aware of their fellow rangers’ status and locations throughout each
shift by simply asking for “status and location” on the appropriate radio channel. Rangers’
locations can also be checked with a vehicle’s Mobile Data Computer (MDC), or dispatch will
check their status if it is either a high profile contact (weapons call or code 0, code 6, or code 9
parties) or a prolonged contact that is greater than 10 minutes.

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