(A) Usefulness. Properly used, two-way radios can be extremely helpful, saving time, for security, or for giving information or assistance.
(B) Sending messages. After adjusting the receiver, staff should use the following procedure to call the base station, portable, or another vehicle:
(1) Always listen briefly to make sure that no one is talking on the same frequency;
(2) Depress the microphone and talk; and
(3) Always be brief and to the point when transmitting.
(C) Good radio manners. The user should listen before transmitting; if a sender transmits when another nearby station is transmitting, one of these will not be heard by the receiving station.
(D) Keeping your base station informed. Radio equipment has been provided in order that staff members may be more efficient in their work. To do so, it is vital that radio users cooperate with the base station operators. Each radio user should develop the habit of keeping the base station informed as to the user’s location and what he or she is doing.
(1) The radio user should advise the base when he or she commences work and is listening to the radio.
(2) The radio user should also tell the base where and when he or she is going to turn off the radio. If there is a telephone at the location, the base should be given the number. If practical, the user should advise when he or she will be back on the air.
(Policy passed 6-13-95)