Question 1

What does the radio code '10-4' mean?

Accepted Answer

10-4 is the universal code for 'Message Received' or 'OK'.

Question 2

What does '10-20' ask for?

Accepted Answer

'What is your 20?' means 'Where are you?'

Question 3

When transmitting on a radio, you should be:

Accepted Answer

Keep the channel clear for others. Brevity is key.

Question 4

The Phonetic Alphabet is used to:

Accepted Answer

Letters like 'B', 'C', 'D', 'E' sound alike on radio. 'Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo' prevents errors.

Question 5

Using 'Plain English' codes is often preferred because:

Accepted Answer

NIMS (National Incident Management System) recommends plain English ('I have a fire') over codes ('Code Red') because different agencies use different codes.

Question 6

If you have an emergency transmission, you should say:

Accepted Answer

'Break' allows you to interrupt routine traffic for an emergency.

Question 7

The phonetic word for 'S' is:

Accepted Answer

Sierra is the NATO standard.

Question 8

Effective communication involves:

Accepted Answer

Communication is a two-way loop: sending and receiving/understanding.

Question 9

When communicating with an angry person, you should:

Accepted Answer

Lowering your voice encourages them to lower theirs to hear you. Yelling back escalates.

Question 10

Non-verbal communication (Body Language) includes:

Accepted Answer

Over 70% of communication is non-verbal. Open posture reduces aggression.

Question 11

If your radio fails:

Accepted Answer

Always have a contingency plan for comms failure.

Question 12

Code 4 usually means:

Accepted Answer

Code 4 tells dispatch and backup they can stand down.

Question 13

Before pressing the transmit button, you should:

Accepted Answer

Don't 'step on' other transmissions. Listen first.

Question 14

The phonetic word for 'A' is:

Accepted Answer

Alpha is standard.

Question 15

When describing a suspect over the radio, start with:

Accepted Answer

Start with broad identifiers (Sex/Race) then narrow down (Age/Height/Weight/Clothing).

Question 16

Which is a barrier to effective communication?

Accepted Answer

Environmental and personal factors can block understanding.

Question 17

'Copy that' means:

Accepted Answer

Standard acknowledgment phrase.

Question 18

When calling 911 from a landline:

Accepted Answer

Landlines provide instant address data (ANI/ALI) to 911. Mobiles provide GPS coordinates which may be less precise.

Question 19

The phonetic word for 'M' is:

Accepted Answer

Mike is standard.

Question 20

If you are 'Out of Service' (unavailable), the code is typically:

Accepted Answer

10-7 = Out of Service. 10-8 = In Service.

Question 21

Tactical communication involves:

Accepted Answer

Tactical communication (Verbal Judo) is using persuasion to gain voluntary compliance.

Question 22

A 'Squelch' setting on a radio:

Accepted Answer

Squelch keeps the radio silent until a strong signal is received.

Question 23

Command presence is communicated through:

Accepted Answer

Looking professional and confident projects authority.

Question 24

The phonetic word for 'Z' is:

Accepted Answer

Zulu is standard.

Question 25

When confirming a license plate '1 A B 2', you say:

Accepted Answer

Use standard phonetics for clarity.

Question 26

What is the purpose of radio communication for security guards?

Accepted Answer

Radio ensures coordination and rapid emergency response.

Question 27

What should be included in a radio check-in?

Accepted Answer

Specific information allows coordination and accountability.

Question 28

How should a security guard speak on the radio?

Accepted Answer

Clarity prevents misunderstanding in emergencies.

Question 29

When should a security guard use emergency codes or signals?

Accepted Answer

Standardized codes prevent confusion and speed response.

Question 30

What should a guard do if they can't understand a radio transmission?

Accepted Answer

Clarity is essential; never assume understanding.

Question 31

Is radio communication monitored or recorded?

Accepted Answer

Guards should assume all communication is monitored for legal/safety reasons.

Question 32

What information should NEVER be broadcast on an unsecured radio?

Accepted Answer

Unsecured radio can be monitored; sensitive info stays secure.

Question 33

How should a guard respond if dispatch requests status?

Accepted Answer

Dispatch coordination is essential; timely response is professional duty.

Question 34

Should a security guard test their radio regularly?

Accepted Answer

Regular testing prevents communication failure in emergencies.

Question 35

What should a guard do if their radio fails during a shift?

Accepted Answer

Communication failure must be reported to restore coordination capability.

Question 36

What is the primary purpose of radio communication in security?

Accepted Answer

Radio communication allows guards to stay in contact with dispatch and supervision, enabling rapid response to incidents and coordination.

Question 37

What information should be included in a radio dispatch call?

Accepted Answer

Dispatch calls should include guard identification, exact location, clear description of the situation, and what response is needed.

Question 38

What is 'radio protocol' and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Radio protocol establishes clear procedures for effective communication - brief, clear messages, proper codes/procedures, and professional conduct.

Question 39

Should a security guard conduct personal conversations on company radio?

Accepted Answer

Company radio should be used only for business. Personal conversations tie up the channel and are unprofessional.

Question 40

What should a guard do if they cannot reach dispatch by radio?

Accepted Answer

If radio communication fails, try repeatedly; if unsuccessful, use a telephone to reach dispatch or supervision.

Question 41

What is 'radio security' and confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Radio transmissions can be heard by many parties, so avoid detailed sensitive information. Use appropriate codes and professional language.

Question 42

How should emergency situations be reported by radio?

Accepted Answer

Emergency situations should be reported immediately using priority procedures established by the company/dispatch system.

Question 43

What does 'clear' mean when dispatched uses it on radio?

Accepted Answer

'Clear' means the guard has completed the current matter and is available for new assignment or tasks.

Question 44

Should a guard maintain a patrol log or communication record?

Accepted Answer

Written patrol logs should document activity and communications to create a complete record and backup for radio reports.

Question 45

How should a guard respond to unclear dispatch instructions?

Accepted Answer

If dispatch instructions are unclear, ask for clarification or repetition to ensure the correct understanding before acting.

Question 46

Why is radio communication important for security guards?

Accepted Answer

Radio communication is essential for coordination and emergency response.

Question 47

What should a guard do before transmitting on a radio?

Accepted Answer

Proper radio protocol includes listening before transmitting.

Question 48

What is the proper format for a security radio transmission?

Accepted Answer

Structured radio communications are professional and clear.

Question 49

What is a 'clear' radio channel?

Accepted Answer

Guards should ensure channel is clear before transmitting.

Question 50

What should be discussed on a security radio net?

Accepted Answer

Radio communications should be work-related and professional.

Question 51

How should a security guard respond to a radio call?

Accepted Answer

Prompt radio response demonstrates attentiveness and readiness.

Question 52

What should a guard do if radio communication is lost?

Accepted Answer

Loss of communication requires attempts to restore and notification.

Question 53

What is proper radio terminology in security operations?

Accepted Answer

Professional radio language ensures clarity and professionalism.

Question 54

Should personal conversations be conducted on security radios?

Accepted Answer

Professional radio use is limited to work communications.

Question 55

What training covers communications for NY security guards?

Accepted Answer

NY GBL 89-n includes communication training in pre-assignment curriculum.

Communication & Radio Practice Questions

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