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Self dispatch

Units can create and attach their own calls when no dispatcher is active. The form, the banner shown when it is unavailable, and when it returns.

Self dispatch lets any unit raise a call. It is available when no dispatcher is active.

Creating a call as a unit

Select NEW CALL in the Patrol CAD toolbar.

  1. Enter a call type. This is the text shown in the call list.
  2. Choose a priority. The field opens on 3.
  3. Enter the location - a street, an intersection, or a landmark. Required.
  4. Add a postal in the box next to it if your community uses them. Optional.
  5. Choose a department, or leave the default.
  6. Enter a caller name if there is one.
  7. Enter a description.
  8. Select CREATE CALL.

The call appears in the list and you are attached to it.

When AutoDispatch is enabled, the department dropdown shows Automatic. Automatic uses your community's routing rules. See call routing and requirements.

When a dispatcher is active

NEW CALL and ATTACH are unavailable while a dispatcher is active. A banner shows "DISPATCHER ACTIVE - SELF-DISPATCH IS DISABLED. WAIT FOR AN ASSIGNMENT." and calls are assigned to you instead.

Self dispatch is restored automatically when no dispatcher is active.

What remains available

Setting your status, marking en route and on scene, adding call notes, running queries, filing reports and raising BOLOs.

Signal 100 also remains available.

Automatic assignment is separate

Self dispatch controls whether you can create and attach to a call yourself. Automatic assignment controls whether PlateNet assigns other available units to a call that already exists. See automatic assignment.

Related pages

  • Patrol CADThe three panel patrol screen, the toolbar, the banner that follows you onto other pages, and what the unit roster shows.
  • Working a call as a unitAttaching to a call, marking en route and on scene, adding call notes, detaching, and the disposition prompt when you are the last unit.
  • Signal 100Signal 100 creates an emergency priority-zero call, attaches your unit and assigns additional units even when automatic assignment is disabled.
  • Automatic assignmentAutomatic assignment assigns available units to open calls, processes calls by priority, and can be overridden for a dispatcher session.
  • Creating a call from dispatchThe dispatcher call form, the three announcement modes and the supervisor required checkbox.
  • DispatchThe dispatcher workspace, the two tabs, what changes when you enter the dispatch view, and what happens with two dispatchers on at once.

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