Connect user transmissions should be brief, safety/security/police related and initially directed to the network dispatcher. When acknowledged by dispatch, you may say whatever it is that you want to say. If the dispatcher doesn't respond to you on the first attempt, wait 10 seconds and initiate contact again.

Users can request air time for horizontal communication between other Connect users, however initial requests should be coordinated via the controlling 911 dispatcher. Once he or she approves, coordinates and concludes the horizontal transmissions, all network radio traffic should return to normal and be directed at the dispatcher.

A horizontal communication is when a user uses the frequency to talk directly to another Connect user (e.g. Hotel A wants to talk to Hotel B). A vertical communication is when a Connect user talks directly to dispatch. 

A phonetic alphabet is used to ensure that letters are appropriately heard by radio users. The alphabet below should be used whenever someone is using Connect and attempting to spell a word, name or provide a license plate.

Example: A security guard uses Connect to report a BOLO for John Doe. Guard: "Please be on the lookout for John Doe, spelled : John/Ocean/Henry/Nora/David/Ocean/Edward".

Click HERE to see APD's phonetic alphabet

Connect radio transmissions are governed by the Federal Communications Commission Code. 

Pertinent sections of that code say:

1) No person shall transmit or cause to be transmitted any superfluous radio communications or signal or willfully or maliciously interfere with any other radio communications or signal (47 US Code Section 333).

2) No person within the jurisdiction of the United States shall utter any obscene, indecent or profane language by means of radio communications (47 US Code Section 303 (m) (1) (D).

3) Any person violating any provision of the act, upon conviction thereof, in any court of competent jurisdiction, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 or by imprisonment for a term of not more than five years or both, for each and every offense (47 US Code Section 501).

4) The Federal Communications Law also states that the use of public safety radio networks are intended to be used official business only. Use of the Connect system is neither intended to be, or permitted to be, used for personal or private business unrelated to public safety. Telephones or private proprietary radio networks are to be used for those needs.