Assignment

Listen to an online police or fire scanner stream for two hours and document what you hear. Specifically listen for codes, protocol and other methods of communicating complex information. (link)

Analysis

I chose to monitor the FDNY because I thought it would be useful to know the streets and addresses referenced by dispatch. I also considered listening to one of the scanners in Florida, since that's where most of the episodes of COPS are filmed. First, two hours sounds like a long time, but it takes just about that long to get a feel for how the communication protocol works and to become familiar with new jargon. It took at least an hour of listening to start finding patterns and to decode the chatter. Here are some of my observations: 1. 248 was the code for the dispatcher. This was the point person communicating with various engine companies. 2. The dispatcher noted the time at the end of each transmission by saying the numbers (i.e. 11:47 was spoken as '1-1-4-7') and then giving his dispatch number (248). 3. No conversation lasted longer than 10 seconds. Most were shorter than 5 and involved only two or three exchanges between the dispatcher and the contact. 4. Through some research into the '10 codes' used by firefighters as shorthand for various messages, I understand that I heard the following codes used:

• 10-4: Acknowledgment
• 10-6: Stand by
• 10-18: Return all units except 1 engine AND 1 ladder
• 10-32: Defective oil burner
• 10-12: First arriving unit give preliminary
• 10-40: Utility emergency
• 10-33 code 2: Odor of smoke (any other type of odor)

5. The dispatcher addressed the firefighters in a variety of ways (battalion 11, ladder 12, engine 5), and I was unclear what the difference was among these groups. It's possible that it indicated in code the rank of the responder or it might have differentiated between two trucks from the same firehouse. 6. Much of the chatter was faster than I could transcribe it, and sometimes so garbled I was surprised not to hear more use of code 10-5 (Repeat). 7. A lot of the exchanges were simply 10-4, confirmation that the message was received. 8. At two points, I heard what sounded like Morse Code beeping, but I was unable to determine its significance.

Partial Transcript

Date: Saturday, September 26 URL: The Bravest Time: 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM

1144: what can I do for you? subway exits on 14th and avenue A. 10-4 1146 248 just got another call 1147 248 ladder 12 10-6 ladder 3 inspecting 166 and 167 12: available sending you a gas leak [gives address] odor of gas. 10-4 gives directions ladder 12 became available. unknown where its coming from. [gives more precise address] engine 5 here. [unintelligible] conversation about address and odor odor is at 17th and 8th that's correct 10-4 1154 248 [Morse code sounding beeps] engine 47 47 we responded 1196 10-4 telephone 1196 [gives address] smelling fire on roof battalion 11 elevator shut down and white smoke in that area 11 10-4 1194 [unintelligible] 248 ladder 28 1200 hours is the time at 248 engine 47 auto accident, no injuries 10-4 what direction? 10-18 574 inspecting subway entrance engine 246 10-4 1157 we already 86'd the lights in station downtown platform 10-4 1206 the time at 248 battalion 11 10-18 1196 10-32 battalion [unintelligible] 80 we sent you an EMS you get that? 10-4 thank you supposed to be a female struck. 1204 248 man a lot of 26 engine 8 ok 10-4 alarm box 1791 [address] smell of gas (repeats) 10-12 on the 19 1211 is the time on that 248 257 battalion 19 10-12 code apartment 6charles 1212 the time on that 248 engine 14 exits 124/125 that's affirmative, over engine 7 can you call 32 recorded 10-4 1214 the time 248 engine 54 10-4 code engine 54 10-4 1215 248 engine 95 can i have battalion 2 1217 the time of that 248 Manhattan bat 1 can you call your quarter? 1218 at 248 10-18 1791 battalion 7 1220 the time 248 going back to the bronx at 1224 hours [Morse code like beeps] Manhattan battalion 7 7 here 3 and 2 at the hotel. 7 10-4 fire alarm at the hotel [gives address] [gives address] odor from building. code is a 540. Manhattan battalion 6. we have 3 engines and 1 truck. 1229 248 engine 44 ladder 11 engine 53 1238 time 248 1133 investigating an odor on the 5th floor 1142 248 10-18 testing the alarm system code 2 battalion 2 10-4 1244 the time on that 248 140 code 2 1248 the time ladder 45 come in engine 53 might be on the far side 53 10-4 the 10-40 on the walkway. 10-4 Manhattan 53 you have to enter ... 10-4 53 do you require any add'l resources? we didn't get on the scene yet 1314 on that 248 ladder 43 - relay to ladder 53 we are being waved in to a pier on the east river by some civilians just off of 103 street and we're pulling in now 53 did you hear that? going there now let us know if you need any add'l resources 43 10-4 median on west side highway, rubbish on fire. 10-4 10-33 there's no fire at that location 10-4 10-33 code 2 547 1019 engine 3 Manhattan 55 10 inspecting subway exits 130 and 13 110 10-18 box 547 1322 248 engine 1 assigned to 6 bound and zero assigned as to 13210 1331 Manhattan 248 END TRANSCRIPTION