Mandatory Radio Communication Protocols and Professional Secrecy

Professional Radio Communication Standards

General Service Requirements

• The broadcasting service is strictly confidential.
• Do not use communication channels for personal or non-service-related issues.

Radio Transmission Protocols (Speaking Rules)

Speaking protocols must adhere to the following rules:

• Microphone Positioning: Position the microphone correctly, approximately 10 cm from the mouth.
• Transmission Protocol: The transmission protocol (call sign/signal) must be appropriate for each situation.
• Vocalization: Speak loudly, clearly, without screaming, and vocalize distinctly.
• Message Planning: Plan the message before speaking. If in doubt, write it down before transmission.
• Keywords: Use standard communication keywords correctly: Attention, Over, and Out.
• Familiarity: Be familiar with all communication protocols and keys required for use.
• Brevity: Keep transmissions as brief as possible.
• Interference Avoidance: Listen before transmitting to avoid interfering with ongoing communications.
• Initiation: When initiating a message, press the PTT (Push-to-Talk) switch and wait a few seconds before speaking.
• Address: Use impersonal and formal address at all times.
• Repeat Call: If the recipient does not respond, wait a few seconds and repeat the call.
• Detail: Do not include excessive detail in transmissions, except in emergency situations.
• Confidentiality: Maintain secrecy and confidentiality regarding matters learned during the course of duty.

Information Quality and Legal Basis

All information sent by radio must be clear, concise, and concrete.

The confidential nature of the broadcasting service is legally mandated under the following items:

• Section 27.G of the LOFCS.
• Section 45.7 of the LCPLCM.
• Article 240 of the Regulations of Municipal Police in Madrid.

These articles define the "violation of professional secrecy and the failure to disclose matters known by virtue of office, which hamper the growth of police work or anyone else" as a very serious offense subject to punishment.

Maintaining Professional Secrecy and Security

Operators must strictly observe the following rules regarding security and confidentiality:

• Equipment Location: It is prohibited to use computers and radio stations in a manner that facilitates the location or inference of information regarding communication contents or service operations.
• Unauthorized Persons: It is forbidden to discuss service matters in front of unauthorized persons, as they may infer confidential information.
• Station Access: Access to fixed or mobile listening stations is not permitted for anyone outside the service.
• Document Destruction: Documents used during service that are no longer needed must be destroyed immediately upon completion of duty.
• Password Security: It is prohibited to provide unauthorized persons with passwords or other service-related information.
• Citizen Data Protection: It is prohibited to provide the accused or required party with the data of the requesting citizen or complainant.

Operator Responsibility

The police operator is responsible for the equipment under their care, ensuring its security at all times and preventing unauthorized persons from making any communication.