Oregon DPSST Security Professional Practice Test

The correct procedure to follow when preparing to transmit via radio is to first listen and ensure there is no active traffic over the radio channel. This is due to the fact that radio channels are typically shared among many users, and overlapping transmissions can interfere with vital communications. By checking if the channel is free before transmitting, it reduces the possibility of cross-communication or blocking someone else's important message. This rule applies to all radio procedures to ensure efficient and effective communication within and between agencies. So, while talking clearly and coherently is essential for effective radio communication, it is not the first step in the process, the first step is to check whether the channel is clear or not. Similarly, talking loudly or transmitting immediately without checking may actually disrupt ongoing communications and is not considered good radio etiquette.