What is the Back Up Dispatch System?

• A. A secondary communication system to ensure continuity of dispatch operations.
• B. A primary method for field communication with units.
• C. A public-facing alert system for citizens.
• D. A network used solely for interagency email.

Answer: (A)

The back up dispatch system is a secondary, independent communications setup that keeps dispatch operations running when the primary system fails. It provides the redundancy needed to receive 9-1-1 calls, coordinate units, and relay critical information without interruption, using alternate radio channels, landlines, or a separate data path as needed.

This isn’t the normal channel for day-to-day field communications—that’s handled by the primary system. It isn’t a public-facing alert system for citizens, and it isn’t just an internal interagency email network. It exists specifically to maintain dispatch continuity during outages.