Two-way Radio Usage

UNIVERSITY of NORTH DAKOTA FINANCE & OPERATIONS POLICY LIBRARY

TWO-WAY RADIO USAGE Section 6, Public Safety Policy 6.18, Two-way Radio Usage Responsible Executive: VP Finance & Operations Responsible Office: Department of Public Safety Issued: December 11, 2013 Latest Review / Revision: December 11, 2013

POLICY STATEMENT University of North Dakota (UND) departments are responsible for operating and using radio systems in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations.

REASON FOR POLICY The FCC is authorized to formulate and enforce regulations governing radio frequency use. Failure to comply with the regulations identified in Code of Federal Regulations Title 47, Chapter 1, Subchapter D, Part 90 may result in substantial fines for the University and may place UND departmental licenses in jeopardy.

SCOPE OF POLICY This policy applies to:

 

 Faculty  Staff  Students Others

President Vice Presidents Deans, Directors & Department Heads Area Managers & Supervisors

WEB SITE REFERENCES This policy: http://und.edu/finance-operations/_files/docs/6-18-two-way-radio-usage.pdf Policy Office: http://und.edu/finance-operations/policy-office.cfm Vice President for Finance & Operations: http://und.edu/finance-operations/

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UND Finance & Operations Policy Library Section 6, Public Safety Two-way Radio Usage 6.18

CONTENTS Policy Statement

1

Reason for Policy

1

Scope of Policy

1

Web Site References

1

Related Information

3

Contacts

3

Definitions

3

Principles (overview)

3

Procedures

3

Specific FCC Regulations Disciplinary Actions

4 4

Responsibilities

4

Appendices (list)

5

Appendix 1 – Training Guidelines

6

Revision Record

5

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UND Finance & Operations Policy Library Section 6, Public Safety Two-way Radio Usage 6.18

RELATED INFORMATION 18 USC Chapter 71 – Obscenity, Section 1464 – Broadcasting Obscene Language

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011title18/pdf/USCODE-2011-title18-partI-chap71-sec1464.pdf

47 CFR – Telecommunication, Chapter 1 – FCC, Subchapter D – Safety and Special Radio Services, Part 90 – Private Land Mobile Radio Services, Subpart N – Operating Requirements

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?c=ecfr&SID=2928eb473aeb83de699a60e05a254255&rgn =div5&view=text&node=47:5.0.1.1.3&idno=47#47:5.0.1.1.3. 13

CONTACTS General questions about this policy can be answered by your department’s administrative office. Specific questions should be directed to the following: Subject

Contact

Telephone

Policy Clarification

Department of Public Safety

(701) 777-3341

Training Guidelines

Department of Public Safety

(701) 777-3341

Office or Department E-Mail / Web Address http://und.edu/financeoperations/departement-of-publicsafety.cfm http://und.edu/financeoperations/departement-of-publicsafety.cfm

DEFINITIONS 47 CFR Part 90

Code of Federal Regulations Title 47 – Telecommunication, Chapter 1 – FCC, Subchapter D – Safety and Special Radio Services, Part 90 – Private Land Mobile Radio Services

CFR

Code of Federal Regulations

FCC

Federal Communications Commission

USC

United States Code

Two-way Radio

A radio that can both transmit and receive (also known as a transceiver), unlike a broadcast receiver which only receives content. A two-way radio allows the operator to have a conversation with other similar radios operating on the same radio frequency (also known as a channel). Two-way radios are available in mobile, stationary base and hand-held portable configurations. Hand-held radios are often called walkie-talkies, handie-talkies, or just hand-helds.

PRINCIPLES OVERVIEW – UND departments are responsible for operating and using radio systems in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations. Any UND individual (student, faculty or staff) utilizing a two-way radio while conducting business at or for UND must adhere to these requirements. The FCC is authorized to formulate and enforce regulations governing radio frequency use. Failure to comply with the regulations identified in Code of Federal Regulations Title 47, Chapter 1, Subchapter D, Part 90 (47 Page 3 of 5

UND Finance & Operations Policy Library Section 6, Public Safety Two-way Radio Usage 6.18 CFR Part 90) may result in substantial fines for the University and may place UND departmental licenses in jeopardy.

PROCEDURES In addition to following 47 CFR Part 90, UND departments must also adhere to United States Code Title 18, Chapter 71, Section 1464 regarding obscene language. More specifically, all two-way radio users must follow proper use of radio frequencies and radio etiquette, and must understand the disciplinary procedures that may be administered if found not to be in compliance. Training guidelines will be provided to department supervisors where two-way radios are utilized. These guidelines comply with FCC operating requirements. Department supervisors must incorporate this training information into the departmental procedures on file for each department’s two-way radio use. Failure to comply may result in substantial fines levied against the University and may place the University of North Dakota departmental licenses in jeopardy.

Specific FCC Regulations While summarizing all FCC regulations in this document is not practical, a few regulations of note have been identified for all two-way radio users to know and understand. The use of indecent, obscene, or profane language is strictly prohibited. The FCC penalty for an individual who uses obscene, indecent, or profane language while using a two-way radio is up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than two years. Two-way radio users may transmit only the following types of communications:  Any communication related directly to the imminent safety-of-life or property. These emergency transmissions receive priority over all other communications.  Communications directly related to and necessary for University business.  Communications necessary for testing purposes as required for proper station and system maintenance. Tests must be kept to a minimum to avoid harmful interference. Two-way radio users must keep transmissions to a minimum and must implement efficient operating procedure to maximize the use of the spectrum. Two-way radio users must transmit their call signs at regular intervals either by voice or by Morse code. Repeaters may key Morse code for the user; however, there are channels upon which a repeater may not be employed, in which case the user is responsible for giving the call sign when the system does not do it automatically.

Disciplinary Actions If found in noncompliance or in violation of any FCC rule or regulation associated with two-way radio usage, a UND employee may receive progressive disciplinary action from his/her supervisor. If not resolved or if the violation continues, the employee will be referred to the Department of Public Safety for additional training and may be recommended for further disciplinary action to the supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES All users of two-way radios

 Comply with FCC operating requirements  Understand and follow the training guidelines provided by your supervisor

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UND Finance & Operations Policy Library Section 6, Public Safety Two-way Radio Usage 6.18 Department of Public Safety

 Maintain proper training guidelines for departmental/supervisor use  Provide supplemental training for users who have violated FCC rules and regulations  Recommend further disciplinary action of an employee, if necessary, to his/her supervisor

Supervisors

 Ensure all two-way radio users are trained using proper guidelines  Discipline two-way radio users when found in noncompliance or in violation of FCC rules or regulations

APPENDICES Appendix 1 – Training Guidelines

Contact Department of Public Safety

REVISION RECORD 04/01/2013 – Impact Statement Endorsed

President’s Cabinet

12/11/2013 – Policy Implementation

Signed by President Robert O. Kelley

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