Last Updated on March 28, 2025 by James R. Cole

In security control room operations, the communications operator is crucial for successful incident handling. The role involves essential communication duties performed before, during, and after incidents occur.

Through this communication operator training, you’ll acquire essential skills that ensure effective security operations. Generally, communications operator performs two key roles:

• Radio Operator
• Communications Logger

In small organizations, one operator may handle both roles. However, larger organizations typically separate these responsibilities, assigning distinct personnel for each.

Duties and Responsibilities of Radio Operators

A Radio Operator uses communication devices to transmit and receive messages among security staff. They are central to effective incident management and communication flow within the security team.

Primary Duties Include:

• Inspection and Testing of Radio Equipment
• Sending and Receiving Messages
• Troubleshooting Radio Issues
• Frequency Management

1. Inspection and Testing of Radio Equipment:

Radio operators must inspect all radio communication devices and accessories before starting duty. Proper inspection includes verifying:

• Availability of all necessary equipment
• Battery levels (fully charged)
• Availability of spare equipment
• Condition of belt clips, antennas, earpieces, and microphones
• Clear and effective transmission capability

Radios should only be issued to personnel after confirming they function correctly.

2. Sending and Receiving Messages:

Radio operators are responsible for clearly transmitting and receiving messages using the organization’s radio protocol. Operators must promptly inform the supervisor upon receiving messages requiring immediate action, allowing timely responses.

3. Troubleshooting:

Radio operators must perform basic troubleshooting for user-level radio equipment issues. They must restore radio service quickly, ensuring minimal disruption to communication operations.

4. Frequency Management:

In large operations or events, multiple security guards utilize radios simultaneously, necessitating multiple frequencies. The radio operator must expertly manage and switch frequencies to maintain clear communication across different security sectors or teams.

Duties and Responsibilities of Communication Loggers

A Communication Logger is responsible for accurately documenting all communications and events occurring within the control room.

Primary Duties Include:

• Logging Security Incidents
• Recording Alarm Activations and Cancellations
• Documenting Decisions Made by Supervisors or Managers
• Noting Potential Security Concerns
• Preparing Daily Reports for Supervisors

Effective logging methods:

• Use a rough notebook for real-time events, later updating official logs (electronic or paper).
• Ensure all recorded information is precise and suitable for potential legal use.
• Maintain two separate logs if necessary:
  • Daily incidents and events log
  • Decisions made by supervisors and managers

Guidelines for Maintaining Logbooks:

• Write clearly and legibly.
• Use a black ink pen only.
• Record entries chronologically.
• Use the 24-hour time format.
• Number each entry sequentially.
• Record facts accurately; avoid assumptions.
• Corrections should be made by drawing a single line through mistakes; do not use white-out or erase.
• Do not leave blank spaces or pages.
• Do not add or remove pages from logbooks.
• When changing shifts, the outgoing logger must make the final entry and sign off.

Example of Proper Logbook Entry:

Conclusion:

Effective communication is the backbone of successful security operations. The communications operator ensures that critical information flows promptly and accurately, connecting security personnel in various locations.

Whether transmitting messages as a radio operator or accurately recording events as a communication logger, adherence to organizational Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensures smooth security operations and appropriate responses to all incidents.

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