Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) RADIO Practice Exam

What is the appropriate response when an officer needs to clear a previous transmission?

1. Cancel

2. Confirm

3. Acknowledge

4. Stand by

The correct answer is: Cancel

When an officer needs to clear a previous transmission, the appropriate response is to use "Cancel." This term effectively communicates to the recipient that the officer wishes to retract or nullify the earlier message, ensuring that there is no confusion or misunderstanding about the prior transmission. Using "Cancel" serves to clarify the communication process, allowing other officers or dispatchers to understand that the earlier information is no longer relevant or should not be acted upon. This is essential in maintaining effective communication practices within the department, as clear signals are critical in high-stakes environments such as law enforcement operations where accurate information is paramount. In contrast, terms like "Confirm," "Acknowledge," and "Stand by" do not convey the intention to clear or retract information. These terms might imply agreement with or understanding of a previous message but would not effectively indicate that it should be disregarded. Therefore, "Cancel" is the most straightforward and appropriate response in this context.