How to Write a Police Radio Conversation

Police radio conversations are filled with incident codes and brief phrases, allowing police officers to communicate information with a dispatcher in a clear and quick manner. Write a police radio conversation for a news story, film project or book using numerical codes and short phases. Record the radio conversation accurately. You can embellish the actual conversation later.

Step 1

Describe the action taking place in the scene, such as the policeman driving in a police vehicle, or out in the field in a public setting.

Step 2

Write the initial dialogue the dispatcher is giving to all field officers to proceed to the crime scene. Make the dialogue clear and concise, such as "Calling all units. A 211 at 675 Main. Back-up needed." If calling a specific officer, include the badge number before providing the incident information. An example would be "33. A 246 at 123 Broadway."

Step 3

Include the action the police officers are taking to respond to the dispatcher, such as the officer picking up the dispatch radio inside the car or talking into the two-way radio from the officer's shoulder. Write the response the officer gives to the dispatcher with brief dialogue such as "copy" or "go ahead."

Step 4

Continue the conversation with a question to the dispatcher. An example of an inquiry would be "Injuries?" If writing a comedy, an inquiry such as "do we really need to go?" works well. Present the dispatcher's response in a professional manner, such as "check" or "stand by. " Provide a witty response from the dispatcher to the officer's question for a comedy, such as "Do you want to get fired?"

Step 5

Conclude the police conversation with the officer or units in hot pursuit to the crime scene. Include the action the police are taking to get to the scene, and any remarks made by the characters, such as "Let's nail 'em."