Push-to-Talk Communication Protocols: TeamMap Voice Guide
Communication protocols for TeamMap's walkie-talkie feature. Covers channel setup, radio discipline, emergency codes, and voice communication best practices.
Push-to-talk (PTT) communication gives security teams instant voice contact without the delays of calling or texting. TeamMap's walkie-talkie feature works over cellular and WiFi, providing reliable communication across any distance—unlike traditional radios limited by range.
TeamMap's push-to-talk feature provides instant voice communication for security teams. This guide covers channel setup, radio discipline, emergency codes, and communication best practices.
Why Push-to-Talk?
PTT vs. Phone Calls
| Feature | Phone Call | Push-to-Talk |
|---|---|---|
| Connection time | 10-30 seconds | Instant |
| Group communication | Conference call setup | Built-in |
| Hands-free operation | Limited | Single button press |
| Emergency priority | No special handling | SOS override |
PTT vs. Traditional Radios
| Feature | Traditional Radio | TeamMap PTT |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 1-5 miles typical | Unlimited (cellular) |
| Additional hardware | Required | Uses existing phone |
| Channels | Limited | Unlimited |
| Integration | Standalone | Linked to location, incidents |
Channel Organization
Recommended Channel Structure
| Channel Name | Purpose | Members |
|---|---|---|
| All Hands | Company-wide announcements | Everyone |
| Dispatch | Supervisor communications | Supervisors, dispatch |
| [Site Name] | Site-specific operations | Guards at that site |
| Emergency | Critical incidents only | Everyone (monitored) |
| Mobile Patrol | Patrol unit coordination | Mobile patrol guards |
Creating Channels in TeamMap
- Open TeamMap admin dashboard
- Navigate to Channels section
- Click "Create Channel"
- Enter channel name and description
- Set permissions (who can talk, who can listen)
- Add members or member groups
- Configure notification settings
- Save channel
Radio Discipline
Important: Poor radio discipline wastes time, creates confusion, and can interfere with emergency communications. All team members must follow proper procedures.
Basic Radio Etiquette
- Think before you speak: Know what you're going to say before pressing the button
- Be brief: Keep transmissions short and to the point
- Wait your turn: Don't interrupt ongoing transmissions
- Identify yourself: Start with your name or call sign
- Confirm receipt: Acknowledge important messages
Standard Communication Format
| Element | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Call | "Dispatch, this is Unit 5" | Identify recipient and sender |
| Message | "Requesting backup at Building A" | Clear, concise information |
| Acknowledgment | "Unit 5, dispatch copies. Backup en route." | Confirm message received |
| Close | "Copy, Unit 5 out." | Indicates transmission complete |
Common Radio Codes
Use consistent codes across your organization:
| Code | Meaning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 10-4 | Message received/understood | Acknowledge any message |
| 10-20 | Location | "What's your 10-20?" |
| 10-9 | Repeat message | Didn't hear clearly |
| 10-6 | Busy/standby | Can't respond immediately |
| 10-7 | Out of service | Break, off shift |
| 10-8 | In service | Available for calls |
| Code Red | Emergency | Clear channel for emergency |
Emergency Communication Procedures
Declaring an Emergency
- Press and hold PTT button
- State "CODE RED" or "EMERGENCY" clearly
- Identify yourself
- State your location
- Describe the emergency briefly
- State what assistance you need
Example: "Code Red, Code Red. This is Unit 3 at Building C, east stairwell. Medical emergency, person unconscious. Need EMS and backup."
All Other Traffic
When an emergency is declared:
- All non-emergency traffic stops immediately
- Channel is reserved for emergency communication
- Only respond if you can assist
- Wait for "all clear" before resuming normal traffic
SOS Button
TeamMap's SOS feature provides one-touch emergency alerts:
- Automatically broadcasts location to all supervisors
- Opens priority voice channel
- Creates incident record
- Can trigger external notifications (911, alarm company)
Communication Best Practices
What to Communicate via PTT
- Emergencies and urgent situations
- Backup requests
- Suspicious activity reports
- Status updates during incidents
- Shift check-ins
- Time-sensitive coordination
What NOT to Communicate via PTT
- Personal conversations
- Long detailed reports (use chat/forms)
- Confidential information
- Complaints or gossip
- Non-urgent administrative matters
Handling Sensitive Information
- Use private channels for confidential matters
- Switch to phone call for extended discussions
- Avoid names of suspects/persons of interest on open channels
- Don't broadcast building codes or access information
Troubleshooting
Poor Audio Quality
- Check internet connection (WiFi/cellular)
- Move to area with better signal
- Reduce background noise
- Hold phone closer to mouth
- Ensure microphone isn't blocked
Can't Transmit
- Check channel permissions
- Verify app has microphone access
- Ensure someone else isn't transmitting
- Restart the app
Missing Transmissions
- Check notification settings
- Verify channel membership
- Check Do Not Disturb mode isn't active
- Ensure app is running (not killed by battery optimization)
Key Takeaways
- PTT provides instant group communication without dialing
- Organize channels by site, function, and emergency needs
- Radio discipline keeps channels clear for important traffic
- Emergency procedures ensure critical situations get priority
- Use the right communication tool for each type of message
Written by
TeamMapTeam
TeamMap builds modern workforce management tools for security teams, helping companies track, communicate, and coordinate their field operations.
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