Tone over the radio?

[Special_Agent]

I was listening to SDPD (San Diego, CA) dispatch and there was a call for dispatch to turn on a tone ringing sound over the radio. And this tone is played every few seconds, untill the officer tells dispatch that its clear to drop the tone. What does this mean? and what is is used for? Been listening for SDPD for awhile now, since i live near San Diego. Thanks for any insight =)

www.scansandiego.net

[CarCop]

A tone is used to clear the radio of non-emergency traffic. If an officer has a FUBAR or a shooting, someone at gunpoint , felony stop... etc The tone is put on to let others who may not have heard the original call to stay off the radio unless they are involved. It cuts down chatter and lets everyone know somethng is up.

[Special_Agent]

I had a feeling that was it, thanks for the info!

[GrayW4442]

I think it is a great idea to have a "tone" We dont have it in Memphis and officers will get on the radio during a hold-up alarm and ask to run tags, etc. Very annoying.

[Drunkcop]

I think it is a great idea to have a "tone" We dont have it in Memphis and officers will get on the radio during a hold-up alarm and ask to run tags, etc. Very annoying.

You should be on the traffic channel. Just how DO you get the PST's to shut up?

[Da Po-po]

I think it is a great idea to have a "tone" We dont have it in Memphis and officers will get on the radio during a hold-up alarm and ask to run tags, etc. Very annoying.

We don't have that either, not that it matters. The radio room would do it wrong anyhow. We have an alert tone for emergency calls, but they will tone out the stupidest stuff and then give out an armed robbery or burglary in progress call like it's a motorist assist or something.