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Cadmus provides several messaging channels so you can communicate with other dispatchers and field units without leaving the dispatch console. Use the built-in Chat panel for real-time dispatcher-to-dispatcher conversations, the SMS workflow to send templated text messages tied directly to a call, and command-line shortcuts for rapid in-channel messaging.

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Dispatcher Chat

1

Open the chat panel

Click the Chat icon in the header. On desktop installations, chat may open in a separate window so you can keep it visible while working calls.
2

Start a new conversation

Click New Chat or Start a Conversation to open a new thread. If no conversations exist yet, the panel displays No active chats.
3

Select a recipient

Browse the conversation list to resume an existing thread, or open the Online Users sidebar to see who is currently logged in. Click Start chat on any user row to begin a direct message with that dispatcher or supervisor.
Toggle the Online Users sidebar to quickly see which dispatchers and supervisors are available before sending a message.

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Send SMS from a Call

SMS messages are sent from within a call detail panel and are tied to that call’s record for audit purposes.
1

Open the call detail

Navigate to the open call you want to message about.
2

Open the Send SMS sheet

Click Send SMS in the call actions or tooltip area. The Send SMS sheet slides up.
3

Select a template

Choose a message template from the Template field to pre-fill consistent wording:
4

Select recipients

Switch between the Groups tab to message an entire group or select individual users. Confirm your selection before proceeding.
5

Preview and send

Review the message in the Preview section to verify content and recipients, then click Send SMS. The button displays Sending… while the message is in transit.
SMS delivery requires a backend SMS integration to be active for your agency. Enabling the SMS toggle in settings alone does not activate texting — confirm with your administrator that the integration is configured.

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SMS History

After sending, the call detail panel displays an SMS History section showing every message sent for that call along with its delivery status. If no messages have been sent yet, the section shows No SMS messages sent for this call.
Check SMS History after sending to confirm delivery. Units without mobile data or a registered MDT may not receive messages — follow up by radio if delivery is not confirmed.

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Command-Line Messaging

For rapid messaging directly from the command line, Cadmus supports the following messaging commands:

MSG

Send a direct message to a single logged-in unit. Use this for unit-specific instructions or information.

BC

Broadcast a message to all currently logged-in units. Use sparingly and only for agency-wide announcements.

DNOTES

Add dispatcher notes to a call for service (CFS). Notes are attached to the incident record and visible in call history.
BC reaches every logged-in unit simultaneously. Never include sensitive, restricted, or personally identifiable information in a broadcast message, as all recipients will see it without context.
Use MSG instead of BC whenever you need to communicate with a specific unit. Reserve BC for genuine agency-wide notifications such as major incident alerts or shift-wide advisories.