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Cadmus maps the most common dispatch actions to function keys so you can open dialogs, launch queries, and create pre-typed calls without lifting your hands from the keyboard. The F1–F5 keys are fixed across all agencies; F6–F12 are configured per organization and typically hold your agency’s most-used quick call templates such as traffic stops, follow-ups, and paper service runs.

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Core Function Keys (F1–F5)

These five keys are available on every Cadmus dispatch console regardless of agency configuration:
F4 always opens Map. RapidSOS (when shown in training builds) is click-only and does not share an F-key with Map. Function keys are inactive while the New CFS dialog is open.

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Quick Call Templates (F6–F12)

Your agency administrator configures Quick Call Shortcuts in Web Admin → Quick Call Shortcuts. These shortcuts appear as labeled buttons in the Cadmus header and are also bound to function keys F6–F12. Common defaults include: If your agency has more templates than there are function keys, the remaining templates appear in the More Quick Calls overflow menu in the header.
Learn your agency’s specific F8–F12 mappings early — they differ between organizations. Ask your CAD administrator or check Web Admin → Quick Call Shortcuts to see your current assignments.

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Assignment SMS on quick calls

Quick calls that assign a unit when the CFS is created use the same assignment text path as board assign. Eligible deputies receive the SMS as soon as the unit is attached — whether the shortcut starts the unit at Dispatched, Enroute, or On Scene. Closing the call is not required for the text to send.
Hotfix: officer-initiated Traffic Stop quick calls now send assignment SMS immediately when a unit is selected. They still do not send an Active911 page.

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Traffic Stop Quick Call

The Traffic Stop quick call (typically F8) opens a focused workflow designed for officer-initiated traffic stops:
1

Open Traffic Stop

Press F8 or click the Traffic Stop button in the header.
2

Enter the plate and state

Type the license plate number. For State, type either the two-letter code (MO) or the full name (Missouri) — the field is searchable and includes U.S. territories (for example DC and PR). Cadmus stores and queries the two-letter NCIC code. The state field defaults to MO for convenience; change it before creating the stop when the plate is from another jurisdiction.
3

Run the plate (optional)

Click Run Plate to preview registration results before creating the call. Cadmus does not run a plate query automatically while you type the plate number.
4

Create the traffic stop

Click Create Traffic Stop. Cadmus creates the CFS, attaches a vehicle card with the plate and selected state, and runs a linked CJIS/MULES vehicle query when your agency and user have NCIC access. If you already viewed the same plate and state with Run Plate, Cadmus still links the query to the call but does not show the result dialog a second time.
When a unit is selected on the traffic stop, Cadmus assigns that unit On Scene and immediately sends the normal assignment SMS to opted-in personnel on the unit (phone number on file, SMS on assign enabled, not in Do Not Disturb). Active911 paging is not triggered for officer-initiated traffic stops.
The Traffic Stop quick call is only available when Traffic Stops Allowed is enabled in your agency’s settings in Web Admin. If the button or function key does not appear, contact your CAD administrator to verify the agency configuration.

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Follow-Up Quick Call

The Follow-up quick call (typically F9) creates a CFS linked to prior activity:
  • Use it when an officer needs to follow up on an existing incident without opening a brand-new, unrelated call.
  • Depending on your agency configuration, the follow-up template may automatically assign the initiating unit when the call is created.

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Paper Service Quick Call

The Paper Service quick call (typically F10) uses a service-of-process template:
  • Enter the service location and the unit performing the service.
  • The resulting CFS record is typed as a paper-service run for accurate activity reporting.
  • When you assign a unit at create time, the call leaves Pending and the unit is set according to the shortcut’s Unit status when assigned at creation setting in Web Admin (Dispatched, Enroute, or On Scene).
  • Selecting a unit at create time also sends assignment SMS immediately to opted-in personnel on that unit. Choosing On Scene does not delay the text until the call is closed.

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More Quick Calls Overflow Menu

If your agency has configured more than five quick call templates, the extras appear in the More Quick Calls menu in the header (next to the F8–F12 buttons). Click the menu to see all available templates.

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Tips and Best Practices

Know your F-keys

Memorize your agency’s F8–F12 layout. Quick calls are only fast if you do not have to search for the right button under pressure.

Reload after admin changes

If your CAD administrator updates quick call templates, use Reload Data (or refresh the browser) to pick up the new assignments. Stale templates can point to outdated call types.

Verify location before submit

Quick calls create normal CFS records. Always confirm the incident location is accurate before submitting — the template does not auto-populate address from GPS unless your agency has that integration active.

Use F3 before F8

For traffic stops, enter plate and state, then create the stop so Cadmus runs the linked query with the state you selected. Use Run Plate or F3 when you want to preview results before creating the call.
The RapidSOS header shortcut may be unavailable in some live deployments. If you rely on RapidSOS caller-location data, use the map-side RapidSOS tracking panel rather than the header shortcut.

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Fuel Log shortcut

Some agencies map Fuel Log to a header button or an F6–F12 key. Fuel Log is a CAD utility for recording vehicle fills (including optional beginning and ending pump readings). It does not create a Call for Service. → Full steps: Fuel Logs