> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cadmus-cad.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Function Key Shortcuts and Quick Call Templates in Cadmus

> Master the F1–F5 function keys and agency-configured quick call templates (F6–F12) to create calls and run queries faster in Cadmus Dispatch CAD.

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.

## Core Function Keys (F1–F5)

These five keys are available on every Cadmus dispatch console regardless of agency configuration:

| Key           | Action                       | Description                                                                               |
| ------------- | ---------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| <kbd>F1</kbd> | **New CFS**                  | Opens a blank Call for Service entry form                                                 |
| <kbd>F2</kbd> | **Login User**               | Opens the Unit Assignment dialog to log crews on or off duty                              |
| <kbd>F3</kbd> | **Query**                    | Opens the NCIC/law-enforcement query panel (law-enforcement agencies with NCIC enabled)   |
| <kbd>F4</kbd> | **Map**                      | Opens the dispatch map view                                                               |
| <kbd>F5</kbd> | **Units / Unit Greaseboard** | Opens the live unit status grid; supports table view, sort by status, and new-window mode |

<Note>
  <kbd>F4</kbd> 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.
</Note>

## 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:

| Key            | Typical Template        |
| -------------- | ----------------------- |
| <kbd>F8</kbd>  | **Traffic Stop**        |
| <kbd>F9</kbd>  | **Follow-up**           |
| <kbd>F10</kbd> | **Paper Service**       |
| <kbd>F11</kbd> | Additional org template |
| <kbd>F12</kbd> | Additional org template |

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.

<Tip>
  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.
</Tip>

## Traffic Stop Quick Call

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Traffic Stop">
    Press <kbd>F8</kbd> or click the **Traffic Stop** button in the header.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the plate">
    Type the license plate number in the plate entry field.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run the plate (optional)">
    Click **Run Plate** to send a query before creating the call. The result populates vehicle and registered-owner information automatically when your agency has plate-query integration enabled.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the traffic stop">
    Click **Create Traffic Stop**. Cadmus creates a new CFS record using the traffic-stop call type template, pre-populated with the plate and any query results.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  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.
</Warning>

## Follow-Up Quick Call

The **Follow-up** quick call (typically <kbd>F9</kbd>) 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.

## Paper Service Quick Call

The **Paper Service** quick call (typically <kbd>F10</kbd>) 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 opens under **Dispatched** (not **Pending**), with that unit shown as Dispatched on the call card.

## 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.

## Tips and Best Practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Know your F-keys" icon="keyboard">
    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.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reload after admin changes" icon="rotate">
    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.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Verify location before submit" icon="location-dot">
    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.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Use F3 before F8" icon="magnifying-glass">
    For traffic stops, run the plate query with <kbd>F3</kbd> (or the in-template **Run Plate** button) before creating the call. Pre-populated vehicle data saves time and improves record accuracy.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Warning>
  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.
</Warning>