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Direct messages with dispatch and other units, plus agency-wide dispatch alerts.
Screenshot placeholder: Unit chat split view with conversation list and message thread

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Open

Sidebar → Chat (or Unit Chat).

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Views

Toggle between MESSAGES and DISPATCH ALERTS / ALERTS in the header.
Screenshot placeholder: MESSAGES vs DISPATCH ALERTS toggle with alert badge

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Conversations

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Start a chat

  • Start a conversation (empty state or toolbar)
  • Start New Chat — pick a user from the directory
Conversations show:
  • Display name (unit or user)
  • Last message preview
  • Unread badge when new messages arrive
Select a conversation to open the message thread.
Screenshot placeholder: Conversation list with unread badges

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Send messages

  • Type in Message … field and send
  • Quick reply chips: 10-4, 10-8, Enroute, On Scene, Show Me Busy
  • Attach File (when enabled in your deployment)
Messages from you appear on the right; incoming messages on the left.
Screenshot placeholder: Message thread with quick reply chips
Filter conversations and message content with the search box when shown in your layout.

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Dispatch alerts

Dispatch Alerts lists agency notices:
  • PINNED ALERTS — stay at top until unpinned or dismissed
  • ALL ALERTS — remaining active alerts
Each alert card shows category, content, and timestamp. Actions may include Pin / Unpin and Dismiss.
Screenshot placeholder: PINNED ALERTS and ALL ALERTS sections
Alerts are separate from call-specific dispatch notes — see Dispatch notes.

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Notifications

Unread messages and active alerts contribute to chat notification indicators in the app shell. Opening a conversation marks messages read and clears related notifications for that thread.

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Requires network

Chat and alerts require connectivity. When offline, messaging is unavailable — see Connectivity and offline.

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Dispatch CAD counterpart

Dispatchers use Chat in Dispatch CAD for the same threads, plus Send SMS from call detail for text to the public. See Dispatch CAD documentation: Chat, SMS, and comms.

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Tips

  • Use quick replies for common status updates during traffic stops.
  • Check Dispatch Alerts at shift start for pass-on information.
  • Pin critical alerts you need visible all shift.

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Warnings

Chat is not a substitute for radio or priority dispatch instructions on active emergencies.
Do not send CJIS or NCIC query results in chat — use secure agency channels per policy.