Roleplay Dispatch System Setup Guide

Setting up a roleplay dispatch system is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your emergency services community. A well-configured dispatch system transforms how calls are handled, how units are coordinated, and how professional your entire operation feels. This guide walks you through the complete process of setting up a CAD dispatch system using CDE CAD, from initial configuration to advanced dispatch protocols.

Step 1: Configure Your Call Types

The foundation of any RP dispatch system is a well-organized set of call types. These categories determine how 911 calls are classified and routed to the appropriate units. CDE CAD allows you to create custom call types that match your community's specific needs and roleplay scenarios.

Start with the standard categories that every FiveM dispatch system should include: traffic stops, traffic accidents, disturbances, suspicious activity, shots fired, robberies, medical emergencies, and fire calls. From there, you can add specialized call types like pursuits, warrant service, welfare checks, and community-specific scenarios unique to your server.

Each call type in CDE CAD can be assigned a default priority level, ensuring that critical calls like shots fired or officer down automatically receive the highest priority classification. This eliminates the guesswork for dispatchers and ensures consistent handling of emergency calls across all shifts and personnel.

Step 2: Establish Priority Levels

Priority 1 - Emergency

Life-threatening situations requiring immediate response. Active shooters, officer down, in-progress violent crimes. All available units should respond or stand by for assignment.

Priority 2 - Urgent

Serious situations requiring prompt response. Robberies in progress, domestic disturbances, traffic accidents with injuries. Units should respond without delay but not at emergency speed.

Priority 3 - Routine

Non-emergency calls that still require officer response. Minor accidents, noise complaints, suspicious vehicles, parking violations. Units respond when available between higher priority calls.

Priority 4 - Low

Administrative and follow-up calls. Report taking, information requests, welfare checks on non-urgent matters. These calls are handled as time permits throughout the shift.

Step 3: Set Up Unit Assignments

Unit assignments are how your dispatch system connects calls to the officers who will handle them. CDE CAD supports both dispatcher-assigned and self-assigned models, giving your community flexibility in how calls are distributed.

In the dispatcher-assigned model, your dispatch personnel review incoming calls and assign the most appropriate available unit based on location, specialization, and current workload. This model provides the most realistic experience and gives dispatchers meaningful control over operations.

The self-assigned model allows officers to view available calls and claim them independently. This works well for communities that do not always have dedicated dispatch personnel online. CDE CAD's FiveM dispatch system supports a hybrid approach where dispatchers can assign calls when available, and officers can self-assign when dispatch is unmanned.

"A great dispatch system does not just move calls to officers. It creates a communication framework where every unit knows what is happening, where it is happening, and who is handling it."

Step 4: Dispatch Protocols and SOPs

Standard Operating Procedures for dispatch are what turn a good roleplay dispatch system into a great one. These protocols establish consistent practices that all dispatchers follow, regardless of who is on the console.

CDE CAD supports these protocols through configurable call workflows, automated notifications, and structured call notes that guide dispatchers through the information they need to collect. The system enforces consistency while still allowing flexibility for unique situations that arise during roleplay.

Step 5: Integration and Testing

Once your roleplay dispatch system is configured, the final step is connecting it to your FiveM server and testing the complete workflow. CDE CAD provides FiveM integration that connects your in-game 911 system directly to the dispatch console, creating a seamless pipeline from civilian emergency call to officer response.

Test every call type by running through complete scenarios. Have a civilian place a 911 call, watch it appear on the dispatch console, assign a unit, track the response, and close the call with a resolution. This end-to-end testing ensures your CAD dispatch configuration works smoothly before going live with your community.

Discord integration adds another layer of functionality. Configure webhooks to post new calls to designated channels, notify specific roles when high-priority incidents occur, and log call resolutions for review. CDE CAD handles all of this through its built-in Discord integration settings.

Build Your Professional Dispatch System

CDE CAD gives you everything you need to run dispatch operations that feel authentic. Set up your roleplay dispatch system today.