NYPD Question

W2MR · #1 (**permalink**) 11-17-2012, 5:10 AM

Why does the NYPD say "Standby - K". It translates to Standby - Go ahead. Just curious.

elk2370bruce · #2 (**permalink**) 11-17-2012, 7:27 AM

Because that is the way that they have always done it. No reason - just history.

DaveNF2G · #3 (**permalink**) 11-17-2012, 8:16 AM

K means "over" - it just means that they are done talking.

cknizeski · #4 (**permalink**) 11-17-2012, 8:36 AM

"K" was from the old telegraph days, it was sent after a transmission

FDNY Radio Terminology

W2MR · #5 (**permalink**) 11-17-2012, 8:53 AM

Points of interest...K means invitation to transmit. Over means over to you.

MTACOP · #6 (**permalink**) 11-17-2012, 8:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W2MR

Points of interest...K means invitation to transmit. Over means over to you.

Not in NYC lol... It's just one of those things K

FrankRaffa · #7 (**permalink**) 11-17-2012, 10:01 AM

Some fire chiefs use it at the end of every sentence instead of at the end of the transmission.

DaveNF2G · #8 (**permalink**) 11-18-2012, 9:43 AM

The meaning of various prosigns and prowords varies according to what group is using them. NYC public safety agencies do not use K in the same way as amateur radio operators do.

wtp · #9 (**permalink**) 11-18-2012, 9:57 AM

it was my understanding that due to the repeater hang time it meant over to you
i mostly heard it on fd
i listened to them from about 1977 to 1994 then moved to florida...k

PJH · #10 (**permalink**) 11-27-2012, 6:21 PM

It actually stems from the old telegraph days, which is correct from what cknizeski posted. It just carried over and became common language.

Metro-Dade? In Florida uses "Q" codes that hams use

Rocky Mountain states use "break" often which carried over from many former military who went into public safety

Ohio, Indiana areas you will hear "ok"

Northeast "Roger"

California "Copy that"

etc etc

Most started from old communication techniques and traditions and have evolved regionally based on the regional customs.

As a NY example, if you said "DMV" over the radio troopers will think your referring to the Department of Motor Vehicle vs Disabled Motor Vehicle heard in MA/CT (vs just DV for disabled vehicle).