What does CYMBALS represent in a radio transmission?

CYMBALS is an acronym commonly used in radio transmissions to provide a quick and efficient way to relay essential information about a vehicle involved in an incident. The components of CYMBALS typically stand for:

• C: Color

• Y: Year

• M: Make

• B: Body type

• A: Alarm (whether the vehicle has an alarm system)

• L: License plate number

• S: State of the license plate

This structure allows officers to systematically communicate detailed vehicle descriptions, which is critical in various situations such as traffic stops, vehicle pursuits, or investigating incidents involving suspicious vehicles. Therefore, recognizing that CYMBALS pertains specifically to aspects of vehicle description highlights its significance in law enforcement and public safety communications. This framework helps ensure that all essential information is conveyed succinctly, enabling a rapid response from officers and collaboration with dispatch or other agencies.