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why do SnoCom police "switch to data" as requested by dispatch? do they only have one radio and have to switch it between voice and data?

I don't know about SnoCom but data (until recently) generally ment go to the 'data' ch. to run a name. SPD was Tac 2 .

In larger dispatch centers, there is a position that runs all checks in WACIC/NCIC, DOL, confirms warrants and orders.

The officer would let the dispatcher know they have "data" or "one to run" the dispatcher then says either go ahead or "switch to data". This is done also because there is not always a data position. The other reason is so that the dispatcher knows the officer is off the channel and the data channel may be the first place to check when the officer is not answering status.