QTR: radio meaning (correct time) and how to use it during shifts
Q Code in practice · security
QTR means correct time. On the radio, “QTR?” asks what time it is and the reply gives the time in 24-hour format. In security, the code is used to synchronize shift clocks, mark incident times and record patrols and post changes.
Updated on · ABC Mais Telecom technical team, Motorola Solutions and Hytera two-way radio sales and rental.
What does QTR mean on the radio?
In the ITU list (ITU-R M.1172), QTR asks “what is the correct time?” and answers “the correct time is… hours.” Brazilian usage is the same, making it one of the codes least likely to cause confusion.
Care is needed in how the time is stated. On the radio, “half past two” could mean daytime or early morning. That is why security teams use 24-hour format: “14 and 30” or “02 and 30.” On 12-on, 36-off shifts, this difference prevents errors in the next morning’s report.
Correct time also protects the team. When an incident becomes a complaint, audit or legal proceeding, the post report is compared with cameras, turnstiles and access systems. If each post recorded a different time for the same event, the team’s account loses credibility. That is why setting clocks at the start of the shift is part of the procedure, not a minor detail.
| Question | Answer | Note |
|---|---|---|
| “Control, QTR?” | “14 and 32.” | 24-hour format. |
| “Confirm the incident time.” | “Incident at 03 and 10.” | Time of the event, not the transmission. |
| “Relief time?” | “Relief at 18 hours.” | Scheduled time. |
QTR in practice: 3 complete conversations
Each conversation shows the coded message followed by the same message in plain language. Use it as a training script with your team.
Clock synchronization
Goal: all posts use the same time.
- Control center
“All posts, this is control. QTR 19 hours exactly. Check your clocks.”
In plain language: All posts: it is exactly 19 hours. Check your clocks. - Gatehouse 1
“Control, Gatehouse 1, clock checked.”
In plain language: Control, Gatehouse 1’s clock is correct. - Patrol 1
“Control, Patrol 1, clock two minutes fast, already corrected.”
In plain language: My clock was two minutes fast; I have corrected it.
Early-morning incident
Goal: record the time of the event.
- Security guard
“Control, Post 3. Side gate found open. Approximate time: 02 and 15.”
In plain language: Control, the side gate was open. I found it at around 2h15 in the early morning. - Control center
“QSL. Gate closed?”
In plain language: Understood. Has the gate been closed? - Security guard
“Affirmative, closed at 02 and 18.”
In plain language: Yes, I closed it at 2h18. - Control center
“QSL, recorded.”
In plain language: Understood, it is noted.
Delayed relief
Goal: report the new expected time.
- Supervision
“Post 2, the relief scheduled for 18 hours will be late.”
In plain language: Post 2, the changeover at 18 hours will be late. - Post 2
“QSL. What is the new time?”
In plain language: Understood. What time will it be? - Supervision
“Relief at 18 and 30.”
In plain language: The changeover will be at 18h30.
6 ready-to-use phrases with QTR
Replace the names with your team’s locations and call signs. Before each message, say who it is for and who is speaking.
- Control center
“All posts, this is control. QTR 19 hours exactly, check clocks.”
Start of the night shift. - Patrol 1
“Control, Patrol 1 in sector 3, no change, 23 and 40.”
Patrol record. - Security guard
“Control, incident in parking lot B, time 02 and 15.”
Incident time. - Gatehouse
“Supervision, maintenance truck released at 07 and 05.”
Access control. - Control center
“Patrol 3, confirm the QTR of relief at post 2.”
Shift change. - Coordination
“Teams, gates open at 18 hours. Confirm QSL.”
Event.
How to use QTR without causing doubt
- Use 24-hour time. “14 and 30,” never “half past two.”
- Report the time of the event. When reporting an incident, say when it happened, not when you are speaking.
- Say “approximately” when you do not know. An estimated time with this word is better than an incorrect time.
- Say each digit if there is noise. “Zero two, one five” for 02:15, as in the phonetic alphabet and numbers guide.
Common mistakes with QTR
- Using 12-hour format. “Two o’clock” could mean 2h or 14h.
- Confusing report time with event time. The report needs the time when it happened.
- Each post with its own clock. Without synchronization at shift start, report times do not match.
- Not recording the cancellation time. Canceled orders (QTA) also need a time.
QTR in each type of operation
- Property security: Patrols and incidents with matching times on the radio, in the post logbook and in the report.
- Gate staff and access control: Vehicle and service provider entry and exit with recorded times.
- Events: Gate opening, breaks, team changes and closing at the same time for everyone.
- Logistics and industry: Dock windows, truck arrivals and line stoppages with standardized times.
- Condominiums: Deliveries, moves and construction with start and finish times reported to the gatehouse.
10-minute training at shift change
Short, frequent training works better than one long annual class. This script fits into service handover.
- Set clocks at relief. Control gives the correct time and each post confirms.
- Practice the format. Each guard converts three times of day (2h, 14h30, 23h45) into 24-hour format.
- Simulate an incident. The post reports the event and time; control checks that it is the event time.
- Review the report. Compare radio times with the post logbook.
Template for the post procedure
Copy and adapt it for your company’s operating procedure. The text defines code usage for the whole team, including new arrivals.
| Item | Suggested text |
|---|---|
| Adopted meaning | QTR = correct time, always in 24-hour format. |
| When to use | Shift start, patrols, incidents, access control and relief. |
| Message format | “14 and 32” or “approximately 02 and 15.” |
| When not to use | To state a duration: say “five minutes,” not a time of day. |
| Required confirmation | Each post confirms clock synchronization at the start of the shift. |
5 questions for team refresher training
- How do you say 2h30 in the afternoon on the radio?Answer: “14 and 30.”
- I reported at 03h00 something that happened at 02h40. Which time goes in the report?Answer: The event time: 02h40.
- I do not know the exact incident time. What should I say?Answer: “Approximately” and the estimated time.
- When should clocks be set?Answer: At shift start, using the time given by control.
- How do you say 02:15 with noise?Answer: “Zero two, one five.”
QTR and similar codes
| Code | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| QTR | Correct time. | “14 and 32.” |
| QRX | Agreed return call. | “I will call at 15 hours.” |
| QTA | Cancel and correct. | “QTA on the last message, correct time 02 and 15.” |
For the other shift codes, see the guide security guard codes with a pocket PDF card, the QRX (wait) and the complete Q Code list.
Frequently asked questions about QTR
Does QTR mean correct time?
Yes. That is the official meaning on the ITU list and also its usage in Brazil.
Should I use 12-hour or 24-hour format?
Prefer 24-hour time on the radio. It avoids confusing daytime and early morning.
How do I ask the time by radio?
Call control and say “QTR?” The reply gives the time: “14 and 32.”
Does the code apply to the incident logbook?
It standardizes time between posts. Written records follow the company’s procedure.
How do I say the time with noise?
Say each digit: “zero two, one five” for 02:15.
What if I do not know the exact time?
Say “approximately” and the estimated time.
Which clock is the reference?
The one defined by the company, normally control’s clock or the recording system. Control gives the correct time at shift start.
Do event schedules also use 24-hour time?
Yes. “Opening at 18 hours” leaves no doubt for teams working day and night.
Sources consulted
24-hour shifts with a backup radio? ABC Mais Telecom rents two-way radios for property security, gatehouses and events in the state of São Paulo, with the use of Anatel-licensed frequencies already included in the rental.
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