Fivem Cad System -
FiveM CAD System — Digest
What it is
- A CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) for FiveM is a web-based roleplay tool that simulates real-world dispatch/records systems for GTA V roleplay servers. It provides in-character features for law enforcement, EMS, and other services: call logging, unit status, dispatching, incident reports, warrants, vehicle/person records, jail/booking, maps, and MDT messaging.
Core components
- User interface: responsive web UI for dispatchers and officers (desktop and mobile-friendly).
- Backend/database: stores users, units, incidents, records, logs, and assets (often using MySQL/MariaDB or PostgreSQL).
- Server integration: FiveM resource scripts (Lua, JS) to sync in-game players with the CAD (statuses, unit assignment, location, callsigns).
- Authentication & permissions: role-based access (dispatcher, officer, admin), often with whitelist or integration to server identifiers.
- Map and location features: POIs, geo-fencing, blips, call locations, and real-time unit maps tied to in-game coordinates.
- Notifications & dispatching: audible/visual alerts, assigned unit lists, priority levels, and logging of response times.
- Records management: arrests, citations, warrants, vehicles, plate checks, background checks, and incident attachments (photos/text).
- Jail and inmate tracking: booking, release, sentences, and inmate logs.
- Audit/logging: complete history of actions for moderation and roleplay integrity.
Common features and variants
- Basic CAD/MDT: simple incident logging, unit status, basic records.
- Full-featured suites: AVL (automatic vehicle/location tracking), complex RBAC, API for plugins, evidence management, scheduling, and backups.
- Integration with VRP/ESX/QBCore frameworks for identity, inventory, jobs, and permissions.
- Mobile/compact interfaces: officer MDTs optimized for in-game phones or tablets.
- Multi-server or multi-department support: separate departments, cross-jurisdiction dispatchs.
Popular open-source and commercial solutions
- Open-source: FiveM CAD (various GitHub forks), police-cad-js branches, and community projects—often customizable but require dev setup.
- Commercial/paid: Hosted CAD services and premium scripts with support, easier setup, and custom features.
- Tradeoffs: open-source = free + customizable but needs maintenance; paid = ease-of-use and support but cost and less control.
Technical considerations
- Security: protect against SQL injection, XSS, and unauthorized access; secure API endpoints; strong auth and rate-limiting.
- Data privacy: separate roleplay data from real user PII; sanitize logs; secure backups.
- Performance: optimize DB indexes, use caching for frequently used data (units, active calls), and scale webserver resources for large player counts.
- Reliability: autosave incidents, failover/backups, and monitoring to prevent data loss during crashes or server restarts.
- Sync accuracy: translate between in-game vector coordinates and CAD map tiles; handle latency and disconnected players gracefully.
- Extensibility: provide REST/WebSocket APIs and webhook events for third-party integrations (voice systems, leaderboards, admin tools).
Design & UX best practices
- Minimal friction: fast call creation with sensible defaults and keyboard shortcuts.
- Clear status indicators: unit state, call priority, and timestamps visible at a glance.
- Role separation: separate dispatcher and field UIs to avoid clutter.
- Mobile-first elements for officer MDTs.
- Audit trails and undo/soft-delete for mistakes.
- Customizable forms and code tables (incident types, dispositions, vehicle categories).
Administration & moderation
- Granular permissions for actions (create arrest, issue warrant, delete record).
- Change logs and admin review tools for contested RP events.
- Backup/restore tools and export options (CSV/JSON).
- Moderation dashboards for abuse detection (suspicious record changes, repeated deletions).
Deployment & setup overview
- Typical stack: Node.js/PHP backend + MySQL or PostgreSQL + Nginx/Apache + front-end (React/Vue/Bootstrap).
- Steps: install DB → import schema → configure server identifiers and API keys → install FiveM resource(s) and link server token → set roles/users → test dispatching and coordinate mapping.
- Hosted options: managed providers or VPS with Docker images to simplify deployment.
Customization ideas for standout servers fivem cad system
- Procedural incidents with timers and hints to seed roleplay.
- Integrated evidence/photos via Discord/SSO uploads.
- Real-time radio/voice channel mapping to dispatch statuses.
- Dynamic crime heatmaps and analytics dashboards.
- Player career progression tied to CAD records (commendations, demerits).
- Cross-server mutual aid and shared warrant databases.
Common pitfalls
- Overly complex UIs that slow play.
- Poor sync between in-game and CAD leading to confusion.
- Insufficient permissions leading to abuse.
- No backups or migration plan causing permanent data loss.
- Neglecting security on public-facing installations.
Quick checklist for evaluating or building a FiveM CAD
- Does it integrate with your server framework (QBCore/ESX/etc.)?
- Is unit location tracking accurate and low-latency?
- Are roles and permissions granular and secure?
- Are auditing and backups enabled?
- Is the UI fast, mobile-friendly, and easy for dispatchers?
- Can it scale to your server population?
- Is source code or API available for customization?
If you want, I can:
- Recommend specific open-source CAD projects or paid providers based on server framework and budget.
- Provide a step-by-step deployment guide (example stack + commands) for a chosen CAD.
- Draft a simplified database schema for a custom CAD.
Which follow-up would you like?
3. Technical Architecture
Most stable FiveM CAD systems are not in-game scripts but web-based applications accessed via a browser or an iframe inside the game. The architecture typically involves:
- Frontend: React, Vue.js, or basic HTML/CSS for dashboard UI.
- Backend: Node.js (Express) or PHP (Laravel) to handle API requests.
- Database: MySQL or PostgreSQL to store persistent data across server restarts.
- API Bridge: A FiveM resource (Lua script) that sends in-game actions (e.g., /plate lookup) to the web CAD and returns data.
Example API Flow:
-- FiveM Client Script
RegisterCommand('plate', function(source, args)
local plate = args[1]
PerformHttpRequest('https://your-cad.com/api/vehicle/'..plate,
function(err, text, headers)
local data = json.decode(text)
TriggerEvent('chat:addMessage', args = 'CAD', 'Owner: '..data.owner )
end, 'GET')
end)
2.3 Civilian-Facing Portal
- Citizen Portal: Allows players to view their own tickets, pay fines, register new vehicles, or request a tow without needing an admin.
9. Final Recommendation
| If you have... | Best CAD choice | |---------------|----------------| | < 20 active players | Free Sonoran CAD tier or Fivem-CAD (self-hosted) | | 20–100 players | Sonoran CAD Pro (~$15/mo) or Eclipse CAD | | 100+ serious RP | Sonoran CAD Enterprise or custom-built | | Developer on staff | Open-source CAD + extensive in-game UI |
Pro tip: Start simple. You can always add features later. The best CAD is the one your players will actually use. FiveM CAD System — Digest What it is
