Best FiveM CAD, MDT & Dispatch Systems 2026: Complete Guide

Law enforcement roleplay on FiveM lives or dies by one thing: information. Officers need to run plates, check warrants, write reports, and receive dispatch calls — all in real time, without breaking immersion. That is where CAD, MDT, and dispatch systems come in.

Most guides cover these three categories in isolation. This one covers all three together, because how they connect is what actually matters. You will get a clear breakdown of what each system does, which solutions are worth your time in 2026, how much they cost, and which combinations make sense for different server types.

What Are CAD, MDT & Dispatch Systems?

These three terms get used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct components that work together.

CAD — Computer-Aided Dispatch

CAD stands for Computer-Aided Dispatch. In real law enforcement, CAD is the central software system that 911 call centers use to log incidents, assign units, and track the status of active calls. In FiveM, a CAD system replicates this for your dispatch operators and command staff.

A CAD system typically provides:

• Incident creation and management (calls, crimes, traffic stops)
• Unit tracking and status updates (available, on call, out of service)
• Records management (citizens, vehicles, warrants, BOLOs)
• Personnel management (officer profiles, departments, ranks)
• Reporting tools for after-action documentation

CAD is usually operated from a separate web browser tab or a dedicated web app — not directly inside the game. This makes it the natural tool for dedicated dispatch operators, server staff, and command-level players.

MDT — Mobile Data Terminal

An MDT is the in-vehicle computer terminal that individual officers use. In real policing, an MDT is the laptop mounted in the cruiser. In FiveM, it is an in-game NUI panel that opens inside the game client.

An MDT typically provides:

• Plate and license lookups
• Warrant and BOLO checks
• Incident report writing
• Arrest and citation records
• Personnel information and duty roster

The key distinction: MDT is the officer-facing tool, used inside the game, while CAD is the central system, often used outside the game by dispatchers.

Dispatch — Call Routing & Unit Tracking

Dispatch is the bridge between the two. A dispatch system receives 911 calls (triggered in-game by players or scripts), routes them to available units, and keeps everyone informed of active incidents. In FiveM, dispatch scripts typically show alerts on-screen or via blips on the minimap, and feed calls into the CAD system if one is connected.

Some all-in-one MDT scripts include basic dispatch functionality. Others require a dedicated dispatch resource. Standalone CAD platforms like SonoranCAD handle dispatch from the web interface.

When all three components are properly connected, dispatchers see incoming calls in real time, officers get notified in-game, and all activity is logged automatically.

Standalone Web CAD vs In-Game Script

Before picking a specific product, you need to make a fundamental decision: do you want a standalone web CAD platform, an in-game script, or a hybrid of both?

| Factor | Standalone Web CAD | In-Game Script | Hybrid Approach | |---|---|---|---| | Immersion | Requires alt-tabbing or second monitor | Fully in-game | In-game for officers, web for dispatch | | Realism | High — mirrors real dispatch workflows | Moderate | High | | Setup complexity | Moderate to high (API integration) | Low to moderate | High | | Cost | Free to $40/month (SaaS) or self-hosted | $0–$30 one-time | Both costs apply | | Uptime dependency | Requires external service | Lives on your server | Both | | Best for dispatch ops | Excellent | Limited | Excellent | | Best for solo officers | Requires tab-switching | Excellent | Excellent | | Feature depth | Very high | Moderate to high | Very high | | Multi-server use | Yes (one CAD, many servers) | Per-server | Yes |

When to choose standalone web CAD: Your server has dedicated dispatch operators, you want realistic 911 workflows, or you run multiple FiveM servers under one community.

When to choose in-game script: You have a smaller server where officers self-dispatch, immersion is the top priority, or you want a low-maintenance setup.

When to choose hybrid: Your server is serious about LEO roleplay, you have enough players to staff a dispatch channel, and you want the best of both worlds — web-based dispatch for operators plus a slick in-game MDT for officers.

Best Standalone CAD Systems

SonoranCAD

SonoranCAD is the most feature-complete standalone CAD platform in the FiveM space and has been the dominant option for serious LEO servers for years. It offers a polished web interface with real-time synchronization to your FiveM server via a REST API plugin.

Key features:

• Real-time unit location tracking on a live map
• Full records management (citizens, vehicles, warrants, criminal records)
• Integrated dispatch with call assignments and status tracking
• In-game integration via the SonoranCAD FiveM plugin (automatic plate lookup on traffic stops, auto-panic alerts, etc.)
• Multi-department support (police, fire, EMS in one platform)
• Custom record templates
• Discord webhooks for call logs
• Two-factor authentication and role-based access control

Pricing: SonoranCAD operates on a SaaS subscription model. There is a free tier with limited features (useful for testing). Paid plans run roughly $10/month (Plus), $20/month (Standard), and $40/month (Pro). The Pro plan unlocks the full API integration, live map, and advanced record templates. Annual billing gives a discount.

Verdict: If you are running a serious medium-to-large LEO server and are willing to pay a monthly subscription, SonoranCAD is the gold standard. The real-time FiveM integration is genuinely impressive — plates look up automatically when you run a stop, panic buttons push alerts instantly, and the dispatch map updates in real time.

SnailyCAD

SnailyCAD is a free, open-source CAD system that you self-host. It has seen active development and is the best free alternative to SonoranCAD for communities that have a server to host it on.

Key features:

• Full citizen and vehicle records management
• Warrant and BOLO management
• Dispatch call creation and unit assignment
• Officer logs and arrest records
• Basic FiveM integration via community-built plugins
• Modern web UI built with Next.js and Prisma
• Active GitHub repository with regular commits

Pricing: Free and open-source (MIT license). You need to provide your own hosting — a small VPS or home server works fine for most communities.

Verdict: SnailyCAD is the best choice if you want a full-featured CAD without a monthly fee and you have someone on your team comfortable with self-hosting a Node.js application. The FiveM integration is less polished than SonoranCAD's official plugin, but the community has produced working solutions. For budget-conscious servers, this is the smart pick.

ImperialCAD

ImperialCAD is a cloud-hosted CAD platform with a generous free tier and a focus on accessibility for newer communities. It requires no self-hosting and has a straightforward setup process.

Key features:

• Citizen and vehicle records
• Dispatch call management
• Warrant system
• Cloud-hosted with no setup required
• Clean, beginner-friendly interface

Pricing: ImperialCAD has a free tier that is genuinely usable. Premium plans are available for additional features and higher limits, though pricing changes periodically — check their Discord for current rates.

Verdict: A solid starting point for new servers that want a web CAD without any technical setup overhead. It is not as feature-rich as SonoranCAD and lacks the deep FiveM integration, but for a small community getting started with LEO roleplay, it does the job well.

CommunityCAD

CommunityCAD is an older open-source PHP-based CAD system. It is simpler than SnailyCAD and lacks active development, but it remains functional for very basic use cases.

Key features:

• Basic citizen and vehicle records
• Simple warrant system
• Lightweight and easy to understand for PHP developers

Pricing: Free and open-source.

Verdict: Only recommended if you have specific reasons to use PHP or are working with an existing CommunityCAD installation. SnailyCAD is the better choice for new self-hosted deployments in almost every scenario.

Best In-Game MDT Scripts (Paid)

Wasabi MDT

Wasabi MDT is one of the most widely used in-game MDT scripts in the community. It has been around long enough to have a large user base, solid documentation, and a reputation for reliability.

Key features:

• Clean NUI interface that works well on standard monitor setups
• Plate and license lookups
• Warrant, BOLO, and criminal record management
• Incident report creation
• Multi-framework support (QBCore and ESX)
• Configurable permissions per rank
• Active Tebex store with regular updates

Price: Approximately $20–$30 on Tebex (check current listing for exact price, as pricing fluctuates).

Verdict: A safe, proven choice for QBCore and ESX servers that want a quality in-game MDT without the complexity of a standalone CAD integration. The UI is clean without being flashy, and the feature set covers everything most servers need.

Quasar MDT (qs-mdt)

Quasar's MDT script is part of the broader Quasar script ecosystem, known for modern NUI design and tight framework integration. qs-mdt includes an integrated dispatch panel alongside the MDT features, making it closer to an all-in-one solution.

Key features:

• Modern NUI with a polished visual design
• Built-in dispatch panel for call management
• Plate, license, and fingerprint lookups
• Warrant, BOLO, and criminal record management
• Incident and arrest report system
• ESX and QBCore support
• Integrates well with other Quasar scripts (qs-policejob, etc.)

Price: Approximately $25 on Tebex.

Verdict: If your server already uses other Quasar scripts, qs-mdt integrates naturally and the combined dispatch + MDT functionality reduces the number of separate resources you need. The UI is genuinely one of the better-looking options available.

cd_dispatch

cd_dispatch by Codesign is a lightweight, focused dispatch system rather than a full MDT. It handles 911 call routing and officer notification efficiently with minimal overhead.

Key features:

• Automatic dispatch alerts for various in-game events (gunshots, crashes, 911 calls)
• On-screen dispatch notification with blip integration
• Configurable alert categories and radius settings
• Low resource usage
• ESX and QBCore compatible

Price: Approximately $15 on Tebex.

Verdict: cd_dispatch is the go-to if you just need reliable dispatch notifications without a full MDT. Many servers pair it with a separate MDT script. It is lightweight, well-maintained, and does exactly what it promises.

TK-Scripts MDT

TK-Scripts MDT is a detailed in-game MDT with a focus on officer tools and documentation. It provides more granular control over record types and officer workflows than some of the more mainstream options.

Key features:

• Detailed officer profile and duty management
• Custom record templates
• Evidence linking to incidents
• Integrated vehicle impound tracking
• Multi-department configuration

Price: Available on Tebex — check current pricing as it varies by tier.

Verdict: Worth considering if you want more customization depth in your record-keeping workflows. Less widely deployed than Wasabi or Quasar, so community support is more limited, but the developer is responsive.

Best Free MDT & Dispatch Scripts

ox_mdt (Overextended)

ox_mdt is the MDT developed by the Overextended team, the same developers behind ox_lib, ox_inventory, and the broader ox ecosystem. It is modern, performant, and designed to the highest code quality standards in the FiveM open-source community.

Key features:

• Clean, modern React-based NUI
• Citizen and vehicle record lookups
• Warrant and BOLO management
• Incident reporting
• Tightly integrated with ox_lib and ox_inventory
• Actively maintained with frequent commits
• Open-source on GitHub

Price: Free and open-source.

Framework: Primarily designed for the Overextended/QBox ecosystem. Community forks and adaptations exist for QBCore and ESX, but the native integration is with ox_core.

Verdict: If your server runs on the Overextended stack (ox_core, ox_inventory, ox_lib), ox_mdt is the natural and best-quality choice. Do not fight the integration requirements — the script is excellent when used in its intended ecosystem.

ps-mdt + ps-dispatch (Project Sloth)

Project Sloth's MDT and dispatch scripts are among the most deployed free resources in the QBCore ecosystem. They are well-documented, have strong community support, and work reliably on standard QBCore setups.

ps-mdt key features:

• Citizen and vehicle record management
• Warrant and BOLO system
• Incident and arrest reporting
• Clean NUI with good usability

ps-dispatch key features:

• 911 call creation (player-triggered and automatic)
• On-screen dispatch alerts with location blips
• Integrates with ps-mdt for full workflow

Price: Free and open-source on GitHub.

Framework: QBCore focused. ESX ports exist in the community but are not officially maintained.

Verdict: For QBCore servers on a budget, ps-mdt and ps-dispatch is the standard starting point. The combination is well-tested, widely deployed, and there is an enormous amount of community knowledge for troubleshooting. Not the most visually cutting-edge, but solid and reliable.

Full Feature Comparison Table

| Name | Type | Price | Framework | Self-Hosted | API Integration | Dispatch | Key Strength | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | SonoranCAD | Web CAD | $0–$40/mo | All (plugin) | No (SaaS) | Yes (official) | Yes | Best integration, live map | | SnailyCAD | Web CAD | Free | All (plugin) | Yes | Community | Yes | Best free self-hosted CAD | | ImperialCAD | Web CAD | Free / Paid | All | No (cloud) | Limited | Yes | Easiest setup | | CommunityCAD | Web CAD | Free | All | Yes (PHP) | No | Basic | Simplicity | | Wasabi MDT | In-game script | ~$25 | QBCore, ESX | N/A | No | No | Reliability, user base | | Quasar MDT | In-game script | ~$25 | QBCore, ESX | N/A | No | Yes (built-in) | UI quality, all-in-one | | cd_dispatch | In-game script | ~$15 | QBCore, ESX | N/A | No | Yes (only) | Lightweight dispatch | | TK-Scripts MDT | In-game script | Varies | QBCore, ESX | N/A | No | No | Detailed records | | ox_mdt | In-game script | Free | ox_core / QBox | N/A | No | No | Code quality, ox ecosystem | | ps-mdt | In-game script | Free | QBCore | N/A | No | No | QBCore community support | | ps-dispatch | In-game script | Free | QBCore | N/A | No | Yes (only) | Pairs with ps-mdt |

Framework Recommendations

Your server's framework significantly narrows down the best options.

ESX

For ESX servers, the most straightforward path is a paid in-game MDT. Both Wasabi MDT and Quasar MDT support ESX well. For dispatch, cd_dispatch is a reliable standalone option. If you want a web CAD, SonoranCAD works with ESX via its FiveM plugin regardless of framework.

Recommended stack: Wasabi MDT + cd_dispatch, or Quasar MDT (includes dispatch)

QBCore

QBCore has the widest selection. The free route (ps-mdt + ps-dispatch) is battle-tested and widely documented. For a better UI, Wasabi MDT or Quasar MDT are both solid upgrades. Web CAD integration works well with SonoranCAD's QBCore-compatible plugin.

Recommended stack: ps-mdt + ps-dispatch (free), or Wasabi/Quasar MDT + SonoranCAD (serious servers)

QBox / ox_core

For the Overextended ecosystem, ox_mdt is the clear choice — it was built for this stack and integrates natively with ox_lib and ox_inventory. Pair it with a custom dispatch solution or SonoranCAD for web CAD.

Recommended stack: ox_mdt + SonoranCAD (if web CAD is desired)

Framework-agnostic

SonoranCAD and SnailyCAD work across all frameworks because they operate outside the game. Their FiveM plugins communicate via API regardless of which framework your server runs.

Best Combinations for Different Server Types

Small Roleplay Server (under 32 players, no dedicated dispatch)

You do not need a complex setup. Officers self-dispatch, and the priority is keeping things simple and in-game.

Recommended: ps-mdt + ps-dispatch (QBCore) or ox_mdt (QBox/ox_core). Zero cost, minimal setup, handles everything a small server needs.

Medium Roleplay Community (32–64 players, part-time dispatch)

You want something more polished, possibly with a dispatcher during peak hours.

Recommended: Wasabi MDT or Quasar MDT for in-game, paired with SnailyCAD for web dispatch access. The self-hosted CAD gives dispatchers a proper interface without monthly fees.

Large Serious LEO Server (64+ players, dedicated dispatch department)

Realism and operational efficiency are the priority. Dispatchers need a proper web interface, officers need a fast in-game MDT, and everything should sync automatically.

Recommended: SonoranCAD (Pro plan) + Quasar MDT or Wasabi MDT. The SonoranCAD FiveM plugin handles plate lookups, panic alerts, and unit tracking automatically, while officers have a full in-game MDT for documentation.

Casual/Public Server (minimal LEO RP structure)

You just need players to be able to call 911 and have something show up for officers.

Recommended: cd_dispatch alone, or ps-dispatch if you are on QBCore. No MDT needed — keep it simple and low-maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both a CAD and an MDT?

Not necessarily. If you have no dedicated dispatcher role, an in-game MDT with basic dispatch features (like Quasar MDT or ps-mdt + ps-dispatch) is enough. You only need a separate web CAD if you want dispatchers operating outside the game with a full interface, or if you want records accessible to staff outside of active gameplay.

Can SonoranCAD work with any FiveM framework?

Yes. SonoranCAD's FiveM integration plugin communicates via API and is not tied to ESX, QBCore, or any specific framework. It does require some configuration to hook into your existing scripts (job checks, plate lookups, etc.).

Is SnailyCAD hard to self-host?

It requires a server with Node.js and a database (PostgreSQL). If you have someone on your team comfortable running a Node.js app, it is straightforward. SnailyCAD provides Docker support which simplifies deployment significantly. It is not a one-click install, but it is well-documented.

What is the difference between ps-dispatch and cd_dispatch?

Both route 911 calls to officers. ps-dispatch is free and part of the QBCore Project Sloth ecosystem. cd_dispatch is a paid option (~$15) with more configuration options and broader framework support. For QBCore servers on a budget, ps-dispatch works well. cd_dispatch is worth the cost if you need more control over alert categories and behavior.

Can I use SonoranCAD's free tier for a real server?

The free tier is functional for basic use but has significant limitations — it caps the number of active personnel, restricts record types, and does not include the full FiveM API integration (live map, automatic plate lookups). For a server with more than a handful of LEO players, you will quickly hit the limits of the free tier.

Does ox_mdt work on QBCore?

Officially, ox_mdt is built for the Overextended/QBox ecosystem. Community-maintained bridges and forks exist that make it work with QBCore, but these are not officially supported. If your server is primarily QBCore, ps-mdt or Wasabi MDT will be easier to set up and maintain.

How much does a good CAD/MDT setup cost in total?

A fully free setup (ps-mdt + ps-dispatch or ox_mdt + SnailyCAD) costs nothing beyond hosting for the CAD. A mid-tier paid setup (Wasabi MDT + SnailyCAD self-hosted) runs around $25 one-time. A premium setup (SonoranCAD Pro + Quasar MDT) costs roughly $65 upfront ($25 MDT + $40/month CAD), with ongoing subscription costs. The right answer depends on your server size and how seriously you take the LEO side of your RP.

Do I need a dispatch script if I have SonoranCAD?

If you have SonoranCAD and the FiveM plugin configured, dispatchers can manage calls from the web interface and the in-game integration handles alerts automatically. You may not need a separate in-game dispatch script. However, some servers still use cd_dispatch or ps-dispatch for the in-game popup alerts, even alongside SonoranCAD, because the visual notification style differs.

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For a wider selection of police and LEO scripts to pair with your CAD/MDT setup, browse the VertexMods shop. If you are looking for free resources to get started without upfront costs, the free mods catalog has a range of community resources worth exploring.

The right CAD/MDT combination depends on your server's size, your community's seriousness about LEO roleplay, and your budget. Start simple, grow into complexity as your player base and dispatch department scale up — and resist the urge to over-engineer a setup for a server that is still finding its audience.