Emergency operators, and pup, make a difference (TX)

Emergency operators, and pup, make a difference (TX)

by | Apr 19, 2022 | Comm Center News

AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and emergency operators told us the boost of morale that comes with it is crucial now more than ever as departments face staffing shortages.

“Very intense through the entire night. You know, you’re monitoring the City of Austin,” said Austin Police Department Telecommunication Supervisor Tina Pesina, who manages the night shift.

According to the latest emergency communications report made to the Public Safety Commission, the department had 15 dispatch vacancies and 31 911 operator vacancies…

National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week recognizes first responders (TX)

National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week recognizes first responders (TX)

by | Apr 19, 2022 | Comm Center News

BISHOP, Texas — April 10-16 is National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week. The week is meant to honor those who serve their communities.

In Bishop, four people currently serve as dispatchers for the Bishop Police Department.

“We are the first responders. We are the ones 911 callers talk to,” said communications supervisor Norma Gonzalez, who has been with BPD for nearly 32 years. “So, asking the right questions, getting the right information to get help to you quickly, is what we’re trained for.”

Despite Bishop being a small town, the dispatchers are usually busy…

The voice on the phone (WY)

by | Apr 19, 2022 | Comm Center News

A look at the special telecommunicators who pick up when you dial 911

GILLETTE, Wyo.— Many things have changed since Campbell County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers April Hunt and Dottie White-Marcus’ first day on the job.

Technology plays a larger role in their jobs than it once did; radios are now digital and their eyes stare into six computer screens across multiple windows as they talk into headsets to emergency personnel or members of the public.

They sit in a newer portion of the CCSO, remodeled several years ago to become the new dispatch center while the old was changed into a small conference room…

Study: Majority of 911 Calls in New Orleans Don’t Require Police (LA)

Study: Majority of 911 Calls in New Orleans Don’t Require Police (LA)

by | Apr 19, 2022 | Comm Center News

Photo Credit: Bart Everson | License

In a time when the New Orleans Police Department is grossly understaffed and overtaxed, a new study has found that the majority of 911 calls received in the city are for non-criminal situations that don’t require a police presence at all.

In an analysis of publicly available 911 data, the Vera Institute of Justice – a nonpartisan group comprised of hundreds of researchers and advocates – found that over 61 percent of 911 calls in New Orleans are for non-criminal situations. This indicates that city residents are relying on police response to situations that present no imminent public safety risk, and have little to do with crime…

Editorial: Emergency dispatchers deserving of tribute (PA)

Editorial: Emergency dispatchers deserving of tribute (PA)

by | Apr 18, 2022 | Comm Center News

In recent years, much has been made of the incredibly important role first responders play in keeping our communities safe, and rightfully so.

Of course people have always known this but may have taken it for granted. But ever since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, put their heroism on display, public appreciation for them has grown. The same was true during the COVID-19 pandemic, when police, fire and emergency medical personnel kept coming to work, putting their health at risk while so many of the rest of us stayed home…