by AllThingsECC.com | Jun 6, 2021 | Comm Center News
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Kansas was as high as 12.6% in April 2020.
And the COVID-19 pandemic brought higher-than-usual unemployment rates, which Melanie Bergers and the dispatch center in Shawnee County were hoping would mean an increase in applications for open positions.
No such influx of job inquiries ensued.
Bergers, director of communications at the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, said the dispatch center was understaffed throughout 2020 and 2021, and typically paid about 600 hours of overtime every two weeks for the past year…
by AllThingsECC.com | Jun 6, 2021 | Comm Center News
On top of the normal stress that comes with the job, many North Texas 911 dispatchers have also had to deal with extended work hours.
They’re filling the gaps created by the number of dispatcher vacancies many cities, including Lewisville, are experiencing.
Kevin Deaver, Lewisville police chief, said the city’s dispatch team has been short of bodies for about six years. Currently there are 20 positions but five are vacant and four are in a six-month training period… READ MORE
by ECC Editor | Jun 5, 2021 | Comm Center News
Emergency communications went digital Thursday afternoon, after the Dukes County Sheriff’s Office implemented an upgrade to its aged communications system.
Sheriff’s office employees, along with engineers and technicians that helped install the new system, gathered at the Dukes County Regional Emergency Communications Center to listen as Sheriff Robert Ogden tested the new system… READ MORE
by AllThingsECC.com | Jun 4, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
June 03, 2021 – A new NIST report sheds light on the role of mobile device biometrics for authentication to provide first responders immediate access to sensitive data, as an increasing number of public safety organizations adopt mobile devices to increase access to data.
“Public safety organizations face technology challenges that hinder their ability to accomplish their missions,” according to the report. “These professionals… need immediate access to critical information from the wide variety of systems technology available… to make the best possible decisions and protect themselves and the public.”
“Hand in hand with access challenges is the imperative to ensure robust internal controls on security,” it continued. “To address these challenges, all PSOs need to improve their identity, credential, and access management (ICAM) capabilities…
by AllThingsECC.com | Jun 4, 2021 | Comm Center News
ARLINGTON, Texas, June 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The North Central Texas Emergency Communications District (NCT9-1-1) celebrates its 30-year anniversary today. Since its creation in 1991, NCT9-1-1 has established itself as a district committed to furthering innovation within the emergency number industry and in promoting its core values of heart, courage, and attitude.
“When I went to work for this 9-1-1 entity over thirty years ago, I knew I would have the opportunity to help people through our work,” said Director of 9-1-1 Christy Williams. “I couldn’t have dreamed of the amazing team who are passionate and dedicated to saving lives and making a difference! I am honored to be a part of something great.”
The district began as the North Central Texas Council of Governments 9-1-1 Program and transitioned to a regional emergency communications district in December 2018. This transition allowed for more local control, including the establishment of a Board of Managers made up of elected officials…
by AllThingsECC.com | Jun 4, 2021 | Comm Center News
Veteran dispatcher Mary Jo Baird has resigned following what is essentially a ‘demotion’ as interim director of the Claiborne E-911 system. The Claiborne Emergency Communications Board decided during its May meeting to appoint Claiborne Sheriff Bob Brooks to the post effective immediately.
One of his first duties was to appoint dispatcher Tammy Day as his assistant, effectively placing Baird back into the dispatcher pool.
A 32 year veteran of the service, Baird was appointed interim director when former executive director Roger Hager decided to resign…
