NCJ Number
104243
Date Published
1983
Length
257 pages
Annotation
Prepared for police officers who manage a communications unit, this manual addresses the dispatch supervisor's responsibilities, personnel issues, computer-assisted dispatch (CAD), security, and logging systems.
Abstract
The guide outlines steps that a new communications manager should follow on his or her first day and explores typical problems encountered. Management styles and rules for good managers are summarized. The chapter on personnel focuses on the use of civilian personnel versus sworn officers, recruiting, job classification, and the application process. Guidelines for designing a new communications center are followed by a discussion of human engineering factors that a CAD system should consider, such as keyboard placement and overhead lighting. A scenario in which the communications room is attacked provides the framework for a discussion of security. For departments without CAD, the manual explains the importance of an adequate records program. It also covers the benefits and problems of various dispatch logging systems, organizing an information collection system, and using the statistics it produces. Other topics addressed are logging tape recorders, base stations, and amateur radio issues. Tables, references, and index.