NCJ Number
155704
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 64 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1995) Pages: 17-20
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The influx of civilian dispatchers in police agencies, the specter of civil liability lawsuits, and the advent of computerized dispatching systems have compelled many States to adequately train police dispatchers.
Abstract
In particular, Connecticut is one of several States making a concerted effort to standardize police dispatcher training. Connecticut's Bureau of Statewide Emergency Telecommunications (BSET) is the administrative authority for ensuring that all emergency service dispatchers and telecommunicators hired after January 1, 1990 be trained and certified. BSET staff regularly evaluate classroom presentations using both written student evaluations and unscheduled visits. In addition, BSET has improved the police dispatcher curriculum to include standardized lesson plans, student note forms to reinforce key points and help students prepare for the State telecommunicator exam, and call guides to train call takers in gathering the necessary information and in dispatching the correct response. Police dispatchers also receive on-the-job training and cross-training that combines police, fire, and medical dispatching. 1 endnote