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The Dispatch Center is staffed 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year (366 on leap year!). The two primary
functions of the dispatch center are:
Dispatchers
interview callers to ascertain the nature and location of events that
may need medical, fire, and/or police response. They determine the
priority of current activity and assign the appropriate resources using
a computerized dispatch and records system.
for police
and support officers, explorers, and volunteers. Dispatchers assign and
track every person's location and activity and maintains contact with
them to assure safety. They assist units in the field by checking names,
vehicles, articles, weapons, and property through several local,
national, and international data systems. They confirm warrants and
court orders for RPD and several other agencies.
1. Stay on the phone.
Even if you dial the number by accident, hanging up the phone could be a
signal of distress so we much rather you stay on the line to confirm
that there is not an emergency. Do not hang up the phone once you realize you accidentally dialed 911.
2. Be
certain to tell the person answering your call which city you are
calling from. If you call from a cell phone, state the city
you're in. Cell phone calls are directed based on where the cell
tower for your provider is located. Simply tell them which city you are
calling for and they will forward you immediately. Do
not begin going into details until you are connected with the correct agency.
4. Be patient. Because you may hear silence, that does
not mean the dispatcher has hung up. They are entering information
into the computer, assigning an officer to your emergency, and relaying
correct information to that officer. Do not get frustrated if they
interrupt you, it is normally with good reason so they can quickly
identify the emergency. Once an officer is dispatched and
pertinent information is given so the officer can respond, then the
dispatcher may go back and ask you more details.
If your safety is in question, they will stay on the phone with you
until an officer arrives.
Do not hang up the phone until the
dispatcher instructs you to do so. 5. Observe and report.
When you see people being harmed, a natural reaction is to help. However, you never want to
jeopardize your safety. Instead, observe and report, call 911, and
allow an officer to respond. While observing rather than helping
may seem selfish, you are expediting the time and efficiency for police
response. Do not get involved in a
situation which may jeopardize your safety. 6. Give
specifics. When describing a vehicle, try to include:
Color, make, model, license plate number, number of doors, and direction
of travel. When describing people, include: How many people are
involved, race, sex, height, weight, clothing, hair color, facial hair,
eyeglasses, hat, tattoos, piercings, scars, weapons displayed, where did
the person go, etc. The dispatcher will prompt you with these
questions. The more information you provide, the better. In
contrast, saying there was a male about 6-0 and medium build doesn't
narrow it down much.
Do not give just basic information.
7. Remain calm. This is often easier said than done
depending upon the situation. Anxiety will run high when there is
an emergency, but remember that remaining calm and answering the
questions will help you and others who you are trying to keep safe.
Do not allow anxiety or panic to interfere
with you reporting an emergency. |
