Growing Up In Public Safety – One 9-1-1 Telecommunicator’s Journey
If you are a second (or third or fourth) generation public safety professional, you already know what it is like to grow up in a family of police, fire fighters, EMS workers, or 9-1-1 Telecommunicators. As a second generation 9-1-1 Telecommunicator, I knew what it...
National Law Enforcement Week April 15-21, 2022
In 1962 President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which May 15 falls, as National Police week. National Police week is a way of honoring, remembering, and supporting law enforcement officers throughout the country....
The Unseen Heroes of Public Safety – National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week 2022
April & May, the time of year we enjoy all things spring; new growth, warmer weather, the sweet scent of flowers blooming, and honoring the first responders in the field of public safety – beginning in April with the 9-1-1 Telecommunications Employees. We want to...
National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week (NPSTW)
In 1981 an incident in Contra Costa County California sparked what we now know as NPSTW and for 41 years, PSAPs of all sizes have acknowledged their staff in a variety of ways. The incident in Contra Costa County started innocently enough. The Sheriff decided he was...
Improving Your Response Accuracy
It happens. A 9-1-1 call comes in and you confirm and enter the location information as accurately as possible from the caller’s words and nothing pops in your CAD. You force the address and hope that it can be found. Your CAD, MSAG and GIS maps are not perfect....
Communication For The Communicators
How many times, in your 911 career, have you released the transmit button after speaking to an officer and mumble words similar to, “Wow, what a grouch (or maybe some other words), you want me to write the report for you too?” or “Geez, can’t you...
988 – It’s Almost Here, But What is It?
The views, opinions, and content expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), or the U.S. Department...
Handling Public Complaints in the PSAP
As a director, manager, or supervisor, a big responsibility you have to the public is to handle complaints about your team’s service. The issues brought to you that need to be investigated and reported back to either the controlling authority or...
Hostage Negotiations
HOSTAGE NEGOTIATIONS It's the lull of the afternoon. Time to take a quick break, grab some food, and re-group after the crazy morning. You answer the phone and find yourself in the middle of a situation with hostages. Are you ready to become a...