A Day in the Life: Public Safety Dispatcher

Summary

Ashley Tate, a public safety dispatcher for San Luis County Police, shares her daily routine and experiences handling a variety of emergency calls. From roll calls to radio relief, she emphasizes the importance of listening and quick response. Despite the stress, the supportive work environment, with opportunities for advancement, makes her job meaningful as she helps people in need every day.

Takeaways

• 📢 Ashley Tate is a public safety dispatcher for San Luis County Police and has been in this role for over three years.
• 📍 She starts her day at 6 AM and checks her position for the day, which in the script is 'radio relief', meaning she will be handling radio communications during breaks.
• 📞 Every shift begins with a roll call to discuss ongoing events and any incidents from the previous night, such as a homicide in Northwoods.
• 📞 The importance of listening carefully to open 911 calls is highlighted, as exemplified by a case where the victim was found through background noise.
• 🕒 Ashley works a 12-hour shift, from 6:20 AM to 6:20 PM, and her role involves handling a variety of calls, from non-emergencies to serious incidents like robberies or domestic disturbances.
• 📞 The script emphasizes the need to keep callers on the line and gather information until help arrives, especially in frantic situations.
• 📵 Many calls received are not actual emergencies but accidental 911 hang-ups, which dispatchers must verify to ensure safety.
• 🏡 Ashley shares a bit about her personal life, mentioning she was born and raised in St. Louis, has a four-year-old daughter, and enjoys gardening.
• 🌳 The dispatch center is located in a park, offering employees the opportunity to take breaks outside, walk trails, and even barbecue during special occasions.
• 🛠️ The dispatch center is equipped with various resources, including radios for all of St. Louis County, phones for 911 calls, and computers with systems like CAD for dispatching and Avail Web for body-worn cameras.
• 🔝 There are opportunities for advancement in the communications department, with positions like PSD 2 and 3, CAD specialist, and deputy director available for career growth.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the video script?

The speaker is Ashley Tate, a public safety dispatcher for San Luis County Police.

What is Ashley's role on the day described in the script?

Ashley is on radio relief, which involves taking over the radios for breaks and also handling some phone duties.

What does the term 'roll call' refer to in the context of Ashley's job?

Roll call is a gathering at the start of every shift where dispatchers discuss events from the previous night and any ongoing incidents that need attention.

What was the nature of the original 911 call mentioned in the script?

The original call was an open 911 with some noise in the background, which turned out to be the victim moaning.

How does RapidSOS assist in locating victims?

RapidSOS helps in locating victims by using information from open 911 calls to eventually find the person in distress.

What is the duration of Ashley's work shift?

Ashley works a 12-hour shift, from 6:20 a.m. to 6:20 p.m.

What types of calls does Ashley handle during her shift?

Ashley handles a variety of calls, ranging from non-emergencies like 911 hang-ups to serious incidents such as robberies and domestic disturbances.

What is the significance of the dual position in the dispatch center?

A dual position allows the dispatcher to listen to both phones and radios simultaneously, enabling them to manage and supervise both communication channels effectively.

What amenities are available for Ashley and her colleagues during their breaks?

The dispatch center has a break room with a kitchen, vending machines, a patio, and access to a park with trails for walking and relaxation.

What tools and systems does Ashley use in her role as a dispatcher?

Ashley uses the CAD system for call routing, a phone system for outgoing calls, Shot Spotter for gunshot detection, and programs like RapidSOS and Avail Web for locating callers and tracking officer body cameras.

What opportunities for advancement are available to Ashley in her career as a dispatcher?

There are opportunities to progress to higher levels such as PSD 2 and 3, as well as positions like CAD specialist or deputy director.

What personal aspect of Ashley's life does the script mention?

Ashley mentions that she was born and raised in St. Louis, has a four-year-old daughter, and enjoys gardening and spending time in the park during her off days.