The Sacramento Police Department is proud to recognize the men and women of the Sacramento Police Department's Communications Center during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 13-19, 2014. Through H.J. Res 284, Congress formally proclaimed the second week of April asa time to honor public safety dispatchers nationwide.

Since 1881, Sacramento Police dispatchers have been answering calls from the public. In 2013, dispatchers answered 625,784 calls with over 168,000 of those 9-1-1 calls. The week is marked by celebrations and recognition for public safety dispatchers.

Public safety dispatchers are one of the initial points of contact with the community during an emergency. The dispatchers' role is crucial in gathering information, assessing, and deploying appropriate emergency response when time is of the essence. The skills, knowledge, and dedication each dispatcher exhibits while assisting the public deserve recognition, not only during this week of celebration, but throughout the year. "Dispatchers are the calm voice at the other end of the line connecting the community to public safety in a time of need. They serve a vital role in ensuring the safety of our community and police officers," said Sacramento’s Deputy Police Chief Ken Bernard.

Today, April 11, 2014, the Sacramento Police Department Basic Dispatch Academy (BDA 14-1) is graduating 12 Police Dispatcher Recruits.  Four graduates in today’s class are being funded by the Measure U sales tax initiative.  This is the first Basic Dispatch Academy held since 2009 at the Sacramento Police Department and is an exciting time for the entire Police Department.  Congratulations Class BDA 14-1! 

Additionally, this year marks the 30^th anniversary of the10-week Basic Dispatch Academy held by the Sacramento Police Department.  For 30 years Sacramento Police dispatchers have been trained in this Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-certified academy, three weeks of which is opened up to and attended by dispatchers from throughout California.