The Sacramento Police Department is proud to recognize our Public Safety Dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 10-16, 2016. Our dispatchers work tirelessly in providing 911 services to the residents and visitors of the Capital City.  Last year, these dedicated professionals handled almost 650,000 phone calls of which 280,000 were emergency calls for service.   “As the 911 Center Division Captain I have the pleasure of observing 911 professionals at work.  Although every day they handle tragedies and work in a stress filled environment, they are caring individuals who are truly passionate about what they do.  I stand and applaud each and every one of them”, said Captain Neil Schneider.

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.

Each year in recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators week, two employees are selected for outstanding performance and identified as Supervisor and Dispatcher of the Year.  During the regional Dispatcher Week Banquet last Saturday, Sacramento recognized Supervisor of the Year, Katie Knecht and Dispatcher of the Year, Kristy Dorton. 

In addition to National Dispatcher week, April is 911 Education Month.  The Sacramento 911 center would like to share these guidelines for calling 911:

·         911 is for police, fire or medical emergencies.

·         Know the location of the incident.

·         If you accidentally call 911 don’t hang up; stay on the line and speak to the 911 call taker.

·         The 911 call taker is highly trained to ask questions needed to generate the appropriate resource to provide help.  Answer the questions as they are asked so that we can better help you.

·         Text-to-911 is not yet available in our area, so a phone call is the only method to ensure you reach 911 for an emergency.