When and Where is next dispatcher trainning class?

[flickster]

Hi.

Just curious, when and where and how long is dispatcher trainning class? And can anyone tell me what happens next?

Thanks

[dw]

I'm sure one of the Dispatchers will answer up here, but I believe they have regular training classes at the Academy. I believe they are six weeks. After that is the "field training" in the Communication Centers, which can last much longer than an Officer's break-in period.

[flickster]

Thanks dw~

[cal911gal]

Hi.

Just curious, when and where and how long is dispatcher trainning class? And can anyone tell me what happens next?

Thanks

There are three segments to Dispatcher training: 1. Phase I training (service desk - phones and support
2. Phase II training (radio)
3. One on one training in the Comm Center

Typically, you will have only a few days in your Comm Center when you get hired. You will go through orientation, fill out all necessary paperwork, begin sitting with your trainer and observing.

You'll then do 4 weeks at the Phase I training. This is done at either the Academy or at Clark Training Center in Riverside. Phase I classes are held monthly, alternating between the Academy or Clark.

Upon completion of Phase I, you'll return to your Center and begin working on the floor with your trainers, applying what you have learned.... when you are ready, you'll be sent to Phase II radio training. Phase II is two weeks long. I'm not certain if it is done at Clark or not (I'll have to look in to that.) But I do know it is done at the Academy. Once you complete Phase II, you'll go back to your Center, again to be with a trainer, and apply what you've learned.

Your typical training looks like this, in a nutshell:
Attend Phase I - 4 weeks
Cycle 1 on phones with trainer - 10-15 days (working days) - how many days depends on what type of schedule your center uses (5-8, 4-10 or 3-12). Roughly each cycle is one month or so.
Cycle 2 on phones with limited trainer input (time frame same as above)
Cycle 3 on phones with little to no trainer input - you should be working mostly independantly at this point. (time frame stays the same)
During this time you should also be assigned ride alongs to learn your areas, you may attend area training days (for all staff), tour other agencies, see Air Ops - there are a variety of other activities you may do = varies by area.

Once ready, you'll do the two weeks Phase II academy.
Then you'll return to center and go through the three phases of radio training, following the same format as listed above.

In an IDEAL world, in my center, which is 4-10 scheduled, training time would look like this:
Attend Phase I in June
Begin Cycle I July 3
Begin Cycle II July 31 (this allowed for RDO's and limbo days - days not counted which are used for ride alongs, etc)
Begin Cycle III Aug 28
Go to Phase II training Sept 18 for two weeks
Begin Cycle I Oct 2
Begin Cycle II Oct 30
Begin Cycle III Nov 27
On your own, completed training: Christmas Day!

So, all things considered, to complete training and be on your own: about 7 months. There are of course exceptions - this guideline doesn't take into account extensive sick leave, or remedial training. But best case scenario is 6-7 months. An experienced dispatcher from another agency might very quickly run through training and actually complete it in 5 months or so, provided they did exceedingly well.




As to class start dates for Phase I, I have them posted in my office but don't have them handy here at home.

[flickster]

Thanks Cal911gal~

I maybe able to go to Phase II training. My background is done so hopefully I will get a phone call soon.

Thanks again for detail reply.

[cal911gal]

Thanks Cal911gal~

I maybe able to go to Phase II training. My background is done so hopefully I will get a phone call soon.

Thanks again for detail reply.

Flickster,

Allow me to clairfy something : The timeline, with dates, that I laid out was only "theory" - that would be a best case scenario had you started by attending Phase I in June.

You'll never start training by attending Phase II first.....they will send you to the next Phase I class. If your background is complete, then you should get a call soon to proceed with your physical, hearing exam and drug screen. Provided you get those done quickly, I'd say you'll probably be in an August or September Phase I class.

I wish you the best of luck!

[bcjack]

Not CHP specific, but Allan Hancock College offers a POST certified 80-hour Dispatcher Academy. Call them at 805 922-6411. it is a real good program.

[flickster]

Just curious, when you are train at Academy, do we have to find a place to stay for 6 weeks or is it live in dorm like cadets?

[SB 405]

post deleted

[dw]

Just curious, when you are train at Academy, do we have to find a place to stay for 6 weeks or is it live in dorm like cadets?

Dorm like Cadets. With less yelling.

[cal911gal]

Just curious, when you are train at Academy, do we have to find a place to stay for 6 weeks or is it live in dorm like cadets?

Dorm like Cadets. With less yelling.

LOL

Yeah, you stay at the Academy (unless you want to spend an armload for a motel for a month). No staff yelling at you, no suprise room inspections. But also no parties, no pizza delivered, and no laying out getting a tan, either ;-)

However, it can be rather disconcerting to be in the shower, and hear a platoon of cadets on the other side of the wall doing their marching drills, complete with VERY LOUD cadence!