Statewide Dispatcher Testing

[cal911gal]

The new testing bulletin for CHP Public Safety Dispatcher II was released today. It should come up on the CHP web page, or at www.spb.ca.gov, within the next couple days.

The final filing date is September 7.

Folks, anyone you know who is interested, or who you think would be great at this job = please encourage them to apply and test. Statewide we are very understaffed, and have just been given many more new positions to fill.

There are some good things coming down the road for dispatchers (finally) which I am not at liberty to discuss at this time.

As always, I'm around if you have questions.

Get the word out!

[Mac]

...There are some good things coming down the road for dispatchers (finally) which I am not at liberty to discuss at this time...
Glad to hear it - it's long overdue! It would be a very good thing indeed if we could finally retain some of our dispatchers instead of acting as a "training ground" for other agencies. We lose too many good CO's to other agencies....I long for the "good ol' days" when we had more tenured dispatchers who really knew their way around. One in particular comes to my mind everytime I think of it - if you got in a pursuit, she had a Thomas Guide open, telling you what was ahead - if the subject was turning into a cul-de-sac, etc. If you blew a street sign somewhere, she still knew exactly where you were because she was following along in the TG. By the time you asked for air support, told her to alert allied agencies, etc., she would simply reply with a "10-39" - she was three steps ahead at any given time. Absolutely phenomenal dispatcher, and had a great sense of humor too....very enjoyable to work with her on the radio. She also did quite a few ride-alongs over the years, and knew her Areas well.

I'm anxious to see what's coming down the pipe for you. Y'all deserve it - your job is vital to our safety out there, and we DO appreciate you!

[cal911gal]

...There are some good things coming down the road for dispatchers (finally) which I am not at liberty to discuss at this time...
Glad to hear it - it's long overdue! It would be a very good thing indeed if we could finally retain some of our dispatchers instead of acting as a "training ground" for other agencies. We lose too many good CO's to other agencies....I long for the "good ol' days" when we had more tenured dispatchers who really knew their way around. One in particular comes to my mind everytime I think of it - if you got in a pursuit, she had a Thomas Guide open, telling you what was ahead - if the subject was turning into a cul-de-sac, etc. If you blew a street sign somewhere, she still knew exactly where you were because she was following along in the TG. By the time you asked for air support, told her to alert allied agencies, etc., she would simply reply with a "10-39" - she was three steps ahead at any given time. Absolutely phenomenal dispatcher, and had a great sense of humor too....very enjoyable to work with her on the radio. She also did quite a few ride-alongs over the years, and knew her Areas well.

I'm anxious to see what's coming down the pipe for you. Y'all deserve it - your job is vital to our safety out there, and we DO appreciate you!

Thanks for the support Mac - we are definitely long overdue for some incentives to stick around!

For all potential (or new) dispatchers - read the big paragraph above. That statement right there is one of the marks of an excellent dispatcher. In the "olden days" we used to dispatch off of maps. We've allowed ourselves (or some of us) to get away from that and rely on CAD to do things for us. (Which doesn't do much at all.)

In spite of CAD - use your maps! Being able to advise an officer what's ahead is a very critical task, and one that tends to be overlooked by a lot of people nowadays. Furthermore, one of the key points on an evaluation, both for a trainee and a tenured operator, is the ability to "anticipate officer's needs." Develop this skill, and you'll become an excellent dispatcher........

[lovin'life]

Cal911gal - Do they allow spouses to work out of the same area? ie and officer and a dispatcher?

[G-Man]

yes, i know of at least two in Southern division.

[cal911gal]

Cal911gal - Do they allow spouses to work out of the same area? ie and officer and a dispatcher?

Yes, so long as the one spouse does not directly supervise the other.

Example : I know a dispatch supervisor who's husband is an officer in the same office. She doesn't supervise him, so no problems.

[lovin'life]

Once they recieve their training are they placed "with the needs of the dept" as Officers are? or can they pretty much get to where they want to be?

[cal911gal]

Once they recieve their training are they placed "with the needs of the dept" as Officers are? or can they pretty much get to where they want to be?

When you apply, you'll have to state which area you are testing for. We are supposed to be going to a statewide list sometime soon. Once that happens, you'll be invited to interview for different offices...you have the right to decline any or all you choose.

So, no, we aren't subject to random "department's needs" assignments like the officers are. You'll try to get hired where you wish to be, or you'll find yourself an acceptable substitute.

Hint: if you can deal with either a commute, or a move, and you can't get the office you want - take a position elsewhere and suck it up. After you complete training and are off probation, you can request a transfer. When a position in the center you want opens up, a transfer has dibs over a new hire.