The fact that the only two items on the Public Safety agenda for the city of Oakland are goat grazing and burglar alarms is an embarrassment. We need to get people hired in roles that support public safety. 911 dispatchers, criminal evidence technicians, fire safety, permit issuers, grant writers, contract specialists are positions that need to be filled immediately. Get people hired.
9-1-1 PSAP Call takers/dispatchers are key to the 9-1-1 system's success. These positions are high-stress and traditionally see a high attrition rate by the first anniversary of highering. Long term staffing plans should be made—first a short-term suggestion. These call takers are members of the NENA. Local NENA groups should be visited to inform them of open PSAP positions. They will know retired or others who would be interested in a position. NENA also has a job bulletin board that should be utilized. The AT&T network delivering 9-1-1 calls to the PSAP can detect call overflows. Contract with neighboring PSAPs to accept these overflow calls. Or send these overflow calls to an IVR system that can direct a caller to the fire dispatch should it be a medical or fire emergency. Plan for NG9-1-1 to intelligently handle overflow calls. Load share with neighboring PSAPs.
The fact that the only two items on the Public Safety agenda for the city of Oakland are goat grazing and burglar alarms is an embarrassment. We need to get people hired in roles that support public safety. 911 dispatchers, criminal evidence technicians, fire safety, permit issuers, grant writers, contract specialists are positions that need to be filled immediately. Get people hired.
9-1-1 PSAP Call takers/dispatchers are key to the 9-1-1 system's success. These positions are high-stress and traditionally see a high attrition rate by the first anniversary of highering. Long term staffing plans should be made—first a short-term suggestion. These call takers are members of the NENA. Local NENA groups should be visited to inform them of open PSAP positions. They will know retired or others who would be interested in a position. NENA also has a job bulletin board that should be utilized. The AT&T network delivering 9-1-1 calls to the PSAP can detect call overflows. Contract with neighboring PSAPs to accept these overflow calls. Or send these overflow calls to an IVR system that can direct a caller to the fire dispatch should it be a medical or fire emergency. Plan for NG9-1-1 to intelligently handle overflow calls. Load share with neighboring PSAPs.