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AGENDA ITEM REPORT

Title: Report on Discussion of the Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course
REPORT PROFILE
MEETING DATE
2/13/2020		 BUREAU SUBMITTING THIS REPORT
RESEARCHED BY (PRINT NAME)
Maria Sandoval		 REVIEWED BY (PRINT NAME)
REPORT DATE
01/21/2020		 APPROVED BY
Manuel Alvarez, Jr.		 DATE APPROVED
01/25/20
PURPOSE
Information Only		 FINANCIAL IMPACT
No

ISSUE:

Should Public Safety Dispatchers receive POST academy training prior to providing dispatching services and accepting emergency calls?

Although in need of updating and providing contemporary information, the existing course provides foundational information to an individual entering the profession.
BACKGROUND:

Regulation 1018 outlines the Public Safety Dispatcher Program which states:

(a) The Commission shall establish a Public Safety Dispatcher Program for the purpose of raising the level of competence of public safety dispatchers having primary responsibility for providing dispatching services for local law enforcement agencies listed in Penal Code section 13510(a).

Public Safety Dispatcher is defined in Regulation 1001. Consistent with that definition, selection and training requirements set forth below apply to all persons employed, full-time or part-time, by the participating agency to duties including receiving emergency calls for law enforcement service and/or the dispatching of law enforcement personnel. The selection and training requirements do not apply to persons employed as peace officers assigned to the above described duties.

 Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Dispatchers:

Every public safety dispatcher shall satisfactorily complete the POST-certified Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course as set forth in PAM Section D-1-5 before or within 12 months after the date of appointment, promotion, reclassification, or transfer to a public safety dispatcher position; or possess the Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate.

POST is looking to rebuild the Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course Curriculum Content which hasn't been updated since 2011.  Currently, the 120-hour course does not include any knowledge tests for the existing Learning Domains.  Courses such as de-escalation techniques, handling of the mentally ill, and victimology/crisis intervention are not part of the current curriculum.
ANALYSIS:
It appears counterintuitive to allow dispatchers to provide emergency services without POST approved standardized training.  The 120-hour overhauled Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course could include learning domains such as de-escalation techniques, handling of the mentally ill, and victimology/crisis intervention.  Inclusion of scenarios and learning activities will also provide a new dispatcher the proper tools to assist in the safety of the community and officers. 
RECOMMENDATION:
POST staff is requesting input from the Commission on the topic presented.
 
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