Emergency Communications Week looks at how dispatch is changing — from smarter tools and automated routine tasks to new approaches that reduce unnecessary 911 demand. Together, these pieces show how agencies are improving safety, efficiency and real-time awareness for dispatchers, strengthening their role as first responders.
Learn how modern towing workflows can cut response times and clear scenes faster
THE FUTURE OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
In its first two weeks, the Sparks Police Department’s AI assistant handled 25% of non-emergency calls, helping reduce hold times and easing pressure on dispatchers
From call handling to real-time visibility, this checklist helps agencies assess whether their dispatch workflows are keeping pace with today’s emergency communications demands
THE MENTAL LOAD OF DISPATCH
Dispatchers are often the first to hear chaos, fear and loss unfold in real time, yet many remain excluded from the wellness resources, debriefings and peer support systems available to sworn personnel
Just because 911 dispatchers don’t witness trauma firsthand doesn’t mean they are not potentially vulnerable to the stressful aftermath
Subtle shifts in thinking add up to big results, offering greater levels of resilience to draw from during challenging times
What Outagamie County’s purpose-built 911 center reveals about resilience, technology readiness and dispatcher well-being
Amid a nationwide staffing shortage, learn how you can support the lifesaving role of public safety dispatchers – the FIRST first responders
A discussion of the groundbreaking findings of Carbyne’s “Pulse of 9-1-1 State of the Industry Survey” and the state of the emergency communications profession
60-second sitting stretch for dispatchers
Dispatchers spend long hours seated, focused and under pressure, which can lead to neck, shoulder and back tension. In this video, Lexipol Senior Strategic Wellness Director Mandy Nice demonstrates a simple seated stretch designed to relieve stiffness, improve posture and provide a quick physical and mental reset during the workday.
ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS NEWS & INSIGHTS
Shoplifting without evidence and juvenile problems without a nexus to crime are among the calls Henrico Police patrol officers will no longer respond to
Of the 1.3 million calls answered by Atlanta’s emergency line last year, only 45,000 were considered high-priority
Pittsburgh police will only respond to calls of in-progress emergencies as part of new staffing plan
Chief Larry Scirotto aims to reduce the bureau’s call volume from 200,000 calls to 50,000 calls this year
The Lincoln partnership will allow dispatchers to directly connect 911 callers going through a mental health crisis to the 988 call center
“I hope by inviting a current 911 dispatcher, I am able to bring awareness to this important issue and my bill, the 911 Saves Act to finally give them the recognition and resources they need and deserve,” Rep. Norma Torres said
Neighboring cities have been sending officers and firefighters since the Feb. 18 shooting; correctional officers, medics and dispatchers will join them to allow Burnsville first responders to attend the Feb. 28 funeral
“It’s a sense of accomplishment to know that I put my mind to something, and I set out those goals and I obtained those goals,” Wendy Massey said