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
Law enforcement agencies reported disruptions due to the Microsoft 365 outage, including having to write 911 calls on paper to share with first responders
With Prepared’s technology, iPhone users can share live video during an Emergency SOS call; dispatchers can also share data with first responders while they’re en route
Officials in Kern County say over 40% of their calls are bogus or don’t warrant a response
Calls to 911 for Pinole, Hercules and San Pablo were diverted to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and transferred to communications centers
Snohomish County 911 and Valley Com 911 successfully executed a live 911 call re-routing drill on June 5, confirming the vision that has been four years in the making
The teenager texted landmarks and other “identifiable information” she was seeing, which helped the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department quickly dispatch deputies
Antoinette Finau served as an emergency services dispatcher with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office for nearly 3 years