Dallas County 911 will provide and pay for training of its employees. Employees, who voluntarily terminate their employment with Dallas County 911 within the six months following any class that was paid for by Dallas County 911, will forfeit the entire cost of the class and repay Dallas County 911 upon termination. Employees, who voluntarily terminate their employment with Dallas County 911 within one year but greater than six months following any class that was paid for by Dallas County 911, will forfeit one half the cost of the class and repay Dallas County 911 upon termination.
When telecommunicators are hired, they will be assigned initially to work with the Dispatch Supervisor and Communications Training Officer. The Dispatch Supervisor will oversee the employee’s training and assign the person to work a minimum of 80 hrs on a designated shift. The employee will also work a minimum of 40 hrs on the other shifts. The employee will then be evaluated to determine their ability to work in the communications center.
The Shift Leader through the Dispatch Supervisor will be responsible for continual evaluation of that employee during their probationary period. The Shift Leader through the Dispatch Supervisor will give a written report of that employee’s progress and forward the report to the Director, at 60, 120, and 170 days after the employee’s hire date.
If not already certified, all employees must successfully complete all training and obtain certification in the following, within six months of hire.
Emergency Telecommunicator Course: 40hrs
Emergency Medical Dispatcher: 24hrs
Emergency Fire Dispatcher: 24hrs
Emergency Police Dispatcher: 24hrs
MULES/NCIC: 40hrs
CPR/AED: 8hrs
Hazardous Materials Awareness: 8hrs
WMD Awareness: 8hrs
NIMS / ICS IS-100, IS-200, IS-700: 16hrs
On the job training:160-240hrs
All employees must receive the minimum training before being classified as a fully trained emergency Telecommunicator.
In addition to the training, a number of ongoing continuing education (in-service) requirements must be met. Specialized areas may include, new equipment operation, changes in policy and procedures, proficiency training, etc. This training will be scheduled and conducted by the Dispatch Supervisor / Trainer unless specialized instructors are needed due to subject matter. In addition, telecommunicators will make use of the Ride Along program offered by the different public safety departments in the county.
Telecommunicators are responsible to ensure they maintain required certifications necessary for them to perform their duties (e.g., CPR, EMD). The training requirements will be coordinated with the Dispatch Supervisor and Communications Training Officer. The Dispatch Supervisor, Office Manager, and Director will attend specialized seminars and training to keep them abreast of new changes in managing personnel and operations. These training seminars must be approved and budgeted for by the Director.