Dispatchers have many duties.

Wednesday, October 18, 2000

Dispatchers have many duties. In addition to answering all the calls – 911 and otherwise – that come into the Law Enforcement Center, they:

– Handle all radio communications with police from five cities, county deputies and other surrounding counties, state patrol, 15 fire departments, seven ambulance squads and three first-responder units.

– Check all license plate and drivers’ license information on the state computer.

– Type and file all reports, from the initial complaint report to any additional officer reports, both for Austin and smaller towns in Mower County.

– Handle all weather watches, warnings and the monthly civil defense test.

– Call out the appropriate fire departments, ambulance services and first responders in response to emergency calls received.

– Keep track of the officers in the field; if an officer calls in a traffic check, the dispatcher should note where the officer is in case of any problem.