In October 1991, Congress proclaimed the second week of April as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. A week dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunicators. Since then, Public Safety Agencies nationwide have recognized the pivotal role played by telecommunicators, dispatchers, communications operators, radio control personnel, ALL those people, by whatever job title, who utilize telephones, radios, computers and technical skill to provide support to law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services and other governmental field personnel.
Los Banos Police Department celebrates this year’s National Telecommunications Week, April 13–19, in honor of our dedicated dispatchers who handle thousands of 9-1-1 calls each month generated within the city. Dispatchers communicate with officers and coordinate with allied agencies for other law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services response to the needs of the public in emergencies and on a routine basis.
Throughout the week certificates of appreciation will be given to all 9-1-1 Dispatchers and Community Services Officers who work around the clock, all year long, to support officers in the field and help keep our community safe.
When you dial 9-1-1, a Los Banos Police dispatcher answers that call – knows where you are and stays on the line so they can help get the assistance you need! Remember 9-1-1 is for emergencies only.
Facts about the Los Banos Police Department’s Dispatch Center
-Number of employees: currently 10 full-time dispatchers and one part-time dispatcher
-Entry Level Dispatcher pay per month: $3,426, top step pay per month $4,267
-Training: 16 weeks initial training, one-year probationary period
-Average length of service: 6 years
-Console: three radio / telephone consoles
-1,303 9-1-1 calls received in March 2014
“Our Dispatchers play a large role in the success of our Department. We are very fortunate to have a great team of dispatchers.”
–Aundre Garcia, Police Services Manager
To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org
