Association Still Gives ‘F’ To Dispatching HR

A task force formed to study human resource issues among the nation’s public safety dispatchers has issued its second nationwide evaluation, and has issued its second “F” grade. The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) established the Professional Communications Human Resources Taskforce (ProCHRT) in 2009 to study staffing, training, shift work, retirement, benefits and other factors. Last year the group issued an interim report and gave an “F” grade overall based on several criteria. Now, in its first full report, the task force says there has been some progress. But the group adds, “The progress is still insufficient to consistently, comprehensively, and sufficiently support the critical mission and public safety communications professionals. The overall grade remains at an F.” To create the grade, the group evaluated four categories: state-mandated training requirements, in-service promotional opportunities, emergency medical dispatch (EMD), along with salary and benefits. Download (pdf) the report here, last year’s interim report here, and read an APCO story about the new report here.