911
Boynton Beach Communications is an entirely autonomous entity, separate from the Police Department and the Fire Department. It is a 24/7 operation, using an 800 megahertz Motorola radio system. Dispatch has the capability to communicate by radio with all county agencies on an integrated system. In other words, our radio channels can be patched with others in the event of incidents that involve neighboring jurisdictions. Boynton Beach emergency responders can then speak directly to their counterparts from other agencies. Communications can also monitor the local government radio channels within the city. Fifteen dispatchers, five shift supervisors and a communications manager make a full complement of personnel.
Potential employees are tested for skills and aptitude by the city’s human resources department. Those who achieve acceptable scoring levels are, then interviewed by a panel of city employees including police and fire supervisory personnel. The final screening consists of background and medical checks.
New employees are assigned to a trainer, and follow their trainer’s schedule. Staggered shift hours provide for varying levels of coverage over a twenty-four hour day. At present the dispatchers work a ten-hour day, with a four-day week.
The initial stage of training includes taking telephones calls and operating the police information channel. 911 calls are included in this initial phase. Employees next progress to operation of the Fire Department channel, and finally to the Police Department main channel. Our computer aided dispatch, or CAD system recently underwent an upgrade to make it operate more efficiently.
History of 9-1-1
Before the emergency of “ 9-1-1,” if there was a fire, you dialed the fire department. If there was a crime, you called the police. If someone got hurt an ambulance and so on. Finding the right number could get very confusing - especially if you were in a panic or in a strange area. That often spelled disaster. So, back in 1968, the United States Government got together with the phone company to figure out a “Universal Emergency Number.” Today, when you call 911, an emergency operator, called a dispatcher, immediately alerts the people you need.
“911 is not for fun!”
This is a phrase we teach to children to let them know when to call 911. Never call 911 as a joke or just to see what might happen. If an emergency dispatcher has to take the time to talk to someone who doesn't have a real emergency, other people who call and do need help right away get stuck waiting.
The only time you should call 911 is if a person is badly hurt or in immediate danger!
Be Prepared When You Call 911
Make sure you know the address and phone number where you are. The 911 dispatcher must know exactly where you are and how to reach you so they can tell the fire rescue crews or the police where to go. It's always OK to give out your name and address to the dispatcher because he or she works with fire rescue crews and police to get you the help you need. It's important to make sure you are safe before you call 911. If your home is on fire, leave the house before calling 911. It’s always better and safer to call from someone else's house.
Don't Hang Up!
If you do have to call 911 in an emergency, be sure to stay on the phone. Do not hang up until the 911 dispatcher tells you it's OK. That way, you can be sure that they have all the information they need to get help to you fast!
