Police Chief Jim McDonnell poses for a photo with three recent graduates of the Long Beach Police Department’s Public Safety Dispatcher training program during a graduation ceremony the department hosted March 30. The new dispatchers are, from left, Kimberly Hodgden, Jennifer De La Torre and Leilani A., who did not want her last name published for privacy purposes. Photo courtesy of LBPD.
8:02am | The Long Beach Police Department’s team of non-sworn personnel grew by three late last month when a trio of women completed the department’s Public Safety Dispatcher training program.
A graduation ceremony was held March 30 to recognize Jennifer De La Torre, Kimberly Hodgden and Leilani A., who did not want her last name published for privacy purposes. The ceremony was held at the Emergency Operations Center, where family, friends and coworkers gathered as the new dispatcher’s accomplishments during the yearlong training program were highlighted.
“Public Safety Dispatchers are the lifeline for the officers, as well as the community, which they serve,” said Police Chief Jim McDonnell during the ceremony. “We are here today to celebrate the accomplishments of our new dispatchers who will provide that crucial link.”
The three began the process as dispatcher recruits about a year ago, according to information provided by the LBPD. After passing an extensive background investigation, the trio endured months of rigorous training and testing regarding police policies, procedures, codes, equipment and city geography.
The dispatchers were also trained to process after-hours Public Works emergencies; use a telecommunications device for the deaf; and operate LBPD’s Safe Reunion/Long Beach emergency locator service, Reverse 911 System and other programs.
The recruits also mastered how to differentiate between civil and criminal issues, interpret caller psychology and prepare officers for the often-dangerous crime scenes to which they respond.
Dispatcher recruits are required to receive 120 hours of state-mandated training and, in addition to taking calls, they must also master the use of the dispatch radio. This requires reading, typing, and speaking simultaneously while processing crucial information to officers in the field.