A career that is not easily understood

OPP News Release

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North Bay - Communications, be it call taking or dispatching, is not a career that is easily understood by the uninitiated. Communicators are most often the first point of contact when police, fire or medical assistance is required. Their skills, knowledge and professionalism are key to effective emergency response and that is why the Ontario Provincial Police honours its call takers and dispatchers during Public Safety Communicators Appreciation Week, April 13-19, 2008.

These skilled individuals are trained to make sense out of highly charged situations- dealing with a full range of human emotion. They provide a crucial link from those in need of assistance to the emergency personnel who rush to their aid. Once the first responders arrive at the scene, a simple click of the receiver disconnects the communicator from the situation and they must move on to the next call. Imagine what it must be like to make those connects and disconnects for a full 12-hour shift – the level of concentration required and the ability to diffuse the emotional overload at shift’s end.

You can find such people – ‘the calming voice on the other end of the line’ - behind the computer consoles at the OPP Provincial Communications Centre – North Bay (PCC). The PCC-North Bay employs 98 civilian employees who provide service to the citizens of Northeastern Ontario and beyond. Calls for service, requests for information and emergency dispatch are handled through the PCC and in an average day call takers answer 1570 calls – on a peak day the call load can reach 3100 calls.

Seconds count when you are facing an emergency and your telephone is the quickest way to get help. When an OPP Provincial Communication Centre answers your call you will be immediately connected to a highly trained communicator who will provide you with the assistance you require by asking you a standard series of questions. It’s important to stay calm, listen to and answer their questions remembering they are always there to help you.

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