Really rude dispatcher

[Stormrage]

If they can't do that, than perhaps they should look for another job.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by Stillen GLE

people have to understand that being a dispatcher is a very difficult job, because you can get so many phone calls in at a time, and you have to keep your composure.

Someone should tell that to the dispatcher in the OP.

To paraphrase former Sec of Def Rumsfeld, you dispatch with the information you have, not the information you want. If that's all the info the caller was able to provide, you make the best decision based on what you have.

Too many dispatchers expect callers to know all the procedures and terminology that they do. As my old communications supervisor said, "we do not require callers to know or adhere to proper agency call-taking SOPs and guidelines".

[DesertPatrolman]

The guy came out and saw your badge so he said what he thought was enough and presumably went back to help his “sister”.

You then called 911, which was good, but without following up first. I realize you are not armed, but more than likely the guy would not be running back to the room alone if it was dangerous. In any case you could have called the room and asked for more info if you were too scared to go in person.

You have a badge, want it or not, because the job you have entails certain responsibilities and a degree of authority. People are going to expect you to provide them security and to properly handle an emergency. They will trust that they can rely on you, just like the guy did.

I used to be a security guard, and I was unarmed at times with just about zero training, so don’t think I don’t know where you are coming from.

Now the dispatcher should have asked you to call the room or follow up to get more information for her officers. I don’t think it was the right thing to do to just hang up after being snappy at all.

Use this as a learning experience. You did good calling right away, nothing wrong with that. But now that you know more, you might seek some better info first if you can get it safely. Take care.

[Brendon]

Occasionally some Operators give their ID Number or something for complaint reasons. I suppose you're over it now, but I've heard a lot worse from some of the dispatcher playback tapes I've listened to.

[JRT6]

I walk into work the other early morning and two dispatchers are standing outside the backdoor smoking. I ask them who was answering the radio and Snaggletooth replied: "I got a portable so mind your own business". I then asked who's answering the phone? They both looked at me in shock and almost ran back into the station.

Stupid should hurt and arrogance should be job termination.

[noelchabanel]

Originally Posted by JRT6

I walk into work the other early morning and two dispatchers are standing outside the backdoor smoking. I ask them who was answering the radio and Snaggletooth replied: "I got a portable so mind your own business". I then asked who's answering the phone? They both looked at me in shock and almost ran back into the station.

HAHAHA, that's great!

[MRBEST]

Originally Posted by Samuel

On the flip side, take a look at how you sound from the 911 call taker's point of view. 'Umm, someone told me there is an emergency but I have no idea what it is or what is going on.'

From a learning point of view, I hope you look at the transcription you provided. What you were asked were all legitimate questions. What is going on, do you need fire or police or both, did a crime occur, what kind, any weapons, how many bad guys, are they still there, how did they leave, how many victims, where are they, etc etc etc.

"my sister was assaulted" can mean so many different things. Verbally abused, pushed, slapped, groped, attempt kidnapped, punched/kicked, attacked but not struck, robbed, raped, stabbed, shot, etc...

If you have ever taken 911 calls for 8-10 hours a shift, you would better understand the probable frustration the call taker had with you. Doesn't excuse "rudeness" but, if I were still taking 911 calls, I would have been pretty frustrated with you too.

IIRC, Super 8 is a motel - IME, most motels are sh1tbag/dirtbag magnets and All Sorts of shady stuff happens there. If I am sending my partners to a place where criminals like to stay or criminal activity occurs, often involving firearms, you can bet I'm gonna want as much information I can get before I send them in.

I don't know. I can't say I'd agree with your post entirely. Dispatch is definitely not an easy job and at times can be frustrated. However, just like us in patrol, they need to be patient and act professional. There's no need to hang up on the person, especially if that was the actual transcript of how the conversation went. Sure its frustrating because he doesn't know much of whats going on, however, he said someone asked him to get police, he gave the location and as much info as he knew at the time. What else could he do?