Public Safety Telecommunications is experiencing significant change with the transition into Next Generation (Internet Protocol) technology.  Procedures and Equipment will be more fluid in the emerging IP environment.  As such, not only is initial training important, there is a real need for mandatory Continuing Education. 

Also the term dispatcher needs to be replaced with Public Safety Emergency Communications Officer to better reflect the job duties and essential functions required in a 911 Communications Center. 

Virginia should compare the existing curriculum to APCO’s training which is nationally recognized as meeting minimum training standards.  It may be more cost effective to incorporate APCO’s training materials into the DCJS program which would include built in periodic updates.

The current curriculum is Law Enforcement centric.  The program should incorporate additional training based on input from key EMS and Fire organizations to prepare Telecommunicators for the full scope of the job.

These comments are my own, and are not intended to represent the opinions of local law officals or administrators.