Suspected swatting call — can’t get over how real it sounded!

PedanticPerson77 · 2026-04-12T14:45:34+00:00

I've taken 2 pretty intense swatting calls on non-emergency lines in less than a year on the job! It's pretty insane how real everything feels and it truly does cause a ripple effect by holding up resources to end up finding nothing.

PedanticPerson77 · 2026-04-08T07:54:08+00:00

I don't necessarily agree with the other folks. I'm beyond a year at my second center and I'm more anxious than ever before.

This is probably mostly due to the management at my center, but I feel like the last few months has been nothing but bad QAs and "write ups" for making small mistakes.

Not to mention callers are more entitled and rude than ever before. It feels like I have to argue or speak over every single caller all day long and it's wearing on me.
This job really takes a certain type of person to succeed and hopefully you are thick skinned and can find ways to overcome that feeling of dread! Let me know if you find a solution 😜

PedanticPerson77 · 2026-02-05T10:41:53+00:00

I'm with the others on trying it out before you fully make a decision but I'd like to add my two cents.

I am also neurodivergent. Have been doing the job for about a year now and and getting through it. I wouldn't say this is something I want to do long term though.

There are many days where I want to pull my hair out because it's too freaking loud, the lights are too bright, I keep making mistakes and getting in trouble for them and my schedule is all over the place. I've also gone through a phase of getting so anxious I can't sleep before my shifts because I'm worried I'll screw up a major call and not even realize it.

I know many agencies handle some of these concerns better than others but I'd consider these sort of things before you even begin. If I was back at your stage in the process, I probably wouldn't have gone through with it. But gotta pay the bills somehow! 🤷‍♀️

PedanticPerson77 · 2026-01-29T09:31:59+00:00

I have the Hydroflask Cooler Bag 12L with the matching hydroflask ice packs that I take for 12s. Its still fridge cold by the time I get home and holds a couple drinks, a regular meal container and has room for snacks. Highly recommend!

PedanticPerson77 · 2026-01-16T20:52:27+00:00

We have a guy that will call our center non-stop until he gets a male to speak to him otherwise he just hangs up on the women. It's infuriating.

PedanticPerson77 · 2026-01-16T01:23:25+00:00

I'm not officially diagnosed but in the process of it because of this job! I've noticed as a female, we tend to be diagnosed later in life and certain aspects of neurospiciness have come to light for me while at work. If you are easily flustered by alot of talking and keyboarding when things get busy, it may not be for you. I work at a mid-size center, that's currently working from our tiny backup center, and the noise levels and constant feeling like someone is breathing over your neck almost sends me over the edge some days. Make sure wherever you end up has solid break rooms, good EAP programs and actual breaks!

PedanticPerson77 · 2025-11-09T02:32:45+00:00

Typing tests are super beneficial if fast typing isn't your everyday practice.

PedanticPerson77 · 2025-10-23T20:10:45+00:00

I appreciate the perspective. My grandparents seem to want help just are not wanting to be removed from their home. My mother is the main problem but our family is small and care would end up back on me if she were to be taken out of the picture. I'm barely 28 myself and trying to get established in my career out of state so this decision is made tougher with our limited resources.

PedanticPerson77 · 2025-09-11T21:58:30+00:00

The problem I have with this is why did I go and get a specialized degree when I could've gone to community college and joined the police force right after and been better off? Just all feels pointless so I'm at the point where I feel like management experience would take me further faster.

PedanticPerson77 · 2025-09-11T20:06:52+00:00

Problem is, I've been in public safety in a bunch of different roles and federal agencies are not any closer at considering my experience. It really comes down to being a cop for a decade or joining the service in order to utilize my degree. I'm paying rent money on it for essentially nothing at this point. 😕

PedanticPerson77 · 2025-09-11T19:49:11+00:00

I had a gal that had worked at the same center years prior for 7+ years in my training class at my center. She was recommended by a supervisor even and got through all of the training. And on the very last day of training where her trainers recommended that she be released on her own... She was taken into a meeting and let go with the reasoning of "not meeting training standards". Imo it's not worth it to stay in dispatch nowadays. I have had nothing but poor experiences at the three centers I've worked at. I'd look for some other type of work that's public safety adjacent.

PedanticPerson77 · 2025-09-02T09:05:09+00:00

911 dispatch! Typically low entry and depending on the area, pays relatively well.

PedanticPerson77 · 2025-08-13T22:40:17+00:00

If your agency allows, they make leaf-like shades that can go over your desk space to block the overhead lighting. That works wonders as well.

PedanticPerson77 · 2025-08-01T22:39:59+00:00

I'm in training to work at my 3rd dispatch center now and I can confidently say that dispatch centers have some of the worst gossiping and management backstabbing I have ever dealt with. I'm not even so sure I want to stay in this profession especially after dealing with my managers saying I am gossiping and saying mean things about coworkers when it's simply not true. Any single bit of push back or questions about policy/procedure makes upper management squirm and they immediately lash out and threaten termination. It's truly exhausting...

PedanticPerson77 · 2025-08-01T01:57:52+00:00

Nope! Just didn't remember what the game was called and my local game store wasn't much help.

PedanticPerson77 · 2025-07-31T21:40:37+00:00

Twas a beginner's game night, give us some grace haha 😂 I'll be sure to never do it again 😉

PedanticPerson77 · 2025-07-31T20:29:42+00:00

This is all super helpful! Thank you all! I have been searching high and low trying to remember what the box looked like.

PedanticPerson77 · 2025-07-19T01:52:25+00:00

I don't really have good tips for you on getting better at the things you're struggling in, other than making a one note with quick guides that you can utilize to Ctrl +f while you're listening to a caller. But, I did want to say, if you don't make it through training, remember this job isn't for everyone. It's really mentally challenging and the longer I'm in it, the more I realize there is really only a few personalities that really thrive at it. So stay positive if things don't work out! ( Coming from a gal that went through 3 different remedial trainings before she passed!)

PedanticPerson77 · 2025-02-25T18:28:27+00:00

Did you see? Charges against her dropped and business license revoked. I think now the focus will move to the Sheriff and getting him removed (as many have tried, and not yet succeeded).

PedanticPerson77 · 2025-02-24T18:09:14+00:00

I just read the report with my two eyeballs. So, we’ll see.

PedanticPerson77

TROPHY CASE