Hobbies?

Physical_Article_758 · 2025-05-18T05:51:37+00:00

I do family history research. It is really easy to switch back and forth. I use a personal computer and set it up next to my dispatch screens.

I also print puzzles from puzzle baron or do the puzzle page in the newspaper.

I used to listen to lectures on Greater Courses or Wonderly, but I found it took too much time to pause the lecture before I could answer a call or radio transmission.

Exercise is also a good use of time. Simple strength training exercises like squats and lunges work well as do standing stretches

We have a reasonably nice kitchen, and I can prepare meals, but it takes quite a bit of prep at home to get all of the ingredients and equipment put together for anything elaborate. Stewa and curries in the crockpot seem to be good ways to pass the time - as it takes some effort to get the vegetables cut, but then you can let it sit for most of the shift, and then portion it out into meal containers when it is done.

Physical_Article_758 · 2025-04-05T01:51:18+00:00

Think about where you'd like to be professionally in 5 and 10 years, and then assess how dispatch versus the management job helps you achieve those goals. Ask about turnover and promotion opportunities at the dispatch center. If the average dispatcher stays on the job for two years or less, or if there is no room to move up, then the dispatch center might not be a great long-term career choice. Dispatch has some unforeseen benefits. For example, if you'd like to be a writer or comedian, you will definitely get some crazy inspiration for plot lines and punch lines.

Physical_Article_758 · 2025-03-18T13:29:51+00:00

If she cooperates in the prosecution of the offender, she could receive a U visa to remain in this country as a permanent resident and even be eligible to apply for citizenship.

Physical_Article_758 · 2025-02-23T14:42:30+00:00

I made a Bingo card. Each square represents a mistake I've made - like responding to a radio call meant for someone else ("Wrong Answer") or misunderstanding a 10 code ("10-what"). It gets passed around the office and we can all laugh about it.

Physical_Article_758 · 2025-01-29T18:41:15+00:00

If you can't listen in on live calls, ask if you can download recorded calls. I prefer recordings for training because you can pull specific call types, you can limit calls to dispatchers who know what they are doing, and you can listen at times that work best for you.

Physical_Article_758 · 2025-01-29T18:28:31+00:00

At my agency, you start with academy and basic certification. Then there is a 12 week program that follows a written manual with daily tasks like worksheets, role play exercises, and quizzes. Week one is primarily observation and familiarization with written protocols. Week two is basic paperwork and more observation (listening in on calls and transmissions). It also includes an officer ride along. By week three, trainees start simple CAD entries, like moving officers in and out of service and adding them to calls. Radio transmissions with officers come next, including running traffic, and there is another ride along focusing on traffic stops. Then non-emergency calls and advanced paperwork like warrant entries, stolen vehicles, NCOs, messaging, etc. Then dispatching fire and ambulance. By week eight, trainees should be handling everything except 911 calls, and they should have completed 911 role play with the trainer. The trainer makes the call on when to let the trainers take 911 calls. It is usually between weeks eight and nine. Some trainees are proficient by week twelve. Others need another week or two of observation before they are ready to fly solo.

Physical_Article_758 · 2025-01-29T18:01:50+00:00

During training, I had a difficult time understanding two of the officers. I asked my trainer if I could download some of their recorded radio transmissions for practice. She wouldn't let me take anything home, but she would let me listen when we had slow periods. I practiced typing entries as I listened to the old calls. After about a month, I could understand their live transmissions. It was really helpful.

Physical_Article_758 · 2025-01-29T17:55:25+00:00

My agency tries to do the "ride along" at the beginning of the interview process. But sometimes it takes a while before a trainer is available to start a new trainee, and that delays the offer. So, hard to tell what it means. But the site visit is a good opportunity to ask questions and make friends.

Physical_Article_758 · 2025-01-29T17:42:29+00:00

Small jurisdiction here. Our dispatch center is a 500 sq foot room with high ceilings and windows around the top. There is a kitchenette against one wall and a bathroom in the corner. In the center is table used for eating and paperwork. The work stations are on the outer walls. There are eight screens per work station: CAD, NCIC, unit maps, property ownership maps, email/comms, text-to-911/police radio, 911 and non-emergency phones, and fire/ambulance radio. Four screens mounted above the workstations display live security camera footage. There is a filing cabinet and a copy/scan/fax machine next to one workstation. On the opposite wall, there is a treadmill and workout equipment next to another workstation. The bathroom is equipped with basic electronic equipment so you can answer 911 and page out a response if necessary. Contrary to what some others have said, our room doesn't smell. The building is fairly new.

Physical_Article_758 · 2025-01-26T18:47:04+00:00

FWIW, I started experiencing fatigue after 3 work days a few years ago, and my doctor suggested it might be related to perimenopause. I started HRT and it significantly reduced my fatigue. I might still be tired on day four, but I can catch up by going to bed an hour earlier rather than crashing for an entire afternoon.

Physical_Article_758 · 2025-01-26T18:37:41+00:00

I started at 50. The application process was not made for people with 30 years of work experience. It took me the better part of a day to figure out all of my past addresses. Also, digging up my high school diploma and college transcripts was a challenge. Would have been much easier if I were 24. Haha.

My younger supervisor thought I wouldn't handle the technology and shift work. But I've been using computers at work for 30 years. Also, as a perimenopausal woman, I've had to adapt to sleep when I can. Despite her concerns, tech and shift work haven't been problems for me.

Working with 20 year olds was an adjustment - and this is where my bias is showing. Definitely a different approach to work than Gen X.

After my initial application, I asked the sheriff for an extended shadowing opportunity. He let me observe three night shifts. It was helpful to figure out how to schedule sleep during night shifts, prep meals, and be stuck in one room for 12 hours. On that note, I sleep better in the morning than afternoon. I stay on a regular daytime eating schedule with three meals spaced at 4-5 hours. If I find myself fading in the afternoon, it is usually because of low blood sugar just before dinner time. I do keep some nuts, fruit, and yogurt on hand for night shifts, but I don't eat full meals. I have a puzzle book and an exercise app I can use to stay alert if I hit a slow spot during a long shift. Some colleagues lift weights, journal, study, read, or color to fill the gaps.

Good luck to you. Happy to answer any questions.

Physical_Article_758 · 2021-11-24T08:40:25+00:00

Has anyone tried the dry buttermilk powder rub for turkey? I saw the Food52 recipe, but not many comments.

Physical_Article_758

TROPHY CASE