What kind of training do 911 telecommunicators receive?
911 telecommunicators must receive a state mandated minimum of 168 hours of training to become certified telecommunications officers. However, at West Liberty E-911 Center, our operators receive well beyond the mandated minimum. On average, our new employees receive an average of 160 hours of classroom training and 200 hours of on-the-job training before they ever attend the certification class. Employees receive training in call receiving; CPR and first aid; computer aided dispatching; crime information computers; using maps; and general law enforcement information. Employees are given the opportunity to practice their skills during simulated incident training before being assigned to the dispatch center. During the on-the-job training phase, telecommunicator trainees learn hands-on application of skills and knowledge gained in the classroom under the close supervision of an experienced Communications Training Officer. Basic Communications Officer training, provided by the state, cons
