Our operations center works around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, ensuring we’re always available when you need us.
In your critical moments, we are your first point of contact in an emergency. We prioritize the promptness and accuracy of our response, always striving to act swiftly and efficiently. Our unwavering dedication lies in supporting emergency responders as they work tirelessly to protect lives and property. We do this by deploying highly qualified first responders who are ready to assist those in need during critical times, with the ultimate goal of reducing the stress and anxiety that often accompanies emergency calls.
You Can Tour the Recently Remodeled Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and 911 Dispatch Center!
Call (409) 980-7227 to schedule an appointment.
Join Our Team
1. Apply Online – Search current openings and submit your info.
2. Test – You will be notified by the HR department after the initial review of your application is completed and processed. Depending on qualifications, may contact you for a typing test and/or a computer-based simulation.
3. Background Check – Results will be reviewed by the 911 Manager and Training Coordinator.
4. Visit Communications Center – Applicants will spend at least an hour touring the facilities and getting to know the setup.
5. Formal Interview – Applicants will be asked to appear before a panel of staff to discuss their goals and objectives.
6. Offer – Applicants who successfully complete a Polygraph, Physical Exam, Drug Screen and Psychological Exam will receive an offer of employment.
Dispatchers are required to make quick decisions; coordinate multiple tasks at one time; have reasoning skills and the ability to maintain control of a situation. It is the nature of the job that, at any time, an emergency will require a dispatcher’s full and immediate attention and response. Individuals with the ability to remain calm, professional and even-tempered during emergency situations are the candidates necessary for this challenging, yet rewarding, career.
All Trainees must complete a two (2) week Orientation period in a classroom setting. The Trainee will learn some of the basics: Center structure, general communication duties, the geography of the city and computer operations.
Trainees must then complete three (3) additional structured on-the-job phases. During each phase, the trainee will be supervised by a 911 Center Trainer. During the nine (9) weeks of Phase One, the Trainee will learn more of the basics: Communication equipment, Center forms, manuals/books, call types and the appropriate line of questioning of a caller. The Trainee will begin taking actual calls and “working the radio” in the phase. During the twelve (12) weeks of Phase Two, the Trainee will complete tasks that are progressively more difficult and advanced. The Trainee will learn to dispatch fundamentals, as well as performing the duties of the Call Taker. Phase Three sees the Trainee learning the State “teletype” system as well as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system. The Trainee will perform the duties of Dispatcher and Call Taker during this final phase. Then the Trainee must complete the Shadow Phase which is two (2) weeks of training consisting of performing the duties of Dispatcher and Call Taker learned in the three (3) training phases with little to no assistance from their Trainer.
All new hires, successfully completing phased training, will serve in a probationary status until their one (1) year anniversary.
Proper prioritization of calls is essential. The demand for responders may exceed the number of available response units. Calls that are in progress or just occurred will typically be handled first, while delayed or low priority calls may be “held” for a period of time. Law enforcement calls may require other emergency service providers, with EMS being the most common. Telecommunicators will help coordinate these responses.
9-1-1 operators are able to answer to calls in languages other than English with the assistance of a third party service with translators who speak various languages and will join the call to assist.
| Department | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Police/Fire/EMS Emergency | 9-1-1 |
|
Emergency Number |
409-832-1234 |
| Police Non-Emergency | 409-880-3865 |
| Police Reports via Telephone | 409-880-3862 |
| Fire/EMS Non-Emergency | 409-880-3901 |
