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Main Page OC for Dispatch
(Click here to view the original thread on the MassCops Message Board)

Posted by: batedog

Does anyone else think that dispatchers in departments where you fully interact with the public should carry oc spray. I have seen alot of stuff happen in the station in front of the dispatch center.Cops are not always around.

Posted by: texdep

With proper training I don't see a problem with that.

Posted by: O-302

Quote:

Originally Posted by texdep

With proper training I don't see a problem with that.

Speaking from a DT instructors viewpoint, there's not a DT instructor I know who would certify a civilian in OC and use of force ....too much liability.

Posted by: Mortal knight

Most dispatch areas are usually small spaces, indoor, no ventalation. In other words, if you DO sparay, it'll suck all day (for you).

I have worked dispatch were we were totally seperated by "magic glass" and a center where they could jump over the counter. Never seen any need for showering someone with the shut up juice. But if you can give me a few good and realistic example why, then maybe I will agree with you.

Posted by: Mikey682

A barracks in the Berkshires had a drunk that just got out of jail come into the lobby with a knife looking for a fight. If the "magic glass" werent there, and if the Sgt. on the desk wasnt protected by his own means, there would have been a serious issue. With proper training and a clear department policy, I think some sort of defense capability for dispatchers is a good idea!

Posted by: USMCMP5811

Hell, just make all dispatchers P/I's or specials and have them armed, why stop with just OC. Is OC effective? Most of the time, and I mean MOST of the time. If your going to have one tool, might as well have them all.

Posted by: 94c

uh, what do you do after you spray them?

Posted by: mikemac64

Why not just hire more Police Officers and put them on the desk?

Posted by: SMARTGUY5088

Most dispatch centers should already be secure; i.e. lockable door, safety glass, keypad entrance. Aside from this, what is the minimum age required to become a dispatcher in the state of MA? (Is it really 21?) Does anyone have any information in regards to testing/ exams, and how to prepare?

Posted by: CampusOfficer

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikemac64

Why not just hire more Police Officers and put them on the desk?

Do you want to be the one on the desk? Or would you rather work the streets??

Posted by: mikemac64

I work the streets everyday. I guess you're implying that a cop who works the desk is less of a cop or lacking somehow?

Posted by: CampusOfficer

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikemac64

I work the streets everyday. I guess you're implying that a cop who works the desk is less of a cop or lacking somehow?

I am not sure how you get that from my reply. Where did I say or even imply anything about being "less of a cop??" of one who is "lacking??" I simply asked if you wanted to be the one who works the desk. My implications are nothing about being a lacking cop.

Posted by: Gil

I sure as hell would not want to be on the desk. But back on topic...

We usually have an officer in the station 99% of the time. I am not against the idea at all. Most of our dispatchers are auxiliaries or P/I's in another town anyway so most are already certified.

Posted by: DPDPO

I was allowed to carry a firearm in dispatch when I was a dispatcher. There were things in placed that had to be done though when an arrest came in. Now I don't dispatch anymore nowthat I am on the road.

Posted by: Irish Wampanoag

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gil

I sure as hell would not want to be on the desk. But back on topic...

We usually have an officer in the station 99% of the time. I am not against the idea at all. Most of our dispatchers are auxiliaries or P/I's in another town anyway so most are already certified.

Gill just remember:
Its better to be on the desk than to be under it.

Posted by: Curious EMT

I debated this heavily before with someone: What about a valid LTC holder carrying concealed, if there is no policy regarding it?

Posted by: texdep

Quote:

Originally Posted by O-302

Speaking from a DT instructors viewpoint, there's not a DT instructor I know who would certify a civilian in OC and use of force ....too much liability.

With a well writtten department policy regarding OC use by dispatchers in place, training within the scope of the policy would not result in any liability to the instructor.

Posted by: ChiefJoe

Sounds like a bad idea to me. No OC in communications, and ABSOLUTELY no firearms. A civillian dispatcher with an LTC can leave they're weapon at home as far as I'm concerned. They have no training on weapon retention, use of force, when to shoot or not shoot.

The pissed off person in the lobby had a knife, now he has the dispatcher's gun... bad idea.

Posted by: 5-0

If you are really that concerned about your safety behind the desk, ask for a vest. Seems to me, that would provide more of a benefit than OC. I think that a good pair of earplugs for people that come in to bitch would be much better for your long term health.

Posted by: LKat20

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMARTGUY5088

Most dispatch centers should already be secure; i.e. lockable door, safety glass, keypad entrance. Aside from this, what is the minimum age required to become a dispatcher in the state of MA? (Is it really 21?) Does anyone have any information in regards to testing/ exams, and how to prepare?

I believe the minimum age is 18. I have only taken one dispatch test and it isn't something you can prepare for. Just learn to listen well.

And...I think OC in dispatch is a bad idea.

Posted by: batedog

anyone know about dispatch or police jobs in Walpole. Are they a good town.

Posted by: 94c

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefJoe

Sounds like a bad idea to me. No OC in communications, and ABSOLUTELY no firearms. A civillian dispatcher with an LTC can leave they're weapon at home as far as I'm concerned. They have no training on weapon retention, use of force, when to shoot or not shoot.

The pissed off person in the lobby had a knife, now he has the dispatcher's gun... bad idea.

I agree. For Christ's sake you are dispatchers not COPS.
leave the OC and firearms home. If you want to impress someone then it's o.k.
to come to work with your assless chaps.

Posted by: batedog

Very good points all around.I am not saying I agree either way , but as far as training for OC goes it is not rocket science.

Posted by: Deputydog522

I think that if you are a civillian dispatcher you should not carry anything. If you are a dispatcher and a special then you should be able to carry all the equipment. But as for civillian dispatchers carrying oc, there is not a instructor out there that would train a civillian on oc.

Posted by: MrJim911

I think the point everyone is missing is; why are Telecommunicators even having contact with the public? They should be in a secure facility with no public interaction whatsoever unless someone is calling 911. The Admin of these agencies need to hire records clerks/secretaries to sit and handle walk ins and let the Telecommunicators handle phones and radio. And the police should be out patrolling. They are three totally separate professions and should be treated as such.

Posted by: Curious EMT

In some departments, dispatchers are stowed away and handle only that exact job, dispatching.

In some, thats not even close to feazable.

Some dept, the dispatchers play that roll, and that roll only, dispatch. In others, they get more active, including assist with booking / bailing, service of summons / 209a's, and take some minor reports (stolen plates, etc). (of course, some of this is only possible if they are sworn as reserves / etc)

Posted by: MrJim911

An unfortunate fact, but it shouldn't be happening. Instead of finding ways to accomodate it, ways should be found to avoid it.

Posted by: rg1283

Walk into any Police Station in MA. Most if not all that utilize the Dispatcher in the "small town role" acting a babysitter for prisoners and a receptionist for people coming into the station along with their 911 related duties, you will see Glass, most likely bullet resistant to some extent. Now what is the point of having OC Spray, what are you going to do, stick your hand out the window? and Spray the guy? Better yet spray all over the glass on your side of the window?

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