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Main Page Desk relief
(Click here to view the original thread on the MassCops Message Board)

Posted by: 4ransom

Working in a small department that is usually running at minium staffing, I often find myself working the desk alone. In that case, I am the only one in the station and can be by myself for hours at a time. Anybody else know where I am coming from?

Sometimes relief isn't around, and you are hesitant to call in the sector car, especially if you know he is running radar or doing something else and doesn't want to come in and relieve the desk just so you can run to the bathroom or something.

Also, I am not allowed to leave the station at all, can't even run down the street and get a sandwich. I have to rely on another officer picking up my lunch if i don't brown bag. So I am either stuck eating from wherever he/she goes, or I don't eat. I don't exactly feel comfortable asking him/her to go somewhere he/she doesn't want to go either. so unless i am lucky and one of the few people who doesn't mind picking me up something is around, I am screwed. And i already tried having somebody cover the desk while i run out, but i got chewed out because i am not supposed to leave the building at all.

Does anybody else go through similar stuff?

Posted by: CampusOfficer

Any place deliver??

Posted by: Curious EMT

I never call for delivery. Definatly not safe, and too expensive.

My guys like me enough to offer to pick up anything I want anywhere, including from places in neighboring towns. Maybe you should address why you dont feel comfortable around your guys.

Or Bring your own food. Whats the big deal?

And as for the bathroom? Depending on the shift, I'll just grab a portable and make it a quickie type-1. But I have no problem asking a car to come in because I need to take a type-2 break.

Posted by: USMCMP5811

Nope, grab a portable to drop a deuce or drain a vein. Look at it this way, if the 911 rings, after 3 rings it transfers to your back up PSAP. and they get the info for you and ring you up after. If it's on a business line, if it's important, they'll call 911. Just make sure you push, pinch, and wipe. Don't take a 20 minute morning glory. I mean what happens after you suck down those 3 dozen extra spicy buffalo wings after drinking a bottle of tequila the night before and your sector car can't blue light it to the station quick enough? You do what ya gota do right?

Posted by: andy0921

We pick up food for the dispatcher all the time

Posted by: Mongo

Wear depends and bag a lunch.

Suck it up and quit complaining.

Posted by: JoninNH

Dispatch = Lifeline = Officer Safety

For that reason, I will bring dispatch any damn thing they want. Besides, they decide who gets what call... so why don't your guys want to bring you food?

Posted by: MrJim911

Fortunately my agency has minimum staffing on all shifts that have to be met. 3 on days and eves and 2 on mids. Usually it's 4, 4 and 3 though. So bathroom breaks are a non-issue.

We are also not allowed to leave the building though.

There are certain officers we won't ask to get us food because we know they really don't want to, so I can understand that part of it. But we also know who we can ask. But then again, we have a alot of places that deliver, we bring in our own food and have a fully equipped kitchen and a grill out back we can use.

In your situation, brown bag it, it's not a big deal. As far as the bathroom thing, you go when you can safely for the street guys. They know your up there and they should also know that everyone has to take a dump once in a while. Call one of them up there. If they get tired of doing it, they'll complain and maybe your agency will do the right thing and hire additonal staffing.

Posted by: Pacman

We have a Lt. and a Sgt. inside with at least one officer. Minimum manning is 8 on mids, 14 on 4-12's, and 11 on days. Always time for a brown card.

Posted by: lpwpd722

Our bathroom is right next to dispatch(sometimes not a good thing), so if you can #1 quick, it works. All of our officers usually have no problem getting us food or drink. Or if we need to get some air they will sit for us for a few minutes...We also have a few places where we can have our food delivered. For the dispatchers who work overnight theres no 24 hr places in our town but we have a microwave and frig. We are also checking into a vending machines that carries food and soda. Anyone who knows of a good company to go through for vending let me know.

Posted by: 94c

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mongo

Wear depends and bag a lunch.

Suck it up and quit complaining.

He could always get a job cleaning toilets that way there's always one close by.
Get a job at Subway and you could kill two birds with one stone.

Posted by: 4ransom

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94c

He could always get a job cleaning toilets that way there's always one close by.
Get a job at Subway and you could kill two birds with one stone.

Hey you don't need to be like that, that was uncalled for. Why don't you try sitting in a chair for 8 hours without eating a single thing or going to the bathroom, then tell me how it feels.

I work with a great bunch of guys and we all get along, but I don't think it is right to have them stop what they are doing and drive across town to run my erands. The bathroom thing is not a big deal I can go into a cell, if I miss a call frig the dept for not doing something about it. I guess The point of my original post was more or less to poll how many depts have a policy that says you cannot leave the building at all.

Posted by: soup

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoninNH

Dispatch = Lifeline = Officer Safety

For that reason, I will bring dispatch any damn thing they want. Besides, they decide who gets what call... so why don't your guys want to bring you food?

ABSOLUTELY!

The guys on the road should take care of the dispatcher. I never leave the station without asking if the dispatcher need something and I never have a problem returning to cover the desk. I don't care what I am doing at the time. The dispatcher is the most important person on the shift. We rely on the dispatcher to hive us the right info for the call so we can be prepared and be safe. Without them , the guys on the road are screwed.

Posted by: Wolfman

If you're dispatching, you should not be leaving the building. If you have some pressing business that just can't wait, there should be no problem getting someone to cover off for you assuming adequate manpower, unless you're a friggin' dope and no one likes you. How often have you come in to cover off for someone else? How many other people assigned dispatch have expressed reservations about being in the same predicament?

Quote:

I work with a great bunch of guys and we all get along, but I don't think it is right to have them stop what they are doing and drive across town to run my erands. The bathroom thing is not a big deal I can go into a cell, if I miss a call frig the dept for not doing something about it.

You can always do your errands on your own time, too.

If you miss a call, frig YOU, it is YOUR responsibility to be at your post and your personal needs come second to the needs of your patrols and the public.

Posted by: 94c

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4ransom

Hey you don't need to be like that, that was uncalled for. Why don't you try sitting in a chair for 8 hours without eating a single thing or going to the bathroom, then tell me how it feels.

Been there done that. Except we all found a way to take care of ourselves somehow.
That is what brother officers are for.

Ever stand out there in zero degree weather and not being able to leave a detail?

Again, sooner or later someone comes by to see if you are all set.

Maybe your guys just don't like you.

Suck it up or find another line of work.

Posted by: andy0921

Well I am glad to see we are all getting along here!

Posted by: Curious EMT

You're at work, you have no business leaving the building for any reason.

You're trying to say that the officers leave your station imediately after starting the shift and only return just in time to turn the cruiser over to the next shift? Bullshit...

What department do you work for?

Posted by: 94c

the shoe department.

Posted by: MrJim911

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfman

If you're dispatching, you should not be leaving the building. If you have some pressing business that just can't wait, there should be no problem getting someone to cover off for you assuming adequate manpower, unless you're a friggin' dope and no one likes you. How often have you come in to cover off for someone else? How many other people assigned dispatch have expressed reservations about being in the same predicament?

You can always do your errands on your own time, too.

If you miss a call, frig YOU, it is YOUR responsibility to be at your post and your personal needs come second to the needs of your patrols and the public.

Your wrong. There is a reasonbale expectation that an employee will be allowed to be able to go to the bathroom within a 8 (or 12) hour time period. It is the agencies responsibility to allow for this to happen without putting officers or the public in any danger. And I'm pretty sure when he used the word "errand" he means using the bathroom, not grocery shopping.

Posted by: Wolfman

Sorry, but I'm gonna call a turd a turd here. You never leave your patrols hanging for any reason. If you don't have the guts to call for relief and on top of that have the attitude that it's just tough $#!+ if someone gets their ass kicked because you have to pinch a loaf, maybe it's time to find a new job. We're not talking about someone abandoning the counter at McDonalds. If it's that big a deal, buy yourself a chamber pot. Let the agency take note of the deficiency in relief procedures by coming in every morning to a bucket of poo next to the desk, there is no way you can ever justify placing an officer at risk to prove a point.

Posted by: 4ransom

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Sorry, but I'm gonna call a turd a turd here. You never leave your patrols hanging for any reason. If you don't have the guts to call for relief and on top of that have the attitude that it's just tough $#!+ if someone gets their ass kicked because you have to pinch a loaf, maybe it's time to find a new job. We're not talking about someone abandoning the counter at McDonalds. If it's that big a deal, buy yourself a chamber pot. Let the agency take note of the deficiency in relief procedures by coming in every morning to a bucket of poo next to the desk, there is no way you can ever justify placing an officer at risk to prove a point.

ok fine.. so next time i have to take a piss i will stand up in the middle of the room and piss on the floor. is that what you are suggesting?

I am not saying i want to go the post office or walmart, i mean run up the street to pick up a sandwich. Yes i do have a department where guys walk out the door after roll call and do not return until end of shift.. and if i call for relief and while i am on the john something happens in that unit's sector, then who covers that?

We have six dispatchers, and everyone experiences the same problem and we have gone to the administrative staff seeking a solution, just to be told a simple no.

Not everything is so cut and dry. If while on duty, you as an officer was running radar or other assigned enforcement, watching a pop warner game your kid is playing in, or sitting at home or somewhere having dinner, don't tell me you wouldn't roll your eyes when the dispatcher calls you to drive accross town to take care of him.

Posted by: MrJim911

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Who are you responding too? I dont think anyone has mentioned dereliction of duty or putting an officers life in danger. They're talking about having somone come in and watch the phones at a one person dispatch center so they can use the restroom. I'm guessing they have portable radio's, so radio contact with the field units isn't an issue.

If they're afraid to ask someone to come in for a few minutes that's another issue entirely.

Posted by: 94c

Maybe we are missing the point here.

I know of some dispatchers where the majority of officers wouldn't give a damn if they pissed their pants.

I also know of other dispatchers that are always included in meal and coffee runs.

Posted by: FpsBoston

Alright I have to put my two cents in on this one.. Honestly you are telling me if you have to go to the bathroom one of the guys on the road wont sit for 10 minutes while you go?? I cant believe this. I started off as a dispatcher as do most officers now a days. They know where your coming from. We know how it is to sit behind a desk for 8 or 12 hours with no relief and such. I didnt care who was in the station the lieutenant the chief the sergeants who cares.....All ya have to say is hey chief,lieutenant,sarge, i have to drop a deuce. Dont be shy!!
As for asking a road guy to get you food is generally not a problem I have ever heard of or encountered. But have you ever thought the officer does not want to go to certain places, because they hire schmucks that he or she has arrested before? Id rather bring my own food then have some idiot crack head at a pizza place spit in it, and give me a disease Just because i gave him or his buddy a violation.
I respect dispatchers, most of you guys do a great job. Just remember one thing. Just because you get the food delivered instead of one of us picking it up, Does'nt mean that schmuck still didnt spit in it. They hate us all evenly.......Well maybe some more than others

Posted by: USMCMP5811

Quote:

Originally Posted by FpsBoston

Honestly you are telling me if you have to go to the bathroom one of the guys on the road wont sit for 10 minutes while you go?? I cant believe this.

Believe it, it happens more than you think.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FpsBoston

I started off as a dispatcher as do most officers now a days. They know where your coming from. We know how it is to sit behind a desk for 8 or 12 hours with no relief and such.

Yes there are guys and girls who did come from the desk, sadly there are quite a few who forget where they came from.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FpsBoston

I didnt care who was in the station the lieutenant the chief the sergeants who cares.....All ya have to say is hey chief,lieutenant,sarge, i have to drop a deuce. Dont be shy!!

Some will say, " Call in the secter car"

Quote:

Originally Posted by FpsBoston

As for asking a road guy to get you food is generally not a problem I have ever heard of or encountered. But have you ever thought the officer does not want to go to certain places, because they hire schmucks that he or she has arrested before? Id rather bring my own food then have some idiot crack head at a pizza place spit in it, and give me a disease Just because i gave him or his buddy a violation.
I respect dispatchers, most of you guys do a great job. Just remember one thing. Just because you get the food delivered instead of one of us picking it up, Does'nt mean that schmuck still didnt spit in it. They hate us all evenly.......Well maybe some more than others

True, but there are times when you have no choice.

Posted by: Wolfman

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4ransom

ok fine.. so next time i have to take a piss i will stand up in the middle of the room and piss on the floor. is that what you are suggesting?

Exactly. If you can't get relief and you can't leave your post, that's all that is left.

Quote:

I am not saying i want to go the post office or walmart, i mean run up the street to pick up a sandwich.

Brown-bag it. Plan ahead. If a patrol won't come in and cover off, at least see if they'd be so kind as to make a 2-minute stop and relay your sandwich to you. Does your job policy even allow you to leave the building during your shift?

Quote:

Yes i do have a department where guys walk out the door after roll call and do not return until end of shift.. and if i call for relief and while i am on the john something happens in that unit's sector, then who covers that?

Another patrol. If you're department is so busy or spread that thin that you can't cover off a patrol for 10 minutes, your administration has more to worry about than pee breaks.

Quote:

We have six dispatchers, and everyone experiences the same problem and we have gone to the administrative staff seeking a solution, just to be told a simple no.

Then kick it up a notch. Start pissing in a plastic jug at the desk, I kid you not. When someone gripes, point the finger right back at them. "I can't get relief, I can't leave the desk, what am I supposed to do?" Demand an answer. You got a pair here, do you have a pair at work?

Quote:

Not everything is so cut and dry. If while on duty, you as an officer was running radar or other assigned enforcement, watching a pop warner game your kid is playing in, or sitting at home or somewhere having dinner, don't tell me you wouldn't roll your eyes when the dispatcher calls you to drive accross town to take care of him.

If you're on the clock, the job comes first. You want to watch you kid's ball game, take time off for it - otherwise don't bitch when the bell rings and you have to answer it. Most cops I know don't get to pick and choose their calls. You get sent on a mission, you do it.

It still seems that if you can't get someone to cover off for you so you can answer nature's call, there's more to the story that isn't being said. That may account for some of the eye-rolling.

Posted by: K9Vinny

Just shit your pants and act like nothing happened. When the guys come in off the road and take a whiff, just keep looking at the bottom of your shoes like you might have stepped in something, and shrug.

Or, go to Walmart at the camping section and get one of those porta johns. You can replace your chair with the porta-seat and sit there all night without pants on. Just a thought, otherwise, do what those guys said above.

Posted by: andy0921

Yeah, get one of these

Posted by: K9Vinny

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy0921

Yeah, get one of these

LMAO! This is exactly what I had in mind. You can even work the phones and radio with ease, even with the sam brown dangling around your ankles..

Posted by: Curious EMT

Quote:

Originally Posted by K9Vinny

LMAO! This is exactly what I had in mind. You can even work the phones and radio with ease, even with the sam brown dangling around your ankles..

Um, I really hope they dont let him be armed behind that desk. If he cant figure out how to go pee-pee, I cant imagine what he'll think he should do with a gun and baton...

Posted by: firefighter39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curious EMT

Um, I really hope they dont let him be armed behind that desk. If he cant figure out how to go pee-pee, I cant imagine what he'll think he should do with a gun and baton...

State law entitles employees to 1/2 hour (unpaid) off for every 6 hours worked. If your not getting your break the file a complaint with the state dept of labor.

If you can't control yourself for six hours find another job - what do your patrol officers do if they are tied up on a protracted incident (i.e. the Danvers explosion this week) - stop and piss, no they hold it until they get a chance to go.

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