Former student shares Public Safety Dispatcher Academy experience
January 24, 2019AWC now accepting applications for late-start program until Feb. 15 deadline
Yuma, AZ (January 24, 2019) – Before becoming a dispatcher, Shanell Hernandez had the impression that the job only entailed answering 911 calls. She quickly learned that the position involved so much more than just picking up the phone.
“It’s not just taking calls, you’re actually helping people over the phone,” said Hernandez. “You’re like a first responder in a way, because when someone calls 911, you’re technically the first responder until law enforcement arrives on scene.”
The position is perfect for someone who is interested in law enforcement, but would prefer to be behind the scenes instead of working out in the field, she said.
When Hernandez went through the Arizona Western College Public Safety Dispatcher Academy last year, she explained that the 8-week program gave students an in-depth look at what they can really expect when they step into an entry level dispatcher position. And the program is taught by dispatchers too, so the instructors can share their knowledge and experience with students.
“They break down every aspect of the job and teach you about things like the software dispatchers use, radio transmissions, what codes to use, the geography of different areas in the community, what questions to ask callers, and what to listen for on calls,” she said.
Students have an opportunity to see local dispatchers in action at different law enforcement agencies as well.
“The program really helps prepare you, because you’ll get to see what kind of environment you’ll be working in instead of just sitting in a classroom and imagining what it would be like.”
Hernandez completed the academy while also working at the San Luis Police Department as a dispatcher. She felt like it was a beneficial program to help strengthen her skills and become a better dispatcher. Students graduate from the program with their basic telecommunicator certification and an emergency medical dispatcher certification.
Public Safety Dispatcher Academy Coordinator Claudia Leyva said the program is also a great way for students to figure out if the dispatcher career path is for them.
“We’ve designed the program so that students are introduced to the job in a controlled setting,” said Leyva. “If they decide it’s a path they want to take, it will give them a leg up when they start as a dispatcher with any agency in the state.”
This is the second year the academy has been offered at AWC to help meet the demand for dispatchers in Yuma County.
Those interested in applying for the program can do so by Friday, Feb. 15. Classes will run from March 28 until May 15, and will be held Thursdays and Fridays from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Applications are available in the Public Safety Institute Building located on the AWC Yuma Campus, 2020 S. Ave. 8E. Applicants must be 18 years or older by the time of graduation. The application process also includes a drug screen and a comprehensive background investigation.
AWC tuition and program fees apply for the 12-credit program. Additional program fees cover the cost of a background investigation, certification materials, and a uniform. Applicants may be eligible for financial aid.
To learn more about the program, visit www.azwestern.edu/career-and-technical-education/public-safety/basic-public-safety-dispatch or contact Claudia Leyva at Claudia.Leyva@azwestern.edu or (928) 317-6452.
Contact:
Claudia Leyva
Public Safety Dispatcher Coordinator
Arizona Western College
Claudia.Leyva@azwestern.edu
(928) 317-6452
Contact:
Maria Doten
Outreach Coordinator for Career & Technical Education
Arizona Western College
Maria.Doten@azwestern.edu
(928) 317-7107