Emergency Dispatcher recruitment focus for RCMP in Northern BC

A 9-1-1 dispatcher undergoing training in Prince George
(Image from RCMP)

They make for the first voice you hear when you have an emergency situation that requires assistance and for those that may want to take up the challenges of a key post in emergency response,  the opportunity to join the ranks of Dispatchers is now ongoing.

In an information release from this month, the BC RCMP have outlined the scope of duties for a career as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, with the province hosting four dispatch locations in British Columbia, the North served by the Dispatch Centre in Prince George,

"Our RCMP 9-1-1 Police Dispatchers, quite simply, save lives. They are people who want to make a difference and embrace challenges." -- Superintendent Lorna Dicks, Officer in Charge of the 9-1-1 Police Dispatch Program in BC.

As the RCMP explain it the service is a vital one for emergency response:

 9-1-1 Police Dispatchers work behind the scenes to support police officers, particularly doing the research required to provide critical information to police about what is happening and who is involved in the incident before they arrive on scene. 

They are an integral part of the first responders’ team. They must also be resilient, knowing that as soon as they finish one call, they must to be ready to help the next caller. 

Sharla Duchscherer, Recruiter for the 9-1-1 Police Dispatch Centre in Prince George outlines what makes for an exemplary dispatcher.

"What you need is ‘grit’. This is a critically important job. You have to be ready because, when the rubber meets the road, you have to be on it." 

For those that are interested in the opportunity a move to Prince George is required, with that centre serving all of the north.  

As the recruitment period moves forward many of the applicants may be coming from outside the North, seeking positions for a range of reasons, from lower home prices to outdoors opportunities. 

Learn more about the career opportunities  here.

Further notes on the work of Emergency Responders across the Northwest can be explored here.