Roswell dispatch reports staffing shortfall; city and schools to pilot telecommunicator certification course

Consolidated Dispatch reported continued staffing challenges and multiple resignations, and officials described steps to build a local recruitment and training pipeline, including a new telecommunicator certification course at University High School.

Dispatch leadership told the committee the unit remains short-staffed after recent resignations. Officials said they have traveling dispatchers and several recruits due in the coming weeks but reiterated that it takes nine to 12 months to certify a dispatcher for independent duty.

To address persistent staffing shortages, Consolidated Dispatch and local schools are launching an Emergency Telecommunicators Course at University High School that will provide high-school credit and a certification pathway. A dispatch speaker said the class will be an hour-and-a-half, online and instructor-led pilot; the city plans a trainer session in April to prepare high-school teachers to deliver the course.

Officials said the cadet-style program aims to introduce the career early, attract students who may not otherwise pursue college, and speed entry-level hiring for local dispatch vacancies. Dispatch staff also noted planned equipment upgrades (radio and CAD) and a future move to a county facility; they said funding requests for a CAD project will go to Finance in an upcoming meeting.

The committee acknowledged the staffing shortfall and encouraged outreach to students and targeted recruitment; no formal committee vote was required for the staffing or training report.