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Douglas County 911 reports improved applicant pool, but dispatch vacancies remain
Summary
Douglas County 911 Director Kathy Allen said the center is answering roughly 90% of calls within 10 seconds, has over 200 applicants and is interviewing; the center has five dispatcher vacancies out of 49 authorized positions and two operator vacancies out of 19.
Kathy Allen, director of Douglas County 911, told the Criminal Justice Committee the center is answering about 90% of incoming calls within 10 seconds and that recent recruiting efforts have produced more applicants than in previous periods.
Allen said the center had received over 200 applicants for operator and dispatcher jobs and had conducted about 75 interviews; she reported five dispatcher vacancies out of 49 authorized positions (primarily retirements) and two operator vacancies out of an authorized 19. "We've had a lot of retirements," Allen said, adding that recent applicants include many with prior dispatch experience.
Why it matters: Allen said increased applicant quality allows the center to be more selective and that upcoming hires should bring staffing closer to authorized levels. Committee members asked about fluctuations in overnight staffing; Allen said the return to more on‑site work and the general job market climate have helped recruiting.
Next steps: Allen said the department will continue interviews and hiring and that new hires from the current applicant pool should restore staffing to authorized levels. No formal personnel actions were requested at the meeting.
