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Melbourne proclaims Public Safety Telecommunicators Week; dispatch staff describe workload and hiring needs
Summary
Council proclaimed April 2026 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Deputy Chief Wapman and Communications Manager Kerry Sargent told the council the communications center receives more than 200,000 incoming calls a year, dispatches over 100,000 calls and answers 99% of incoming calls within 10 seconds; they announced hiring for dispatchers and call-takers.
The Melbourne City Council recognized National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week during its April 14 meeting and heard a status update from police leadership and communications staff.
Mayor Alfrey read a proclamation praising the "unseen emergency responders" who work in the Melbourne Police Department Communication Center. Deputy Chief Wapman told council the center handles a significant volume of calls: "They receive over 200,000 calls incoming every single year, and in turn, they dispatch well over 100,000 of those calls," he said, adding that the center answers 99% of incoming calls within 10 seconds.
Communications Manager Kerry Sargent described the dispatch team and urged residents to consider employment: "We are hiring dispatchers and call takers ... we have a good benefit package," Sargent said, noting the complexity of the work and its importance to first responders. Council thanked staff and highlighted the center's role in public safety.
No formal action was required beyond the proclamation, but staff asked the public to share hiring information and the council acknowledged dispatchers' contributions to safety.
