Behind the Badge
When most people think of law enforcement, the first thing that comes to their mind is police officers, detectives, or even SWAT teams, but there is so much more to public safety than just those roles — such as the vital work of the dispatch department.
“We are a part of a first responder team who gets to be the calm within the storm while bringing about action and hope for the community,” said Dispatch Supervisor Kristen Kannard of the Westminster Police Department.
Westminster Police Dispatcher Ashley Pierson surrounded with displays to give her the information she needs to take calls and pass the information on to the officers in the field.
File photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
The department is inviting people who want to be a part of law enforcement, or have a desire to be in a career that focuses on the greater good, to visit the dispatch center and meet the team whose goal is to bring about positive outcomes on a daily basis.
The first-ever Dispatch Meet and Greet is being held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. August 15 at the police station, 8200 Westminster Blvd. in Westminster. Anyone who is intrigued by this position is welcome to attend. Experience in the field is not required to apply — entry level applicants are welcome.
The event will include:
- The opportunity to meet with Westminster dispatchers
- A detailed PowerPoint presentation describing the life of a police dispatcher
- A Q&A panel with dispatchers
- A tour of the department, including the communications center and its equipment
“Many people don’t think of the job this way, but police dispatchers are action junkies,” describes Kannard. “There is this thrill of not knowing what situation is going to be on the other end of a call and while dispatchers may not be working in the field, we are still helping to catch the bad guys or bring that little kid home. We are a team committed to doing good.”
This job involves real world life and death situations where dispatchers attempt to bring the positive out of a negative situation. Dispatchers have the chance to be a reassuring voice during both uplifting situations and difficult moments.
“We are looking for career partners who have a vested interest in helping the community but also recognize the good, the bad, and the ugly that this position can entail,” she said. “The role of a police dispatcher is definitely not what you see on TV.”
