The Metro Is in Need of More 911 Dispatchers

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Red River Regional Dispatch has the funding and a number of open positions, but not enough people to fill them.

KVRR’s Brittany Ford tells us why the center has so many openings.

Red River Regional Dispatch is currently staffed with 29 of 38 911 positions that are authorized to work the floor.

One person shared that it has become a trend with the growing population.

“I think it is important that dispatchers get the people that they need to perform the functions that they need. It’s a safety issue, but I understand because everyone is trying to find people to work,” said Ray Moore of Fargo.

The starting point to any emergency that happens in the Red River Valley is calling 911.

With dispatch calls on the rise it also requires more dispatchers to answer.

The shortage is due to the excessive amount of employee turnover the center has experienced in the last year.

The long training process is also a barrier.

“They give their two weeks notice…we can’t fill that position and have that person working a counsel for another 8–9months,” said Red River Dispatch Director Mary Phillippi.

Kelsey Olson is currently undergoing that intense training process and says the unpredictability is her favorite part of the job.

“Nothing is ever the same everyday…like I come into work, and have no idea it could be slow it could be insanely busy and I think its fun,” said Kelsey.

The center did stress that the shortage has no effect on their call response times.

Dispatchers are just having to work longer hours during busier times.

Brittany Ford KVRR News.

The dispatch center is not the only line of work that is dealing with shortages.

There is also a need for more teachers and doctors in the metro.