News release
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week: Celebrating 9-1-1 Police Dispatchers
April 12, 2026
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Operational Communications Centres, British Columbia
From: British Columbia RCMP
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This week, the BC RCMP is celebrating the 9-1-1 Police Dispatchers across Canada who provide vital, life-saving assistance to the public and first responders as we recognize National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW) which runs from April 12 to April 18, 2026.
The BC RCMP has Operational Communications Centres, also known as OCCs, in each district of the province (Island, Lower Mainland, Southeast, and North). At these centres, 9-1-1 Police Dispatchers handle emergency and non-emergency calls from across the province.
Their role is to quickly prioritize and accurately process calls to ensure police and public safety.
9-1-1 Police Dispatchers have two primary roles:
- Call taking: answering the calls from public
- Dispatching: directing police officers to respond to a specific location or event
“9-1-1 Police Dispatchers play a critical role in public safety 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, Commanding Officer of the BC RCMP. “This week, we recognize and thank them for their dedication, professionalism, and for being the calm voice on the other end of the line when people make a call for help, and when police officers need vital information.”
This year, as part of NPSTW, BC RCMP OCC staff were asked to reflect on common qualities that help shape effective dispatchers.
Courtney Roberts, 9-1-1 Police Dispatcher (EHQ OCC)
What characteristics, values or experiences make an effective 9-1-1 Police Dispatcher?
Integrity, patience, empathy and strong communication skills. Dispatchers must be able to listen to multiple things at one time, while gathering the information and providing clear instructions during stressful and time sensitive situations. Experience working in a fast-paced environment and a commitment to helping others are also important. A dispatcher plays a critical role in public safety, so having a strong sense of responsibility is also very valuable.
Aubrey Spicer, Dispatch Supervisor (Island District OCC)
What makes dispatchers strong?
I think the answer is support, support, support. We are only strong individually in this job because we work as a team, supporting each other.
Do you have any keywords that you believe represent dispatchers?
Adaptable! There is always change in dispatch.
Kinsah Stewart, Training Supervisor (Southeast District OCC)
What makes dispatchers strong?
Our strength comes from good teamwork and training! We support each other by sharing responsibilities and by providing encouragement. We engage in learning for our entire careers. Technology, software and communities change and evolve and we are constantly learning new ways to improve our service delivery. After 23 years helping people on the phone and over the radio, I have moved to a training role where I get to work with new 911 Police Dispatchers, ensuring they have all the tools they need to be successful.
What characteristics, values or experiences make an effective 9-1-1 Police Dispatcher?
Compassion, respect, and a desire to serve. We are not in the spotlight, but our role is crucial and can be hugely impactful to people in their time of need.
Simran Gill, 9-1-1 Police Dispatcher (North District OCC)
What do you find most rewarding about the job?
Helping someone in what can be the worst day for them and being able to make a difference in their situation is a massive thing. You do not always get to know the outcome, but in that moment you did something to alleviate their panic, help them with their situation and kept them as calm as you can.
Careers
9-1-1 Police Dispatch Centres are fast-paced, intense, and dynamically changing environments where every day is different.
If you are interested in a career as a dispatcher, visit our website for more information: 9-1-1 Police Dispatchers in British Columbia.
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British Columbia RCMP
778-290-2929