Guest guest Posted October 18, 2000 Report Share Posted October 18, 2000 We use part timers and just got city council approval for 6 more. You can contact Barbara Saunders at for more info. Tell her I gave you her name and number. Dora Orlando Police Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2000 Report Share Posted October 18, 2000 In a message dated 10/19/2000 12:30:42 AM Eastern Daylight Time, cwalt8888@... writes: << Does anyone use part time dispatchers..? If so how many hours do they work and are they fully trained or just call takers. >> We also use part timers. These folks are fully trained in calltaking/pd and FD dispatch. I believe that right now they are all former full time employees. The maximum they can work is 29 hrs a week. The advantage for the dept is that they don't have to pay benefits. As far as disadvantages, I cant think of any off the top of my head. As long as the sign up for hours and be responsible and not change their minds, I think its advantageous. Toni Wyman, (CTO)...Gwinnett County Police, GA (just N of HotLanta) 770 Hi Hope Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 (These are only my opinions, not my agency's, after all they are the government and they have opinions of their own) For liability reasons my posts and opinions are to be reprinted with my permission only. ALSO any solicitation of business with my agency should come through me if you have my name from this list. NO outside solicitors may contact anyone other than myself. Email to: E911GAL136@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2000 Report Share Posted October 18, 2000 We do use part time dispatcher/calltakers. Let me start out by saying we have only 4 Full time dispatcher/calltaker, and about 5 or 6 part time dispatcher/calltaker. All full time staff is trained both dispatch and calltaker. How ever only 2 of our part time staff are trained to dispatch. we work 2 full time people on day shift, one full time person on afternoon and nights. The part time person fills in for the calltaker on afternoons, and we don't have a call taker on night shift. This is were the problem is for not training your part time people to be able to work both positions. Our night time dispatcher left dropping us down to 3 full time staff 24/7. One of the day shift fulltimers blew out his back and has been off work for 4 weeks. Now we are down to 2 full time staff 24/7. The two part time people we have that can dispatch, have maybe be able to work 2 days in that last 4 weeks. So that brings me and the other full time person left to work 12hrs shifts 7 days a week. I was luck and got the part time person to cover my midnight shift twice last week and that has been my only day off in about 3 weeks. I am an overtime freak so the extra cash does not bother me at all, gives my wife more money to spend in the shopping mall. So the point im trying to make here, is part time workers are great, but if you are going to spend the money to hire and train them, train them to be able to be solo on every position you have. I think it is a waist of time and money to train a part time person just to calltake. That does not help me out at all when you get a major incident and they can do nothing but pick up the phone. Hope this helps you out, and if you need anymore information from me, feel free to email me off list if you would like. Jim from North East Ohio LifeCare Ambulance E-mail LifeCare449@... Toll free Voice mail 1- AOL Instant Messenger Eggeman1971 MSN Instant Messenger Addy LifeCare449@... ***What I type is my own feelings and Not anyone Else's*** _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2000 Report Share Posted October 18, 2000 I work full time at one center and part time at another. Of the 7 or 8 part-timers at the Sheriffs Office (the new politically correct term so I am told) all but two of us were not all ready dispatchers. The partem people go through the same training that the full-time people do and are good dispatchers. Most do it this way because they enjoy the work but cannot " afford to take the pay cut " to dispatch full-time. As a side light I am the CTO at my full-time place of employment and make $9.20 extra A WEEK to do this. Al Peace and may we always bring them home safely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2000 Report Share Posted October 18, 2000 As a full timer at one organization and a part-timer at a 2nd, I am fully trained for both organizations. Everyone who is part-time has to be EMD,NCIC, and state sheriff certified. We are treated as " real " employees and are held responsible for what we do. I get the starting hourly rate of $10.03 per hour at the part time job with no benefits. The best part timers in my opinion are people who are in emergency services as they know sort of what goes on. It is nice for vacations, days off, and sickness to have someone who can fill in. Most part timers get about 10 hours every 2 weeks, and usually work 1/2 shifts. Part-time, I do work full shifts and work both night and day shifts depending as to how the full-time job needs are met. Larew NC911@... Photos by NC911 http://members1.clubphoto.com/john63268 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2000 Report Share Posted October 19, 2000 I agree that part time employees take away overtime from full timers...sometimes. In my department, we full time personnel are given first choice of overtime available. The list then goes to part timers ( made up entirely of off duty firefighters.) No one ever has a hard time taking time iff and we get along great with our part time help.) Stacey Lex Fire Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2000 Report Share Posted October 19, 2000 Hello list! I'm new to the discussion. Been a 911 Communications Dispatcher for over 5 years for the lovely city of Portsmouth, VA. In response to the part-time work, at the moment we have 4 part-time employees who used to be full-time employees at one time or another. I believe they're supposed to work 40 hours a month & are SUPPOSED to be available during any shift (notice the word in all caps). Our part-timers get paid approx $9/hour, but have no benefits. I hope I could be of help! " In God we trust....all others check thru NCIC & VCIN! " L. Dunham a911opr8r@... Portsmouth P.D. Portsmouth, VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2000 Report Share Posted October 19, 2000 I'm pretty well against part time help. I'm also smart enough to know that it is necessary. The reason I don't like it is that we shouldn't have to use it. Our centers should be fully staffed with well paid, well trained professional dispatchers. It's a " Catch 22 " ... We are short staffed, so therefore part time help can be a savior... however using part time allows administration to possibly not pay as much, or offer full time benefits, therefore no pressure to give us the conditions we need to become fully staffed. I live in the real world, being 40% short on staff at this time. So I would really love to have a couple of well trained good part timers... But it is not the answer. Weintraut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2000 Report Share Posted October 19, 2000 Marty,I am a part time worker in our commo center.You are correct about the department saving money in some areas by using part timers.But,I have to take exception about the statement " take overtime from the full-time employees " .The main reason our center started using part timers was that the full timers were not signing up for the overtime. >From: " Marty " 23:56:28 -0500 > >Part-time employees take overtime from the full-time employees. The >Department saves lots and lots of money on benefits such as insurance and >pension when you use a part-time employee Rick D'Atrio,Lt. Delray Beach Florida Fire Dept. rdatrio@... " if it is to be,it is up to me " _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2000 Report Share Posted October 19, 2000 This has been my fears in hiring part time help. (Especially after the memorandum we received from our Director last Monday) Because of this, I don't believe I can seriously ask for some part time help on top of our full time. I believe any full time positions will be converted. It sucks (and you guys know I never use " strong " words in my messages!) But I work part time at another agency and I love it. I'm not the supervisor, just one of the guys. I take cool emergency calls and I'm finally comfortable in what I'm doing. I've learned alot and look forward to going back once our staffing crisis is taken care of. As long as parttimers are a supplement and not a cheap replacement, I think it's a great idea. By the way, I hired two more dispatchers this morning. YEAH!!!!!!!!!! annette hallmark tamu pd At 03:43 PM 10/19/00 -0400, you wrote: >I'm pretty well against part time help. > >I'm also smart enough to know that it is necessary. > >The reason I don't like it is that we shouldn't have to use it. > >Our centers should be fully staffed with well paid, well trained >professional dispatchers. > >It's a " Catch 22 " ... > >We are short staffed, so therefore part time help can be a savior... however >using part time allows administration to possibly not pay as much, or offer >full time benefits, therefore no pressure to give us the conditions we need >to become fully staffed. > >I live in the real world, being 40% short on staff at this time. So I would >really love to have a couple of well trained good part timers... > >But it is not the answer. > >Weintraut > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2000 Report Share Posted October 19, 2000 We all know the term " professional " denotes compensated for work.Just being paid,in my opinion,does'nt make a good or " professional " dispatcher.That comes from caring about the job and the willingness to perform at a high level no matter the situation. As a part time dispatcher,I give the same service to the public as a full timer. >From: " " >I'm pretty well against part time help. > >I'm also smart enough to know that it is necessary. > >The reason I don't like it is that we shouldn't have to use it. > >Our centers should be fully staffed with well paid, well trained >professional dispatchers. Rick D'Atrio,Lt. Delray Beach Florida Fire Dept. rdatrio@... " if it is to be,it is up to me " _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2000 Report Share Posted October 19, 2000 In a message dated 10/19/2000 10:32:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time, rdatrio@... writes: << But,I have to take exception about the statement " take overtime from the full-time employees " .The main reason our center started using part timers was that the full timers were not signing up for the overtime. >> You can take my overtime anytime. I don't like it at all. i have a young family and NEED to be home with them. I wish we had more part timers that would take shifts. Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2000 Report Share Posted October 19, 2000 In a message dated 10/19/00 6:02:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time, a911opr8r@... writes: << Been a 911 Communications Dispatcher for over 5 years for the lovely city of Portsmouth, VA. >> Welcome . I'm in Lynchburg, Va. Tammy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2000 Report Share Posted October 19, 2000 Falls Church PD allows part-time dispatchers and allocated money for them to work 'training days' even when they're not really needed operationally. We attracted a few in years past when folks from near-by centers were working part time jobs to 'make ends meet' at convenience stores and such. Falls Church paid part timers over $11.00 an hour versus $6 - 8 for other part time work. Then the current economy and job market. The folks who used to work part time for us now work overtime for their own or some other department. We still have a couple of part-time employees on the rolls but I can't remember the last time one of them worked even half a shift. .... just 4 hours to complete the last of 7 consecutive days of 12-hour shifts... trying to figure out how to use rather than lose some of the 300+ hours of vacation time in my account... and not use the 962 hrs of sick leave cuz I refuse to get sick... <grumble-mumble...> Take good care of yourself and yours, Calls occur randomly... all at the same time. R J 'Tree' Greenwood doctree@... or tree.greenwood@... doctree@... on 911 Console Falls Church City & Fauquier County, VA Can't find what you're looking for? The LookSmart Live! community will help you find it and reward you for helping others. http://live.looksmart.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2000 Report Share Posted October 20, 2000 I'd have to agree, I started as a part time employee, have been full time for 10 years. When we have a full compliment of part time employees, everyone complains about the " scabs " taking our money. But when we are short PT's, everyone cries and whines about denied vacations and forced overtime. At our center, the full timers get first crack at days that will be double time (sundays and holidays), and the PT's don't get asked first when the day will result in them getting overtime. We have ample time available for the part timers, so much in fact that they often work so much that they receive overtime rate. J. Fred Ayars Senior PST Salem County NJ richard datrio wrote: > But,I have to > take exception about the statement " take overtime from the full-time > employees " .The main reason our center started using part timers was that the > full timers were not signing up for the overtime. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2000 Report Share Posted October 20, 2000 Marty, Thanks for your response.I agree that management should not be allowed to assign ot shifts in a manner that penalizes full time folks.On the other hand,we have to realize that,in management's view,it is good business to save money. My main point is that a good dispatcher is not only one that is full time.Some responders to this discussion seem to think that only a full timer is a " professional " .Beleive me,in my center and many others I have visited,there are " professional " full time dispatchers that should be pumping gas instead of working the console. > >There is nothing wrong with part-time employees. What I am talking about >is >management assigning the ot shifts so that part-time people would cover >them Rick D'Atrio,Lt. Delray Beach Florida Fire Dept. rdatrio@... " if it is to be,it is up to me " _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2000 Report Share Posted October 20, 2000 >As a part time dispatcher,I give the same service to the public as a full timer. Absolutely... and I hope everyone didn't think I felt differently. My problem is not with part time dispatchers. My problem is that we have to have them..... The reason many centers use part time employees is that they do not pay well, hire enough people, train them properly and offer good enough benefits to keep staffed with full time employees. That's my gripe... I myself worked part time at a 9-1-1 center. That center was fully staffed.... paid well... good equipment... I was simply used to fill in during vacations... sick time... and emergency situations.... And I'm not sure I even agree that was right... Why didn't that center hire enough full time personnel to take care of those situations? Most small centers (like mine) could use twice the personnel they currently have... this would allow for several things... better service to the officers and the public, a career ladder, better training, better scheduling.... Sorry... and nothing against part time people... I'll probably be one in a couple of years.... But I just believe we need more people, on a full time basis. Weintraut Under the current circumstances in most centers, part time help is essential... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2000 Report Share Posted October 20, 2000 >Administration tried to take the overtime from the full-time people and assign part-time people to it. That should not be allowed... A voluntary overtime list should be kept. If no one on the voluntary lists accepts the overtime.. ok... give it to a part time employee... But many departments hire part time employees just for this reason. They don't want to pay the overtime... and many don't have to offer the part time people the same benefits... It's a money saver. While they are saving the money... they are hurting the center. The part time employee may be just as good, or better, than some of the full time employees at doing the job.... but as long as they can hire part time people, for less pay and benefits, they will never adequately staff our centers. Weintraut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2000 Report Share Posted October 20, 2000 ***snip****It is not that management does not wish to pass overtime $ to full time people, many times full time people do not sign up for o/t shifts ****snip*** And no manager wants to be in the position to require mandatory OT. That just sucks up morale and spits in the street. I have budgeted for next year to have 3 part-time positions fully funded for their limited 1000 hours. My next issue is finding dedicated part-timers and training them. PA just put into place specific training requirements for 911 Telecommunicators and unless you get lucky and get someone who is already trained, they must go through the training process. So, before they can even become a useful part of the staff, they have to 'work in' their training around any other job(s) they might hold. Someone made the comment that part-timers are not dedicated to you because they are dedicated more to their full-time jobs. Well, no kidding. Wouldn't you want it to be the same if the shoe was on the other foot? Because of the poor pay in this profession, many have part-time jobs. Some are part-time police officers, EMT's, paramedics, security etc. Would you not hope that if they were called in by you that they would tell their part-time job that their full-time job 'needs' them? I think it would all depend on where they were going to be making the most money that day. LaurieB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2000 Report Share Posted October 20, 2000 > To: <911consoleegroups> > > Date: Fri, 20 Oct 2000 00:33:46 -0500 > Reply-to: 911consoleegroups > Subject: Re: 911:: Part Time help > , > > There is nothing wrong with part-time employees. What I am talking about is > management assigning the ot shifts so that part-time people would cover > them. As I said before the opinion on this differs from the types of > departments that you have been with in the past. My current department does > not have any part-time employees but my last department did. Administration > tried to take the overtime from the full-time people and assign part-time > people to it. I know that especially in smaller departments it is necessary > for part-time people to cover vacations and days off. > > Marty ================= Marty, Maybe at some point in time you will be in a management position and not only see, but be forced to see things in a different light. I wish my dispatchers were making a six-figure salary, but they are not - and probably never will with this agency. Not that they aren't worth it, just that the legislature and taxpayers would never go for it. We are forced into working from within a budget. And with that in mind, we must at times, particularly towards the end of the calendar or fiscal year, fill a shift in the least expensive manner. This means: cheapest = don't fill it. next cheapest = swap people around to cover the opening. next cheapest = part time coverage. most expensive = overtime coverage. It is not that management does not wish to pass overtime $ to full time people, many times full time people do not sign up for o/t shifts. Nick Wagner Cortland Co. (NY) Sheriff's Dept E9-1-1 Center/Sr. Supervisor mailto:nwagner@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2000 Report Share Posted October 20, 2000 I read on this list a lot about how much overtime people in dispatching receive. I have read many say they work sick and actually feel guilty for having a night off. Part timers would help with these problems. I don't think they take away from full time employees. I would think they help full time employees to have a real life and family outside their work. This is just my ..01 worth. Especially since I'm not a dispatcher yet. I had to call the police the other day at my work. We were having problems with someone who was drunk. Later, I wanted the police to know that we were leaving the building and wanted them to do a drive by after we left. I knew they wouldn't mind since the officers had told us it was a slow night anyway. Because of things I learned on this list I did not use the 9-1-1 line. I looked up the non-emergency number. Knew you guys would not forgive me if I dialed 9-1-1 for that. Tammy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2000 Report Share Posted October 20, 2000 In a message dated 10/20/2000 8:55:49 AM Eastern Daylight Time, lauriebailey@... writes: << Someone made the comment that part-timers are not dedicated to you because they are dedicated more to their full-time jobs. Well, no kidding. Wouldn't you want it to be the same if the shoe was on the other foot? >> Good comment Laurie............also, did anyone ever think that just because someone is working at an agency part time, that they don't NEED to work a full time job? We have had amongst our part timers, several who this was their only job. They had children at home and just worked on certain days/hours. This didn't make them any less dedicated or professional. Toni Wyman, (CTO)...Gwinnett County Police, GA (just N of HotLanta) 770 Hi Hope Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 (These are only my opinions, not my agency's, after all they are the government and they have opinions of their own) For liability reasons my posts and opinions are to be reprinted with my permission only. ALSO any solicitation of business with my agency should come through me if you have my name from this list. NO outside solicitors may contact anyone other than myself. Email to: E911GAL136@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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