Guest guest Posted February 3, 2003 Report Share Posted February 3, 2003 In a message dated 2/3/2003 5:48:06 PM Mountain Standard Time, mickeym@... writes: > but in the last 10 or 15 years they > added it on and I don't see how it's helped, In the last 10 or 15 years, CAD systems came into being and they require the use of a keyboard. Have you ever had to watch someone hunt and peck while trying to put in a robbery call or a domestic violence? I have and it's very painful to watch. It takes longer then if you know your way around a keyboard by touch. Also,to me it seems that the hunt 'n peckers can't talk at the same time.... Perhaps a " typing " test isn't necessary but some kind of keyboard skill needs to be demonstrated. Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2003 Report Share Posted February 3, 2003 At 08:03 PM 2/3/03 -0500, you wrote: >I doubt it has much to do with equating the job of a secretary, but more >with the fact that many comm centers work on a basis where information is >real-time entered in a CAD system while still talking to the caller. You >must be able to type at a basic speed / knowledge level to do this >successfully. I don't know about other depts, but we have a shorthand that is basically learned *after* you start. The people who are able to type while looking at a document aren't a big plus to us. Speed doesn't apply all that much because in most cases, they're typing in longhand or useless information. We have an applicant who has failed 3x because he keeps coming under by 3 words. The guy has already proven to us that he has what it takes, but he keeps failing this damned test. All of the dispatchers there over 20 years, myself included were not required to pass a typing test. The turnover of employees who have had to take typing tests has been incredible, even the part-timers, they all seem to think that the job is something that it isn't. I also had 1 trainee that turned out to be dyslexic, yup, he passed the typing test. So did the one that couldn't type more than a word under a low stress situation w/o biting his nails, yup, he passed the typing test too. I just don't see it as being a basic requirement. Thanks for your input. Annmarie aka Mickey wench@... ~ mickeym@... http://www.geocities.com/mickeyshomepage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2003 Report Share Posted February 3, 2003 At 08:04 PM 2/3/03 -0500, you wrote: >In the last 10 or 15 years, CAD systems came into being and they require the >use of a keyboard. We were using computers back in '82. True, it didn't require immediate entry, but it certainly wasn't something you wanted to fall behind in. If anything, that should have required typing skills, because you were reading the original card and making entry into the computer. Come to think of it, back then they should have had handwriting testing <G> >Have you ever had to watch someone hunt and peck while >trying to put in a robbery call or a domestic violence? Yes, I have and it's been the people who passed the typing test. While I've watch the other guy that keeps failing the test, come in and make an entry twice as fast because he's familiar with the abbreviations and the " lingo " . Another case in point are our patrol guys that are certified to work the room, most of them wouldn't pass the typing test either, but they are much faster than the people who did, again because of familiarity. > I have and it's very >painful to watch. It takes longer then if you know your way around a keyboard >by touch. Also,to me it seems that the hunt 'n peckers can't talk at the >same time.... LOL! We have supposed typists that can't walk and chew gum either >Perhaps a " typing " test isn't necessary but some kind of keyboard skill needs >to be demonstrated. Exactly! That's how I feel about it. They do have a CAD agility test, I say leave it at that. Do you know what your dept's requirements are? I'd appreciate knowing how many WPM they are requiring and if they have a CAD agility test or any type of hands on testing. Thanks again. Annmarie aka Mickey wench@... ~ mickeym@... http://www.geocities.com/mickeyshomepage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2003 Report Share Posted February 3, 2003 In a message dated 2/3/2003 8:28:21 PM Mountain Standard Time, mickeym@... writes: > Do you know what your dept's requirements are? zero words per minute. We don't offer anymore a typing test or a data entry test. Why? change in supervisors who don't think it's necessary but then they don't work side by side with people. sounds like you've already got your " argument " , use it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2003 Report Share Posted February 3, 2003 --- Mickey wrote: > Hi, > > I was wondering how many depts require a typing > test? We have a data entry test. I can't, for the life of me, remember what you have to score, though. ===== Kim I make a difference Tulsa, OK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 Our department does do a background investigation and a polygraph. We've lost a lot of applicants because of them... Wes Linscott Maine State Police Orono, Maine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 >I was wondering how many depts require a typing test? I don't think it should a requirement and I'm trying to establish and argument against it. The Indiana State Police require a typing test. (Although only 10wpm is required). And I wouldn't argue against it. On the " flipside " of making the job seem like a secretary position, you have the fact that if your job requirements are very low level.... people (including people who set the pay scales) will think " anyone can do that job " . If you're not using a CAD (typing required), you will be. And even if not, as your center grows, more records, more things to do, and all of that adds up to typing. You might get by now using a shorthand and typing everything in later, but if your agency grows and your dispatchers become busier, keyboard skills will become much more valuable. The last couple of years in my job, I argued that the words per minute be raised as a job requirement. One thing to keep in mind if they go to a test... The test needs to be given on the equipment to be used. At one time we were giving a typing test on an electric typewriter, and the actual equipment we used was a computer keyboard... big difference. People were having trouble typing on the electric, put them on the computer and they did fine. Weintraut --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.435 / Virus Database: 244 - Release Date: 12/30/2002 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 We requirwe one, and I agree it is an unnessessary requirement. I do however think a data entry test is a good idea. We do both. Mel Melinda M. Dispatcher O'Fallon, MO PD theclarkgirls@... mclark@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 At 06:25 AM 2/4/03 -0500, you wrote: >The Indiana State Police require a typing test. (Although only 10wpm >is required). Wow that's low! >And I wouldn't argue against it. I don't think we agree on much >On the " flipside " of making the job seem like a secretary >position, you have the fact that if your job requirements are >very low level.... Our job requirements are quite lengthy and far from low level, we actually rank as the second highest. >people (including people who set the pay >scales) will think " anyone can do that job " . They pay us very nicely thank you I haven't any complaints. >If you're not using a CAD (typing required), you will be. As I said, we've been typing into some computer or another for over 20 years. We've had a CAD system for about 20 now, prior was cards in a network. >And even >if not, as your center grows, more records, We have our own records dept. We don't have to keep or file any records, other than TTs, CCHs ATS/ACS etc, all very short on the typing. It's actually a faster process for the people who have the entry abbreviations for stolen veh, missing persons, etc memorized, as we do all entries and warrants checks. I'd personally rather have someone who is quick enough to memorize the shorthand than be able to type faster. And please, lets not grow any bigger 40 or 50+ cops on the road at one time and a minimum of 4 police radios to listen to and the requirement that we monitor 5 other towns for " activity " is quite enough <G> oops, I left out SPEN <G> (see, this is why we don't get to watch the TV <G>) >more things to do, and >all of that adds up to typing. You might get by now using a shorthand >and typing everything in later, I think you misunderstood my post, that's what we did back in 1982. >One thing to keep in mind if they go to a test... The test needs to >be given on the equipment to be used. They don't, they give it on a type writer. And as you pointed out, that's a problem. We've had a CAD system for probably close to 20 years now and MDTs etc, but, they still test on a typewriter. Totally unfair. As pointed out, a lot of people utilize the 10 pad, testing them on a typewriter puts them at a disadvantage. Thanks, to you both, an excellent point that I'll bring up. I may not get them to do away with it, but we might at least get them to give the test in a proper setting with the proper equipment. Annmarie aka Mickey wench@... ~ mickeym@... http://www.geocities.com/mickeyshomepage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 At 07:19 AM 2/4/03 -0600, you wrote: >The newer " Point and Click " or mouse enabled CAD systems are no >different. We're very point and click, even though the function keys are actually faster than the mouse. >Most of the major departments that we visited where this >function was available still utilized the Command line entry more than >the mouse to perform even basic CAD functions. As I said, we primarily work off function keys. I guess I may not be making myself clear or else I'm not understanding that a lot of depts still use a long version of typing the narrative. For example, for us, a shoplifting call is entered under a proper or common name, which only requires a P/ and then a few letters of the name and then the address, premise information, hazards etc pop right up, that leaves an entry of the leirs, 0601 for theft and just to clarify the type/who's involved the narrative would read SL FM JD for shoplifter, female, juvenile and that would be it. The actual typing aspect of it is very small, memorization of leirs, spelling of proper names etc, comes into play more. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 >>We're very point and click, even though the function keys are actually faster than the mouse.< That makes a big difference, but even with that, with your description of your CAD entry, it seems to me that typing skills would be very beneficial. However, it sounds like you've got it pretty well covered, and have a good argument against the typing test.... Each department is different, and different things work for different folks. Good luck. Weintraut --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.435 / Virus Database: 244 - Release Date: 12/30/2002 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 Annmarie aka Mickey, When I hired in at my agency we were given a typing test. I think the minimum was 30 wpm. I failed, but not by much. I was hired anyway. Over the years we have wondered if the typing test was worth the time & effort. We stopped giving it for a few years. What a mistake! As someone else mentioned, having to sit back and watch while a trainee struggled with typing in a robbery in progress is a horrible feeling. We finally realized that it is not easy to train a person on SOP's, policy & procedure's, geography, etc while they are trying to learn the basics of a computer keyboard. It just was not worth it. Now, if you don't have a CAD system and all of your work is hand-written (Ugh!) then it would be a safe bet that you could do away with the typing test. Good luck! Roscommon County (MI) Central Dispatch 911:: Typing test > Hi, > > I was wondering how many depts require a typing test? I > Annmarie aka Mickey > wench@... ~ mickeym@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 Forgot to add. We no longer " require " a certain wpm. As long as they can move around the keyboard, they can pretty much pick up speed with practice. Roscommon County (MI) Central Dispatch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 I wonder when they will come up with a program that will type whatever the caller says like the ones that type as you talk? Dispatchers would no longer have to decipher a hysterical caller, just read what they are saying. . . Ok, I can dream can't I?? Roscommon Co (MI) Central Dispatch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 We require 35wpm minimum. With the fast pace, high volume and CAD.... It is necessary. We found that with anything less our cadets had a lot of trouble during training, since typing is so essential. Knowing how to type will let you concentrate on the 500 other things you will be doing in any given shift. Adam J. 911:: Typing test Hi, I was wondering how many depts require a typing test? I don't think it should a requirement and I'm trying to establish and argument against it. It wasn't a requirement in the past, but in the last 10 or 15 years they added it on and I don't see how it's helped, if anything, it's hurt us because people seem to equate the job with that if a secretary. Thanks. Annmarie aka Mickey wench@... ~ mickeym@... http://www.geocities.com/mickeyshomepage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 We require a typing test (35 wpm), a perfex test, a background check, and oral interview. Jen s Abilene PD/FD Abilene TX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 We don't do poly, psych, or a typing test. The typing wouldn't be a problem. The poly would be overkill (IMHO), and - at least for me - the psych test would probably be a dismal failure :-) Matt Bargersville, Indiana In a message dated 2/4/2003 3:11:30 AM US Eastern Standard Time, jtkjones@... writes: > > > We don't do a poly or psych test. > > Jim > Mr 911 > TriCom > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 We do not require a typing test Cheryl in VA but we do require a written test an oral board, background check, physical, psych (which I never understood as we have to be crazy to do this job), and a polygraph. Allan Young Hooksett Police Fire and Rescue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 A quick comment. I am not a trained typist, I hunt and peck. Our minimum requirement is 20 words a minute and I met that when hired (lots of chat rooms at home ;-) ) however as I stated we don't test. I had a law enforcement background and knew the language plus I had prior dispatching experience. I often work with Kathy who types 75 words a minute and worked in a bank in a prior life. She and I open cases and make entries in the cad at the same speed. (over the years my speed has come up to 40 plus a minute still hunt and peck and I know the lingo and the CAD inside and out as I do the initial CAD training with all the new hires). I would prefer people who have some speed even hunt and peck (as I did) and be somewhat computer/keyboard literate. I have had people who were smoking typist who saw the computer as a typewriter with pretty pictures, who had a hard time grasping the CAD end of the training. Al Young Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2003 Report Share Posted February 5, 2003 We also require a typing test (35 wpm), poly, background, and oral interview. No psych eval. Roxann Dispatch Services Arlington, TX In a message dated 02/04/2003 10:45:17 PM Central Standard Time, Jenlmat@... writes: > We require a typing test (35 wpm), a perfex test, a background check, and > oral > interview. > > Jen s > Abilene PD/FD > Abilene TX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2003 Report Share Posted February 5, 2003 Oklahoma DPS requires 25 wpm, There is no way that we could expect our C.O.'s to function if they can not maintain that level. I never worry about someone equating it to secretarial since that means they don't know the job, hence I am not interested in them anyway. P46 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2003 Report Share Posted February 5, 2003 Oklahoma DPS requires a psych, polygraph, hearing, scan, background in addition to polygraph. Thats if you are 20 yrs of age with prior service law enforcement communications or 15 hours college. P46 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 In a message dated 2/3/2003 7:15:26 PM Pacific Standard Time, mrsrae@... writes: > Do your depts > required physical test and a polygraph? > We do psych, physical and polygraph in addition to an extensive background. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 Do any of the departments that require a typing test accept the online tests from TYPINGTUTOR.com? You can take a timed test on it and you can get the results right away which is great for self-testing. I heard Marin County will accept it but I'm not sure how they know if its really your test or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 >>>Any program that can translate from speech to text on a screen first requires hours (and hours) of " voice recognition " matching with the user, and is very user specific (i.e. it would work for me but not for you). I haven't heard that any major advancements in this area have come down the pike. >>> I used voice recognition on my home computer from 1994 until 1999 and it was ok. I type between 95 - 105 words a minute depending on how I test on a given day and with voice I could get close to 35-40 -- it would get very frustrating because I think faster than that and knew if I could type I would be moving much faster. The trade off was I could use a computer with voice and it worked ok with all my programs (quicken, internet, word processing, etc.) I also tutored people with various disabilities on the three systems that were available at the time (Kurzweil, DragonDictate and IBM's product) and different people did better with different programs and some could not be used at all. Using the macros for certain things is fine -- however given all the variations of colors, makes, models and years of cars that's a heck of a lot of macros just looking at one segment of the calls we take. I'm not sure how much confidence a caller already having a problem (emergency) would have if they heard someone repeating everything back into the computer. I could rattle on for hours about the pros and cons of using voice recognition but after using it and teaching it for a number of years I can't see it working well in a dispatch center. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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