Re: 911:: Monitoring Comm Center via Camera

[Guest guest]

Our agency is talking about doing that when we go to our new building. If it

happens, I am looking into grievance for it due to past practice of not having

one. I dont know if it would fly,(greivance) .... but our dept has been going

steadily downhill in morale and this would be the kick in the keister that

would make many walk.

IMO Cin in Ohio

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/10/04 01:15:56 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

adam.johnson@... writes:

>>I was curious about how many departments out there utilize some sort of

closed circuit TV feed and/or web-cam to monitor the workflow in their

communications centers? <<

I'm confused by the term " workflow. " What do they want to see? How many

calls are processed? You can see that by looking at the CADS records.

If they're trying to streamline the operation, I'm sure they can figure that

out by spending a day in the center without having to resort to Orwellian

tactics.

If they want to see what you do in between calls, I see this as an

unnecessary practice which will only further discontentment between labor and

management. This is typical in today's managerial practices though. They go

looking

for problems that don't exist. Sometimes the ends do justify the means so just

butt out and leave well enough alone.

Raffa

Supv. Dispatcher, FDNY

Borough of Brooklyn

www.FDNewYork.com

[Guest guest]

My Com Center has now installed cameras. All the cameras were replaced and

upgraded throught our building and in doing so they installed a camera in the

com center as well as in the deputies room, the main office and more in the

hallways. There are cameras EVERYWHERE!! You can't walk down the hall way

while on a break without someone knowing where you are going, who you are

talking

to or if you are just going to the bathroom! (no cameras in the

bathroom.....yet). It's like Big Brother watching 24-7. Don't know if it's a

rumor or

not, but some even say that our supervisor has the ability to watch us from his

home PC.........BIG BROTHER.

It's been a bit un nerving knowing someone is watching....but you do get use

to it (no matter how much we don't like it).

[Guest guest]

Camera's in cruisers so they can watch the deputies....YEAH RIGHT!!! But

do know some that would probably try!!!

Don't get me wrong, I love my job as well as the people I work with and the

people I work for, but sometimes they are so ANAL! Thinking we are getting

away with something, stealing from the workplace...so to say. But at the same

time our supervisor is very concerned about " micro-managing " doesn't want to

step on anyones toes. HA

When updating the security, additional locks were installed on the

doors....we use scan cards to enter the building, then scan another door to get

into the

Emergency Management Department, then another door to get into the dispatch

center and yet another door to enter the Com Center!!!! That final door is

set where we are suppose to scan to get out!!!!!!!!!!

Feels like we are the criminals!!!

[Guest guest]

> The question to ask is would they put cameras in the cruisers that monitor

what the officers do?

> The answer should be the same for dispatchers.

>

>

> Moraine PD Ohio

>

*******************************************

That's because we dispatchers, don't do anything wrong.

[Guest guest]

Just playing devil's advocate....

Whatever happened to " if you aren't doing anything wrong why even be

concerned about cameras in the dispatch center " ?

Boomer

Oakland County Sheriff's Office Central Dispatch, Michigan

Afternoon Shift Supervisor/CTO

" First do no harm "

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/11/04 02:54:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

JBoomer2000@... writes:

Whatever happened to " if you aren't doing anything wrong why even be

concerned about cameras in the dispatch center " ?

I'll counter that. The definition of " wrong " is usually arbitrary in these

matters. When you have an overseer, that person will likely start playing God.

Again, if nothing is wrong, don't go looking for trouble. (Brooklynese

version: if it aint broke, don't fix it!) There is enough oversight already

without having to worry about being brought up on a drumhead court-martial.

On a side note about useless equipment, some years ago our offices were

hooked up with fire and smoke detectors and tied into a monitoring panel on the

wall. The contractor that was doing the installation started installing a

telephone interface for central station monitoring. An inquisitive supervisor

asked what he was doing.

He said it was necessary in case there is a fire. The alarm company would

call the fire department. The supervisor asked, " Do you know where you are? "

" Yeah, " he replied. " the Fi.... Ooooooooooooooooh. "

You can't make this stuff up.

Raffa

Supv. Dispatcher, FDNY

Borough of Brooklyn

www.FDNewYork.com

[Guest guest]

adam.johnson@... wrote:

>I was curious about how many departments out there utilize some sort of

>closed circuit TV feed and/or web-cam to monitor the workflow in their

>communications centers?

>

>I was hoping to get a feel for how common this practice is nationally... and

>also to discuss your thoughts and opinions on the subject.

>

>Thanks your input!

>

>AJ

>

>

Only at the front door, and both front and back gates. Nothing inside

the building. I really don't think a camera is necessary inside the comm

center to monitor our work flow, we are far too busy to be doing

unauthorized things. Plus there is always a supervisor on the floor.

Personally I would think a camera in the comm center is too much big

brother.

Just my 2 cents ...

Mike

--

miked911@...

Mike Derryberry

Dispatcher II

Kern County Sheriff's Department

Bakersfield, CA

Listen to my department:

http://war.str3am.com:7300/

Listen to Kern County Scanning:

http://war.str3am.com:7460/ <-temporarily not working

or teamspeak://radio.scannerbuff.net:8767/

[Guest guest]

Again, devil's advocate here...

" Big brother " is one of those terms that has become a buzzword designed to

instill fear and create negativity. I hear it used most often when people are

trying to get away with something and resent the idea that there is a way to

make them personally responsible. There are some who might argue that an

employer has a right to know how his money (or in this case taxpayer's money) is

being utilized and how efficient his workforce is at carry out their duties.

Every workplace has it's top producers and it's bottom producers, those who

only work productively when directly supervised. Does the presence of

cameras merely provide " direct supervision " around the clock? Are the cameras,

like audio recording equipment, your best friend and your worst enemy?

I understand that many think the presence of cameras would damage morale in

the center. Would it cause any more damage than the presence of problem

employees? Realistically, like audio tapes, how much of the tapes would

actually

be viewed?

Do I advocate cameras in the comm center? Under the best of curcumstances,

no. But I do advocate strong management and support professional

dispatching.

Boomer

Oakland County Sheriff's Office Central Dispatch, Michigan

Afternoon Shift Supervisor/CTO

" First do no harm "

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/11/2004 9:18:39 AM Eastern Standard Time,

JBoomer2000@... writes:

Do I advocate cameras in the comm center? Under the best of curcumstances,

no. But I do advocate strong management and support professional

dispatching.

Boomer

Oakland County Sheriff's Office Central Dispatch, Michigan

Afternoon Shift Supervisor/CTO

" First do no harm "

OK>>>>.Now that can be turned around to make it sound that those who DO NOT

want cameras in comm center are non professional and those who dont support it

are a lesser degree than the best. I resent that...it sounds typical and

rings of " we know what is best for you " managerialese.

My question is...who is watching the management? Who monitors that and

controls the quality of that work? I am here to tell you that that is why there

are unions in many centers. Because even management makes mistakes. We are all

human and it happens. But cameras in the comm centers? NO. If you cant trust

me as an employee, dont hire me in the first place.

I feel strongly about this.....and nothing personal here. Just my opinion.

Cin in Ohio

[Guest guest]

Who watches the watchers is an age-old question, that's for sure. Some

would argue that results make or break management and everyone has a boss!

God knows management makes mistakes, no one is arguing that point! But

perhaps having video evidence to back up accusations will make management less

prone to disciplinary mistakes.

I can tell that you feel strongly about this and I am merely throwing these

things out for discussion.. no need to tell me its nothing personal. All I

ask is that you try to look at the " big picture " ... this may not just be

about YOU. There are others in the center that, through their work ethic or

lack thereof, have to be dealt with. If you are the type of employee that

strives to be respected as a professional and your work is reflected in that

desire, what's the harm to you?

Boomer

Oakland County Sheriff's Office Central Dispatch, Michigan

Afternoon Shift Supervisor/CTO

" First do no harm "

[Guest guest]

The harm is not to me, but the allowing of cams into the comm center is the

added that we dont need.

The lines are taped. We are processed by criminal checks prior to

hiring...fingerprinted..etc..every keystroke can be accounted for at work. We

read and

sign and read and sign....

Just how much is enough? Who speaks for the good and steady employee who

enjoys their job and would like to stay but feels " the hell with this... " and

decides to leave?

I can tell you management stories...but those are not for here and some are

future fodder for other action.

I have nothing to worry about. But where does it end? Do you see what I

mean?

Cin in Ohio

[Guest guest]

I understand what you are saying.

Boomer

Oakland County Sheriff's Office Central Dispatch, Michigan

Afternoon Shift Supervisor/CTO

" First do no harm "

[Guest guest]

> Just playing devil's advocate....

>

> Whatever happened to " if you aren't doing anything wrong why even

be

> concerned about cameras in the dispatch center " ?

>

> Boomer

> Oakland County Sheriff's Office Central Dispatch, Michigan

> Afternoon Shift Supervisor/CTO

> " First do no harm "

>

>

> 2 words BIG BROTHER

[Guest guest]

Maybe my father and grandfather filled my head with silly thoughts like,

when you are on the clock and being paid by someone else, you belong to them.

You are WORKING!!!! If you dont want someone else telling you what to do, go

into business for yourself. But don't be surprised to find that being in

business for yourself is just as restrictive, if not more. You said, " ...grow

up and take responsibility " .. things would sure be rosy and nice if everyone

did that, but not everyone does. Are employers just supposed to chalk that

segment of the workforce up to acceptable loss?

The attitude that prevails in the workplace today, particularly in a union

environment, is one that the employer should somehow be grateful that workers

even show up let alone perform their job duties. We are not making donuts

here, we are responsible for saving lives and property. Please do me a favor

and don't scream for your civil rights in the workplace and out of the other

side of your mouth beg for professional recognition.

Just my 2 cents...

Boomer

Oakland County Sheriff's Office Central Dispatch, Michigan

Afternoon Shift Supervisor/CTO

" First do no harm "

[Guest guest]

# 1 - I have nothing to fear - but fear itself. That and the

seemingly approval of the vast peoples that think just because you

work for someone, they own yours rights as well. Rights numerous

people have died for those rights and we just seem to want to give

them away - just beacuse someone signs a check. There is no reason

on God's great earth that I can see where it would benefit anyone to

tape me or for that matter anyone while at work as a 9-1-1 emergency

dispatcher. Where all too often you must sit at a desk for 8 hrs and

serve the public.

# 2 what ever happened to personal responsibility?? Oh so that makes

it OK to be spied on at work?? Someone late, too long a lunch napping

at the desk. Yes all crimes aginst the State - but to be spied on.

Come on grow up and take responsibility. And if the folks out there

can't that where the Boss is possed to some in and take his/her

responsibility and fix the problem. Oh, yea that may mean having to

face a problem face to face. Then fixing it.

#3 Yes i choose Big Brother knowing what it would mean and infer.

Just my 2 cents.

Kirt

[Guest guest]

I see being monitored makes some of us a bit sensitive. Well, that's

understandable.

As the thread continues I'm thinking somebody---------------anybody,

jump in and justify monitoring dispatchers via cameras in a comm

center.

So JBoom comes along and wants to be the devil's advocate. So that's

a beginning of justification for this type of activity, but kinda

weak. He may not really believe it, just wants to throw it out for

discussion. That's ok.

And Tonya thinks it might be ok to monitor the center since one

dispatcher is a problem. And she thinks that more supervision may be

necessary.

" We already have supervision... but sometimes more is necessary. "

While I don't agree with that, at least it, too, is a start in

justifying the proposal.

Okay ------is there somebody else out there, maybe a supervisor, that

can justify putting us on camera.

Indeed, an interesting thread. How would I respond, I wonder.

Probably stop picking my nose, but I suppose I'd still put my feet on

the desk from time to time...........

Cam Lynn

Brookings, OR

[Guest guest]

I have threatend to put the a cam up several times. I have had

reports of midnights goofing, sleeping, painting nails, shopping

etc. I just had new carpet installed and i threatened to install

the cam after i saw the first coffee stain.

[Guest guest]

> My position is that I support the use of voice logging systems, and video

> surveillance, but I support them because they are valuable tools that we

as

> managers (attempting to do the right thing for the right reasons) can use

to

> support our dispatch personnel. I do not believe that they should be used

> simply to " spy " on anyone, or simply for the purpose of " witch hunting "

for

> lack of a better word.

> Willis

> Chief of Communications

> Shreveport Fire Department

> Voice:

> Fax:

> E-Mail: wcarter@...

>

> Shreveport Fire Department

> Caddo Parish 9-1-1

> Proud Host of ICC - 2004

*******************************************

Interesting look at this from the other side.

But to counter, I'd ask this: If this is such a great practice, why aren't

the inside of patrol cars video taped?

Please realize I'm not picking on you. I'm just asking this question.

[Guest guest]

I don't want to work mids and I am grateful for those that do. However, I

object to getting paid the same wage they do and doing 3x as much work.

Therefor, I am all for pushing administrative work such as MSAG maintenance,

second-party LEIN/NCIC entry verifications, CAD clean up, etc onto the midnight

shift.

I have never reported for work and slept. I personally think that is the

worst bruise on our profession that could be inagined and I could never excuse

it or accept it. Does it happen? Sure it does, often. Our midnight shift

sends people shopping, makes jewelry, has movie night, euchre tournaments and

a whole host of activities on the public dollar that I find unacceptable

because they abandon their workstation to participate.

Having said that, I will add that I have absolutley no objection to non-work

activity once the work is done. Reading books, crafts, coupon clipping,

letter writing are all well and good as long as they are dropped when the phone

rings or the radio goes off. I know that an active mind stays awake easier.

Boomer

Oakland County Sheriff's Office Central Dispatch, Michigan

Afternoon Shift Supervisor/CTO

" First do no harm "

[Guest guest]

Have to cut the cord sometime

[Guest guest]

Thanks for sticking up for us 'night-shifters'. Working a night

shift IS entirely different from a day shift. No matter how much you

think that people become 'accustomed' to the shift, it is still a

struggle to simply GET THROUGH the shift. In our center, we attempt

to find productive things to do when it is painfully slow . . . and

often, the 'sh*$% projects are given to us. We do them, because we

recognize the fact that day shift works harder than us most of the

time. But sometimes, you have to do SOMETHING to keep yourself alert

& ready for the bomb to drop at any moment. In our center, sometimes

this means surfing the 'net, watching TV, even playing card

games . . . but we all jump when a 911 rings, and give it our full,

professional attention. Night shift is often when the 'hot' calls

come in for us, and it could be argued that most of us that work

nights regularly are better prepared to handle them than the day

shift that gets stuck with dog-at-large calls and transferring admin

lines. When we are called on, we do our jobs as well as anyone else.

> First and foremost: No offence at all.

>

> I think telecommunicator's nightly tasks are completely different

from a

> daytime operator's task. At night, if you don't have a call volume,

> what would you (...the supervisor do, keeping in mind you being the

> supervisor, but actually working the role of the communicator)...

Would

> you, sit and stare blankly at your screen?

>

> I guess me being a realist and a supervisor gives me the upper

hand. I

> know that at our agency at night, sometimes the call volume is ZERO

(or

> so small, it's scary). If I were a communicator and working

nights, I

> think I'd do whatever it took (staying in the General Order/Standard

> Operating Procedures) to stay awake. To go from that mentality

> (operator), being promoted to supervisor; and dreaming that my

current

> night staff does something " responsible " ... like staring at a blank

cad

> screen, emotionless... or actually studying their General Orders, or

> whatever else is a strict supervisors dream... is just that.. a

dream.

> I know my night shift operators get the job done; they do a

wonderful

> job at that. That's all I'm concerned with. Surprisingly, there

are

> days I come in, and they have done something productive... cleaning

> their consoles... and actually studying their General Order (I only

know

> they've studied because they will ask questions the next day).

>

> I don't know, I guess that's what makes me different from most other

> supervisors. But, if it took my night shift operators, goofing

(while

> still answering telephones, radios & 911 in a professional manner),

> painting nails (which they do, because there isn't a day that goes

by,

> that I come in, and am not badgered to let them paint my finger

nails

> with some glow in the dark Halloween paint), shopping online, or

> whatever else they do to stay awake, and get the job done in a

> professional and accurate manner, what more could I ask for?

>

> Also addressing the issue of sleeping; this is prohibit by our

general

> order. But, with that being said; who (with a work-partner) hasn't

came

> to work tired after dealing with a day full of tasks or errands and

came

> to work and your work-partner allowed you to sleep until it got

busy? I

> know I have, and I'd be silly to think that my night shift hasn't

done

> the same.

>

> Again, I'll close with, my post was not intended to offend the

original

> author. I just thought it was time to give my opinion on the

whole " web

> cam monitoring workflow " and overbearing supervisors.

>

>

> Re: 911:: Monitoring Comm Center via Camera

>

>

>

>

> I have threatend to put the a cam up several times. I have had

> reports of midnights goofing, sleeping, painting nails, shopping

> etc. I just had new carpet installed and i threatened to install

> the cam after i saw the first coffee stain.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>