NorCal Public Safety Dispatchers Association

The History of NorCal PSD

NorCal PSD was founded in March 2000 by a group of dispatchers attending a POST Training Needs Assessment (TNA) conference. We all shared one frustration - finding relevant training for dispatchers. There were so few classes available and we were forced to send dispatchers to less than adequate training in order to satisfy POST requirements. We knew if training was to be developed and approved by POST, we would have to do it ourselves.

We also needed a forum to exchange ideas and information among the dispatch community in Northern California and an organization like NorCal was the means to that end. Legislative information affecting dispatchers was another concern that we wanted to address. Dispatchers sorely needed to network and share their concerns and ideas in order to enhance our image as professionals.

NorCal PSD has certainly met those needs. We now have over 30 dispatcher training classes certified by POST and are working with the Sacramento Regional Public Safety Training Center to provide the training that was developed by our members. Our meetings serve as a sounding board for the various north state dispatch personnel and there is a constant exchange of ideas and resources.

Our membership is comprised of dedicated dispatchers working stressful, busy jobs. We need to attract additional members so that this organization can continue to grow. We would encourage any dispatcher looking for support, understanding and an increased knowledge of our profession, to come to our bi-monthly meetings and see what we are all about. Our website www.norcalpsd.com provides the meeting dates and times and also the names and contact numbers for our Officers.

Hope to see you there!

By Kathleen J. Bennett
Siskiyou County Sheriffs Office
NorCal PSD President 2003-2004