Dispatch
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office’s Central Dispatch is the public safety answering point for the unincorporated areas of El Dorado County. Dispatchers are there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to answer calls and assist the public and deputies. Whether calling 911 or the non-emergency line, a team of highly trained dispatchers will always be there to provide resources as necessary.
When speaking to a dispatcher, the caller will be asked several specific questions to help them understand the who, what and where of the situation. The dispatcher understands there is an emergency but will remain calm and composed and is focused on gathering information that will be relayed to the first responders on scene. As soon as the initial dispatcher gathers the information, another dispatcher is sending appropriate resources, even while the first dispatcher continues to ask questions and communicate with the caller.
Central Dispatch is responsible for all radio communications with patrol deputies; providing important information to assist their response and help ensure citizen and officer safety. Dispatchers are responsible for a minimum of two radio channels at all times to cover all of
El Dorado County. Specially trained dispatchers
often work out in the field to assist with major incidents such as wildland fires or SWAT operations.
As technology improves, the Sheriff’s Office and Central Dispatch are constantly learning and updating programs and infrastructure. Dispatchers regularly attend trainings to learn new skills and discover the latest technological advances. By collaborating with other agencies, Central Dispatch is able to learn what works and does not work for others and bring the best back to El Dorado County.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Dispatchers believe in and strive to fulfill the Sheriff’s vision of Total Care for Victims, Witnesses and the Community. Not only in their daily interactions with the public but also in their off duty actions. Each year during the holidays, dispatchers provide clothing, gifts and toys for children living in group homes or to parents who do not have the means to provide for their families. Dispatchers also donate their time to the El Dorado County Toys for Tots program and can often be seen out with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Explorers at various events during the holidays.
Each year, one dispatcher is honored as Dispatcher
of the Year. The 2017 recipient is Kelly Rhine. Kelly
goes above and beyond her normal duties each
day. She is known for stepping in and aiding other
dispatchers and deputies, often researching
previous calls to gather relevant information.
Kelly knows where she can help and is quick to
assist in any situation. She exemplifies
professionalism and leadership and is well
respected by her peers. Central Dispatch is proud
to have her as the 2017 Dispatcher of the Year.
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