Communications Operators are in training for the first nine months of employment. Initially, 
employees will learn to be a call taker which will involve 480 hours of training. The classroom instruction has testing throughout and the requirement for employees to memorize important material directly related to the Police Communications Operator job duties. After the classroom setting, the employee moves into on the job training that could potentially take place on the shift of their trainer. Daily, weekly and monthly performance evaluations will be required during the on the job training.
Communications Operators who successfully complete call taker training will then be required to enter into radio dispatch training. This also entails classroom instruction and on the job training, which is approximately 840 hours. This on the job training will require monitored and continuous use of the call taking skills already learned, as well as radio dispatch training. Upon successful completion of the training process, employees will be fully cross-trained in the required two main job functions: as a Call Taker answering 9-1-1 / Crime Stop calls, and as a Radio Dispatcher. Employees are then assigned to a permanent position most likely on 2nd or 3rd shift, with the likelihood of working nights, weekends, and holidays as a solo Police Communications Operator.
