"The nadir is just the latest chapter in a long-running staff shortage that has cost the city about $1 million in overtime every year since well before the COVID pandemic, when recruitment for city workers became even more of a challenge. In a report to the Police Accountability Board in May, Berkeley Police Department Deputy Chief Jen Tate referred to the call center's staffing shortage as an ongoing crisis."
"Berkeley's dispatch center, like many nationwide, faces high turnover, stressful working conditions and a lengthy recruitment process with a high washout rate. This year, and in 2024, there were several workers on extended leave as well, driving up the vacancy rate. We want to hear from you Have you worked as a dispatcher in Berkeley? Have you had to call 911 here? If you would like to talk about your experience, please contact public safety reporter Alex N. Gecan at alex@berkeleyside.org"
Berkeley's 911 dispatch center fell to about one-third of its required staffing before improving to roughly 70% filled by summer. Persistent understaffing has generated approximately $1 million in annual overtime well before the COVID pandemic and intensified recruitment challenges. High turnover, stressful working conditions, lengthy recruitment processes, and a high washout rate contribute to staffing shortages. Extended leaves in 2023 and in 2024 further raised vacancy levels. The communications center has long operated with extra shifts, overtime, and police officers holding certifications filling gaps. City officials did not provide specific data on impacts to call times or exact timing of the staffing collapse.
Read at www.berkeleyside.org
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