"OPD is budgeted for 78 dispatchers, but according to recent reports, the 911 call center only has 66 positions filled. 10 dispatchers are currently on different types of leave and nine dispatchers are trainees, according to OPD. Three out of the seven supervisor positions are currently vacant. All told, overtime is being used to cover 27 dispatcher positions, or roughly 34% of the division's budgeted jobs."
"The communications unit burned through over $2.6 million on overtime last year. The communications unit is projected to spend a similar amount on overtime in this current fiscal year, which ends in June."
"When we're working constantly, it really does bog down the dispatcher; it impacts them. She added that dispatchers do a hell of a job compartmentalizing."
Oakland's 911 dispatch center faces persistent understaffing issues documented in multiple audits over nearly a decade. The center operates with only 66 of 78 budgeted dispatcher positions filled, with 10 dispatchers on leave and nine in training. Three of seven supervisor positions remain vacant. Overtime covers approximately 34% of budgeted dispatcher jobs, costing the communications unit over $2.6 million last year with similar spending projected for the current fiscal year. While some performance improvements occurred, mandatory overtime remains standard practice, affecting dispatcher well-being and response capabilities. Dispatchers report the constant overtime workload impacts their effectiveness despite their professional compartmentalization efforts.
#911-dispatch-understaffing #overtime-spending #emergency-services #oakland-police-department #workforce-management
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