911 Dispatchers Are First Responders
The 911 telecommunicators and dispatchers in our communities are critically important public safety personnel. On any given day, they play an instrumental role in saving lives and helping people in danger. They provide emergency medical instruction; deal with suicidal persons; analyze background noises and a caller’s voice to assess a situation; coordinate the dispatch and safe arrival of police, fire, and EMS personnel, and much more.
However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics still classifies Public Safety Telecommunicators as "Office and Administrative Support Occupations" in its Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) System — alongside secretaries, office clerks, and taxi dispatchers. This is an outdated, misinformed view of the work performed by 911 professionals, and must be changed.
However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics still classifies Public Safety Telecommunicators as "Office and Administrative Support Occupations" in its Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) System — alongside secretaries, office clerks, and taxi dispatchers. This is an outdated, misinformed view of the work performed by 911 professionals, and must be changed.
HJ 14 Bill Montana
Rep. Frank Garner (R) HD7
February 18th 2021, Frank Garner a former Chief of Police, security consultant, and politician for Montana. Garner is a Republican member of the Montana House of Representatives for District 7, which includes parts of Kalispell, Montana, introduces to the House HJ 14 Bill to re-classify all Montana 911 dispatchers as first responders. Right now all 911 dispatchers in the eyes of the State and federal law are classified as clerical workers. On March 2, 2021 the bill passed the house, and on March 29, 2021 the bill again passed the Senate. 45 Montana Senate Representatives voted to pass the bill onto the Governor's office, 5 members voted against it.
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911 Saves Act Bill
Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA)
911 telecommunicators play an integral role in public safety.
But unfortunately, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't view us that way. Under the bureau's Standard Occupation Classification System (SOCS), Public Safety Telecommunicators are classified as "Office and Administrative Support Occupations." Anyone who has ever worked under the headset knows it's not a regular office job.
Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA), herself a former 911 dispatcher, has reintroduced the Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services Act (the 911 SAVES Act), which will require the bureau to reclassify Public Safety Telecommunicators as a "Protective Service Occupation," alongside much of our public safety family. The bill has broad support from the 911 community and others familiar with the lifesaving work of Public Safety Telecommunicators. It’s good governance; it's cost-free; and it’s a much-deserved recognition for the 100,000 Public Safety Telecommunicators in our country.
But unfortunately, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't view us that way. Under the bureau's Standard Occupation Classification System (SOCS), Public Safety Telecommunicators are classified as "Office and Administrative Support Occupations." Anyone who has ever worked under the headset knows it's not a regular office job.
Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA), herself a former 911 dispatcher, has reintroduced the Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services Act (the 911 SAVES Act), which will require the bureau to reclassify Public Safety Telecommunicators as a "Protective Service Occupation," alongside much of our public safety family. The bill has broad support from the 911 community and others familiar with the lifesaving work of Public Safety Telecommunicators. It’s good governance; it's cost-free; and it’s a much-deserved recognition for the 100,000 Public Safety Telecommunicators in our country.
If you would like to learn more about the HJ-14 bill or the 911 Saves Act Bill and how you can support your local 911 Dispatchers please contact our office at (406) 622-5451
