What is going on in Los Gatos?
Dispatcher Crisis:
Dispatchers are not only the first point of contact for our community, but they are also the lifeline for our officers out on the street.
Issues:
1). Los Gatos currently employs only three (3) permanent dispatchers for eight (8) budgeted positions, with two (2) more recently hired (probationary) dispatchers in training to run a dispatcher center 24 hours, 7 days a week
(Vacancy rate of more than 60% of certified dispatchers)
2). The Los Gatos Dispatch Center has experienced significant turnover
3). The Dispatcher position is highly competitive environment and Los Gatos / Monte Sereno dispatchers are among the lowest paid in the County based upon their recent compensation survey
(Town Compensation Policy 11.2.3 states they must be "Average or above-average total compensation")
4). The staffing crisis has resulted in numerous occasions where only one (1) dispatcher is on duty leaving questions regarding the ability to provide basic accommodations (e.g., meal periods and restroom breaks), much less respond to multiple emergencies
5). The staffing crisis creates pressure to accelerate the training process, or rely on temporary employees, resulting in a lack of experience and familiarity with not only the community, but the policies and procedures of the Los Gatos / Monte Sereno Police Department
Bottom Line:
We must ensure Los Gatos remains a safe environment and it starts with the Dispatcher Position!
Your Los Gatos Police Officers rely on them and rely on them to protect YOU and YOUR families.
Please click the link above and urge your Los Gatos Town Council to address the “Public Safety Crisis” in Los Gatos!
What is going on in Los Gatos?
Dispatcher Crisis:
Dispatchers are not only the first point of contact for our community, but they are also the lifeline for our officers out on the street.
Issues:
1). Los Gatos currently employs only three (3) permanent dispatchers for eight (8) budgeted positions, with two (2) more recently hired (probationary) dispatchers in training to run a dispatcher center 24 hours, 7 days a week
(Vacancy rate of more than 60% of certified dispatchers)
2). The Los Gatos Dispatch Center has experienced significant turnover
3). The Dispatcher position is highly competitive environment and Los Gatos / Monte Sereno dispatchers are among the lowest paid in the County based upon their recent compensation survey
(Town Compensation Policy 11.2.3 states they must be "Average or above-average total compensation")
4). The staffing crisis has resulted in numerous occasions where only one (1) dispatcher is on duty leaving questions regarding the ability to provide basic accommodations (e.g., meal periods and restroom breaks), much less respond to multiple emergencies
5). The staffing crisis creates pressure to accelerate the training process, or rely on temporary employees, resulting in a lack of experience and familiarity with not only the community, but the policies and procedures of the Los Gatos / Monte Sereno Police Department
Bottom Line:
We must ensure Los Gatos remains a safe environment and it starts with the Dispatcher Position!
Your Los Gatos Police Officers rely on them and rely on them to protect YOU and YOUR families.
Please click the link above and urge your Los Gatos Town Council to address the “Public Safety Crisis” in Los Gatos!