One in four 911 jobs empty

Between 2019 and 2022, typical vacancy rates at 911 centers hit 25% nationwide. Stress and mandatory overtime are driving people out.

Ingham County down 30% of staff

The Michigan county's 911 center operates 30% below target staffing levels while handling up to 600 calls daily. Full-time dispatchers work mandatory overtime to fill the gap.

Finding qualified people is the problem

Director Andy Daenzer says applicants exist, but few make it through background checks, interviews and training. The right candidates are hard to find.

“We have had a good number of applicants, but finding the right ones, the ones that can get through a background, a sit-along, an interview, and then training”

AI cuts training time in half

Ingham County shortened dispatcher training from a year to under six months using new technology and AI. The faster program is helping them keep up with demand.

“Almost better because we're using a little bit of AI here and there to help with our training program now”

The work takes a special person

Dispatchers go from CPR calls to parking complaints in seconds. Nine-year veteran Cody Page calls it a roller coaster of adrenaline levels.

“You can go from taking a CPR call to taking a parking complaint the very next time”

A therapy dog helps with stress

Jessie, a rescue dog, joined the dispatch center two months before the MSU mass shooting. She senses stress and comforts workers who need her.

“She can sense the stress in the room. So if someone needs it, she will just come and lay like this.”

The goal is 52 dispatchers

Ingham County wants to grow from 30 full-time dispatchers to 52. Starting pay is $24 an hour, topping out at $33 plus overtime and shift pay.