Idaho PSAP Standards Committee

In an effort to assist PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points) in Idaho with training needs, the Idaho Emergency Communications Commission (IECC) formed the PSAP Standards Committee. Its purpose was not to impose standards on the PSAPs but rather to facilitate communication between the agencies to examine the issues they all face on a day to day basis.

The PSAP Standards Committee is comprised of representatives from throughout the state and includes the following members:

Ada County Greg Warner

Bingham County Erin Hidalgo

Blaine County Beth English

Bonneville County Heather Kunz

Canyon County Lorraine Elfering

Cassia County Deann Taylor

City of Nampa Carmen Boeger

City of Pocatello Donielle Whitney

Kootenai County Brad Coughenour

Madison County Bruce Bowler

State Communications Christine Stewart

Valley County Kelly Taylor

The committee established a list of projects they wanted to accomplish:

Create a website to keep Idaho dispatchers and the public informed

The committee established a website, www.idahodispatch.com , to educate PSAPs and the public about dispatch issues in Idaho. There are featured communication centers, articles by dispatchers, legislative information, training and other news of interest.

Establish standard entry level training for dispatchers to meet Idaho POST guidelines for certification

An Entry Level Dispatch Training Manual, in workbook format and on CD, was created by the committee and was distributed to each PSAP to be used for basic training. The lesson is certified by POST for 10 training hours.

Provide free ongoing training to PSAPs on various topics that is POST certified.

Heather Kunz with Bonneville County recently completed a round of classes in each region entitled “Achieving Excellence Through Customer Service”. The class was very well received and each attendee received POST credit.

Beginning in January Beth English will be teaching “Effective TTY Call Processing”. It will be a four hour class and will be held for two days in each region. The scheduled dates are:

January 16-17 SIRCOMM

February 6 & 7 Caldwell

February 20 & 21 Pocatello

February 22 & 23 Idaho Falls

March 5 & 6 Coeur d’Alene

Review IDAPA rules as they pertain to dispatch

Input was gathered regarding the IDAPA rules and presented to the Commission. Those not pertaining to dispatch were removed such as the driving record and age restrictions.

The committee is continuing to revise and update lesson material for the POST Dispatch Academy in order to make the material more up to date and relevant to today’s dispatch environment. As Next Generation 911 moves forward classes will be developed that will familiarize dispatchers with the new technology and new information that will be received with the calls.

Your committee members are always available and willing to help. If you have suggestions for future training from the committee or even comments regarding the work of the committee visit the website at www.idahodispatch.com and click on “Contact Information” to contact your region’s representative.

Click the link below to read the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office story about how their dispatch center was able to assist a lost and stressed hiker.  Great job dispatchers!

Hiker Assistance