I thought I was done training. I joined my current agency with the intention of taking it 'easy' and putting in the time until I hit my retirement age.
Think again, Di.
I have been assigned to train our newest dispatch hire. Part of the preparation work included reviewing the training material our agency had and updating it to reflect the current job.
Way back when I started at the first law enforcement agency as a Public Safety Disaptcher (PSD), we didn't really use any computers except to check out vehicles for stolen status and registration. Everything else was recorded on paper in one form or another. Eventually that changed over time to computerized world. I must admit, I miss the simplistic life of plexiglass covered beat maps with card slots for units. "Keep me green." had a literal meaning which I have carried over to the CAD system by changing my personal colors to red & green as the homage to the old ways.
As before, going through policies & procedures was eye-opening. Going through drawers I found references that were older than I was. With the assistance of a warden, I modified the field training officer's manual. My future shadow would be the 'guinea pig' for our new Dispatcher Training Program utilizing a new manual, skills sign-off sheets, and a stack of updated hand-outs & tests.
Remember how you felt on your first day? Probably nervous, wanting to make a good first impression and excited to be starting your new job. As our new lady is experienced, she already had the basics down. Still, the difference between Department of Wildlife and her previous agency is like comparing a university police and the highway patrol. Both agencies have full police powers but they are responsible for completely different realms of law enforcement.
I was lucky in that we hit it off, not that a pesonality clash would have prevented me from working with my trainee. I learned long ago while working as an EMT, I don't have to like a person to work with them. In fact, one partner and I detested each other to the degree that we'd only speak during calls - the rest of the time we kept silent. The shifts we worked together made for very long days. Thankfully, he requested a transfer after a short time.
She's been a PSD for a fraction of the time that I've been one. It's refreshing to work with a person who's not burned out, has a clue, and still enjoys the work. Learning our Agency's way is challenging but she is up to the task meanwhile, I have to be on my toes. I can't bluff my way through the policies & procedures. I have to pay attention. There is no 'down time' for me right now. No calls or radio traffic? We review and practice. I see calls and radio traffic through her eyes. Her questions have merit and make me think of my own when I started here.
Why do we handle certain calls differently depending on the regions? What about various animal issues? Contracting law enforcement agencies? Boating season is upon us - what is an OUI (operating under the influence)? Why do wardens need assistance transporting arrestees (no cage cars)? Do we have K9 units (yes - contracting LEs).
That's okay. When she's clear I'll have another co-worker I can count on. The chances of getting a day off will increase because of the additional dispatch staff member. It's in my best interest to put out the effort to help her succeed.
I can't wait to see her on her own shift.