For the past several years, the Indiana State Police has recognized the pivotal role played by its telecommunications operators who are commonly referred to as regional dispatchers. They use telephones, radios, computers, and technical skills to answer calls for emergency assistance and dispatch first responders to the site of an emergency. They also provide support to field personnel, the general public, local police agencies, emergency medical services, the National Weather Service, and other governmental agencies.
April 13th through 19th is dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunications operators. In 1991, Congress proclaimed it as a national week of recognition.
Telecommunications operators, for the Indiana State Police, work from six regional dispatch centers located in Bloomington, Versailles, Fort Wayne, Lowell, Bristol (Toll Road) and Indianapolis. They are responsible for dispatching troopers and motor carrier inspectors to calls for service in 92 counties. Currently each regional dispatch center is allocated one regional manager, three regional supervisors, and several telecommunications operators (regional dispatchers).
Those selected as regional dispatchers with the Indiana State Police must pass a written and typing test before they are interviewed to be hired. They are required to remain composed in many different emergency situations and have the ability to speak calmly and clearly. They must be proficient in the many tools of their trade which range from computers, multi-line telephones, dispatching equipment, to a fax machine. Indiana State Police telecommunications operators are required to become certified in entering information in the Indiana Data and Communications System (IDACS) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC). They are also required to be certified in emergency medical dispatch.
Telecommunications operators working from Regional Dispatch Center I, located in Lowell, IN, at the Indiana State Police Toll Road Post, are responsible for dispatching troopers and motor carrier inspectors working from the Indiana State Police Lowell Post. The Lowell Post covers Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Pulaski and Starke Counties. Telecommunications operators assigned to Regional Dispatch Center I are also responsible for dispatching personnel assigned to the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post. The Lafayette Post covers White, Carroll, Clinton, Montgomery, Fountain, Warren, Benton, and Tippecanoe Counties.
Personnel assigned to Regional Dispatch Center I:
Regional Manager Trevor Stevens
Regional Supervisor Denice Bachorski
Regional Supervisor Deana Minto
Regional Dispatcher Diana Noble
Regional Dispatcher Julie Montano
Regional Dispatcher Vicki Brown
Regional Dispatcher Mary Stevens
Regional Dispatcher Mandy Panfil-Gottardo
Regional Dispatcher Michelle Marsh
Regional Dispatcher Jennifer Jordan
Regional Dispatcher Jonathan Cabral
Regional Dispatcher Samantha Wiening
Regional Dispatcher Curtis Barsic
Regional Dispatcher Chelsea Combs
Regional Dispatcher Tracey Maciejko