A street takeover event that occurred earlier this month at multiple locations across Austin highlighted the ongoing staffing shortage plaguing Austin's 911 call center.
Officials say there are 50 openings for 911 operators. FOX 7 Austin's Rebecca Thomas gets some insight from Mike Levy, who served on Austin's Public Safety Commission when it was formed.by initiating pay raises last year along with an additional stipend. according to a January 2023 memoThe City also launched the "largest hiring campaign" in Austin’s history this month to promote hard-to-fill positions, including 911 call center staff.
"We've made strides and are getting more applicants than at any time in recent history, but it takes time to hire them and to train them," said Chief Chacon during the street takeover press conference. "What makes it incredibly tough is that 911 call takers are mandated by state law to be TCOLE-licensed, as well as to be able to pass all of the background checks that are needed to be able to access criminal justice information.
to use to attract talent. Anecdotally, the association reports seeing a 30% shortage on average at 911 centers across the nation."We believe we are being as creative as we can to get as many folks, including not only holding people over from previous shifts, hiring very heavily on overtime, but I even have sworn staff that is in the 911 call center taking 911 calls right now instead of being out on the street," said Chief Chacon.
"Not only are we losing our call takers but many of our crime analysts are being hired by private companies," said Chief Chacon. Chief Chacon said he currently has 100 call-taker applicants in the pipeline and 75 dispatcher applicants. There are a combined 17 dispatchers and call takers currently being trained to fill those positions.for giving its emergency communications specialists, or 911 dispatchers, a 21.5% pay increase.According to the Grapevine Police Department, the higher pay "is part of a new hiring strategy to combat severe staffing shortages and recruit the most qualified candidates.
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