Hundreds of emergency dispatchers and 911 operators are off on long-term sick leave, but the RCMP has not hired replacements for many, union president says
The union that represents the RCMP’s emergency dispatchers and operators is calling on the force to come up with a recruitment plan to fix worsening staff shortages.
CUPE Local 104 president Kathleen Hippern said hundreds of people are off on long-term sick leave and knows of many more who are looking for an exit.When someone dials 911 and asks for police, Hippern said their members take the call and gather the information officers need to know before heading to a scene.Hippern said that few centres are fully staffed, specifying that in Nova Scotia, staffing is only at about 50 per cent.
She said morale is “abysmal” and she believes the lack of staff is affecting public safety by leaving callers sometimes waiting for minutes before someone is able to answer.The RCMP generally has been struggling to fill its vacancies for years, with hiring and training efforts also hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic recently.
The president of the National Police Federation, which represents RCMP officers, recently said some of the problem stems from the fact that people are applying to join the force at a slightly older age and members are retiring earlier. As the force prepares to mark its 150th anniversary next month, Hippern said it needs a strong recruitment strategy.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Union for 911 operators in RCMP calls for recruitment plan to address staff shortagesOTTAWA — The union that represents the RCMP's emergency dispatchers and 911 operators is calling for the force to come up with a recruitment plan to fix worsening staff shortages.
Read more »
Texas 911 dispatcher suspended after affairs with deputies revealed to bossA 911 dispatcher in Texas was suspended after her husband caught her sexting seven cops — two with whom she was having affairs — and revealed all to her boss.
Read more »
Texas 911 dispatcher suspended after affairs with deputies revealed to bossA 911 dispatcher in Texas was suspended after her husband caught her sexting seven cops — two with whom she was having affairs — and revealed all to her boss.
Read more »
Texas 911 dispatcher suspended after affairs with deputies revealed to bossA 911 dispatcher in Texas was suspended after her husband caught her sexting seven cops — two with whom she was having affairs — and revealed all to her boss.
Read more »
Rogers to run TTC wireless network, expand 911 and roll out 5G after acquisitionRogers will deliver wireless coverage in all 75 stations and almost 80 kilometres of Toronto’s subway system. Read more
Read more »