Mission

To ensure officer and public safety comes first by giving assistance and information to the public and providing statewide radio dispatch services for the Arizona Department of Public Safety, emergency medical services, and other criminal justice agencies.

Overview

The Operational Communications (OpComm) Bureau of the Arizona Department of Public Safety has over (100) dispatch employees in three communication centers located statewide (Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Tucson) serving the needs of the motoring public and officers along Arizona's highways.

DPS dispatchers also dispatch for the emergency medical services communications system EMSCOM providing a vital communications link between field emergency medical personnel and statewide hospitals.

DPS dispatchers and 9-1-1 call takers possess a high level of integrity and motivation as well as a professional attitude and ability to handle stressful situations in a calm, efficient manner.   They answer emergency calls that require immediate action while taking general information calls regarding everything from road conditions to injured animals on the highway.   The DPS dispatchers work with computerized radio consoles, computer-aided dispatch (CAD), Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) mapping and other equipment that require constant monitoring.   They receive classroom instruction followed by on-the-job training that is both challenging and exciting.

Please view the OpComm video to learn more about DPS dispatching and 9-1-1 call taking.

Goals (FY2007-09)

1. Protect the public by reducing operational communications response time for 9-1-1.

2. Improve customer service by using a workload based staffing plan for budget requests.

3. Improve customer service by implementing a scheduled replacement plan for obsolete equipment, computers and other technology.

4. Provide employees with a minimum of (8) hour’s skill or professional development training.

A Message from the Bureau Manager - Debra D. Henry

Welcome to the Arizona Department of Public Safety Operational Communications (OpComm) Bureau Web Site.  I hope you will find this site informative and insightful.

The Operational Communications Bureau consists of over (100) hardworking, dedicated dispatch employees who provide life-saving services daily to the over five million people of Arizona.   Dispatching and 9-1-1 call taking is more than just a job; it is a profession that makes a significant contribution to society.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about OpComm and please send any questions or comments concerning this site to dhenry@azdps.gov.

Debra D. Henry, Bureau Manager
Operational Communications Bureau
Arizona Department of Public Safety

OpComm Dispatch Brochure

Click on the link for the brochure:  OpComm Dispatch Brochure  

Radio Talk Newsletter

Click on the link for the Newsletter.  You must know the password to view the Newsletter

Spring 2008 Newsletter  

December 2007 / January 2008 Newsletter