Dispatch demo software

[rasputen246]

:roll: OK, I know this may sound stupid.:?

Anyone ever find aome sort of software to track your PD and keep track of where & what is going on???
Kinda like a CAD system to "Play" dispatcher.

I just think sometimes I might want to go beyond writing notes of what officer is doing what, so when they report back I can understand what "traffic" they are talking about.

I know there are other "nuts" out there, who can really get into doing something meaningless & pointless while the jobs that need doing (chores) sit & wait. :shock:

 

[chris_a_rodgers]

I hear what you're saying, I've done what you're talking about before. But I didn't have any special programs to do it in. I was thinking about doing it in Microsoft Access but I'm not that skilled so I never finished it or even really started it.

 

[911scanner]

Here's a thought...

I'm in the middle of the hiring process for a 911 dispatcher position. I know the next step is a verbal interview panel. If you pass that, this county immeadiately takes you into a room to take practice 911 calls.

I guess my thought here is that they may have some sort of a "basic" or "practice" CAD type program for this part of the process.

If I get to that step (crossing ALL fingers & toes) then I'll post what kind of set-up I see. If it's something that looks usable, I ask where it's from.

Mark

 

[Scan-Denver]

Anyone ever find aome sort of software to track your PD and keep track of where & what is going on???
Kinda like a CAD system to "Play" dispatcher.

Try this link... http://www.911help.net-software-download.com/

 

[RolnCode3]

At one point I applied for a dispatcher position with one of the Sheriff's Depts. near Sacramento.

They administer a state mandated test (POST Dispatcher test) BEFORE oral boards are done.

Do not expect them to sit you at a computer and make you learn a computer system in addition to showcasing your calltaking skills. The test we took consisted of an audio recording, where you had to copy all the details you could. You were then given multiple choices and had to show that you had taken all the necessary details to complete whatever tasks were given to you. So, I highly doubt you'll be at a computer. That's the typing test. You'll probably have a pen and sheets of paper.

 

[911scanner]

Sorry for hijacking this thread gang...

Thanks for the thoughts & advice Bill. We already had something similar, although it's not a POST certification up here.

The last thing we did was sit in front of a video screen for 2hrs. watching simulated calls. While doing this, we had to take notes. The first portion of the test was choosing what the dispatcher should do. The second portion were questions based on our notes from the simulated calls.

Anyway, I'm sure you may be right, in that the step I was referring to may be just an extension of what the last portion was. I think they just want to see how you react under pressure.

And now....Back to your regularly scheduled thread

Mark

 

[crayon]

And now....Back to your regularly scheduled thread

zzzzzzzZZZZZzzzzzzZZZZZzzz

*snort**snort*

huh?what? Did I miss something?

 

[rasputen246]

Anyone ever find aome sort of software to track your PD and keep track of where & what is going on???
Kinda like a CAD system to "Play" dispatcher.

Try this link... http://www.911help.net-software-download.com/

Thank you!!!

I was thinking ya'll would think I am really wierd for asking this question. (You WOULD be correct) I guess I'm not the only one that wan'ts to play dispatcher.

BTW: I have been a Field Service Engineer for 22 years and have always been dispatched. Now we are just sent the calls on the pager & respond via computer, no more dispatchers to weasel out of calls by kissing up to or be dumped the bad ones for pi$$ing them off.

 

[TXFirefighter112]

I downloaded one of these programs once....it edited one of my system files and then made me restart the computer. Slight problem: windows wouldn't open. Had to reformat C:\, and F:\ (the drive I installed the program to) and then reinstall everything. Not sure why it caused problems with Windows, it said it was windows XP pro compatible.

 

[APS100]

I used to be a dispatcher, so I know what it's like. One of the programs that I trained on was called CrimeStar. You can do a search for Crimestar or Rad 911. I'm using both prgrams on my laptop right now just to "stay in touch with my skills". One feature that Crimestar offers is a report writing and Vehicle Mapping program. You can download a map of your state, and simulate VPL (Vehicle Positioning and Location).

That's cool!

 

[pills]

the only crimestar I found cost 1900. Is this the one you are using?

 

[TXFirefighter112]

E911Help works great!! One thing that I dont like about it is the inability to simultaneously put primary and backup units on a call. I am using it for tracking local FD so for every structure fire I have to input the call and then right click and add 6 back up units to the first due engine (3 engines 1 truck 1 medic 1 battalion and the air truck). You should be able to type the back up units into the "Back Up" field on the call card of the primary unit. Other than that it works great for my purposes.

Found another big thing that I dont like about this software. FD was just working a call. As I was entring data about the call, the program notified me that the time was 00:00 and the program would self terminate upon my clicking "OK." What good is a dispatch program that has to shut down every 24 hours no matter what is going on? The only reason it does shut down is so it can clear the incident board (luckily active calls remain instead of you having to type them all up again with new case numbers).

 

[TXFirefighter112]

www.crimestar.net/info.html

Free evaluation version of Crimestar