Communications Center

Our Regional Communications Center

The Murrieta Police Department Communications Center provides the highest quality service to both the Southwest Riverside County communities of Murrieta and Menifee. The center serves more than 200,000 residents combined and is a critical link between the community and first responders in the field. The Communication Center provides dispatch services to Murrieta and Menifee Police Departments and Murrieta Fire and Rescue. It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is budgeted for thirty-two (32) dispatchers, six (6) dispatch supervisors, and a communications manager. 

Call Handling 

Our communications center handles 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls for service, as well as radio communications for patrol officers and fire personnel. In 2021, Murrieta Dispatchers processed more than 231,000 incoming calls, including 64,000 9-1-1 calls. They are responsible for answering and responding to incoming calls, dispatching calls for service, responding to critical events, resource allocation, and providing emergency medical information as needed. Our dispatchers serve as the first line of contact who utilize the latest technologies to offer our communities the most efficient public safety service. 

Text to 9-1-1

Using a phone to dial 9-1-1 is still the most efficient way to reach emergency help. Text to 9-1-1 should be used when calling is not an option, if you are hearing/voice impaired, you are in a dangerous situation where you cannot speak, or during a medical emergency in which you are incapable of speech. To use Text to 9-1-1, enter 9-1-1 in the cell phone number "To" or "Recipient" field. In your text message, provide your location or location of the emergency, the nature of your emergency, and respond to any questions the dispatcher sends. Text to 9-1-1 is only in English, and translation services are unavailable now. The Text to 9-1-1 system will not accept pictures or videos. We ask that you not use emojis, acronyms, or abbreviations or send in a group message.

Training

The Murrieta Police Department hires lateral dispatchers with experience and knowledge in law enforcement and fire dispatching. Every dispatcher participates in a formal on-the-job training program on law and fire principles and must be competent in telephone techniques and radio procedures. In addition, each dispatcher receives training in Emergency Medical Dispatching, which provides pre-arrival medical advice necessary to preserve life. Our dispatchers are certified in Emergency Medical Dispatching and maintain state certification through California P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards Training).   The four (4) core skillsets that our dispatchers are required to master are:  

• Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP): Focuses on call-taking and interviewing techniques, as well as all phone, Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD), and records systems.
• Radio (Law): Teaches the basics of dispatching calls for service, dealing with critical radio incidents, and the workings of the radio system.
• Radio (Fire): Teaches the basics of dispatching Fire personnel to fire-related and medical calls for service, understanding fire terminology and resources.  
• Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD):  Allows the dispatcher to ask guided questions to access the type of medical or trauma, dispatch appropriate medical services and provide quality instructions to the caller before help arrives. 

Murrieta Public Safety dispatchers maintain their certification by participating in 24 hours of ongoing training every two years on the latest principles related to public safety. Additional opportunities and training for Murrieta dispatchers include tactical dispatching, hostage negotiations, leadership development, crisis intervention, and public relations.  

What is a Public Safety Dispatcher?

Public safety dispatchers play a vital role in law enforcement and the public safety system. Dispatchers are usually the first point of public contact for various emergency and non-emergency requests for service, including law enforcement and other related public safety incidents, such as medical emergencies and fires. They are responsible for facilitating a timely field unit response and providing information critical to the safety of the community and public safety field personnel. Their role is primarily information processing—obtaining, evaluating, and disseminating safety-related information. 

Have you thought of becoming a Public Safety Dispatcher?

The ideal dispatch candidate can think quickly under pressure and respond appropriately, has strong typing and data entry skills, and can multitask. Most importantly, they must have a desire and willingness to help others and have a servant's heart.     The hiring process includes:  

• Typing test – minimum typing ability of 40 words per minute
• CritiCall test – must have a passing score of 80% or better
  1. CritiCall is software that tests an applicant's job-related skills, such as data entry, multitasking, and decision-making. 
• Oral Interview

 Candidates who pass the first three test stages may be selected to begin the background process. More information on public safety dispatcher backgrounds can be found on the California POST website @ https://post.ca.gov.  

Fun Facts

• In 2021 there were almost 8,000 public safety dispatchers in California across 49 counties.  

• In 2020, the governor of California signed Assembly Bill 1945, classifying public safety dispatchers as first responders.