Training begins with three weeks in the classroom. Important topics include:

• Call codes
• Call priorities
• The Phonetic Alphabet
• Computer systems and phone systems

Following this first round of classroom training, you will be assigned a trainer on one of four teams. You will work alongside that team and trainer as you learn more about the job of a “Call Taker” in a practical setting. You will begin taking calls on both the non-emergent and 9-1-1 lines, initially listening and then transitioning in talking/typing the calls for service on your own. After approximately one month you will move into the dispatch portion of training.

Dispatch Training:

Dispatch training begins in the classroom and lasts about two weeks. Important topics include:

• Radio usage
• Standards relating to which officers to dispatch and how many
• Management of officer resources.

Following this round of classroom training you will return to your team and your trainer where you will continue with your phone training and dispatch training, usually on alternating days.

During your practical training in the Communications Centre you will be required to work the same shift pattern as your assigned team. This includes 12-hour dayshifts that can start as early as 6:30 a.m. (06:30 hrs) and nightshifts that often start at 6:30 p.m. (18:30 hrs).