Getting to Know Your Board…

Priscilla Gomez

Training Director, Priscilla Gomez

I am proud to say that I work for the Sacramento Police Department. I am quickly approaching my 20 year anniversary as a dispatcher (Aug 20, 2010). I honestly cannot believe I have been on this roller coaster ride for 20 years.  As much as I complain about my long 4 day work weeks, there is no way to express how fast the past 20 years have gone by.  I still remember my very first day in our Dispatch Academy. There were 3 huge binders sitting in front of me and we were told that we would be expected to know everything in there. I wanted to walk out! And so, 20 years later, it's true. I do know everything in those binders...ok, well maybe not everything, but 99% of it!!!!

During my last 20 years I have tried to get involved in various aspects of the job to keep it fresh and interesting. I saw how the veteran dispatchers (names not mentioned as to protect the guilty) were very bitter, cranky, hated their jobs, and were rude to new people. I vowed never to be that way. I think it paid off a little too well, recently I was voted “Most Approachable" at work!

I can’t remember everything that I have been involved in over the years but let me walk down memory lane for a bit: Instructor at our Dispatch Academy, Communications Training Officer, Team Leader for 2 Dispatch Academies, Tactical Dispatcher, Supervisor, Tactical Dispatch Coordinator, worked the Olympic Trials Command Post (x2), worked the USDA Conference Command Post, served on the Dispatcher Awards Banquet Committee for many years, represented the Comm. center at Community Meetings, worked the booth at job fairs, helped create CTDA -CA Tactical Dispatcher Assoc, served as CTDA Annual Conference Registration Coordinator, team instructed Tactical Dispatch in Texas, helped coordinate the response to Oakland PD last year when 4 of their officers were shot and killed, in charge of portable radio equipment for the dept, took part in the creating of CAL-EDA and currently serve as Training Director.

Did I mention that I still have 15 years before retirement?

I am always doing something work related but I have tried to balance my life with non dispatch/police related aspects as well.  I have 3 BFF's that I have had for 22years that are in no way related to Law Enforcement. I like to call them my 'non work friends'. We love to get together as much as life allows us to (which isn't often enough) and do dinner , game nights, rent beach houses, take trips to Napa for wine & spa relaxation, or go camping. 

Since you asked for advice to give to new dispatchers...you did ask for it right??!!  Be patient and always give the best customer service you can. The people that call us are having the worst day of their lives at the time of their phone call. They don't need us to be condescending, rude, and judgmental....they need our help.  Also, make a conscious effort to bring a positive attitude to the work floor. It can be infectious. And finally, look for the good in what your coworkers do and commend them.  We have an inherently negative job, we get evaluated on a regular basis (sometimes daily) and we're told what we do wrong all the time and it can take a toll. Look for the positive and let someone know ...it can change the climate & culture in the Comm. Center!