Shannon Simmons stayed calm when a man called 911 and said he was holding back a friend who was trying to jump off a balcony. With the sounds of a struggle and breaking glass on the other end of the phone, Simmons kept the caller on the line and was able to get his location for responding police officers.
"I heard the officers arrive," said Simmons, a radio dispatcher for the Honolulu Police Department. "They got in and were able to get to the guy and help him pull his friend off the balcony."
It was one of many times Simmons helped someone in trouble in his job.
Now HPD is looking for others like Simmons — civilians with multitasking skills and a desire to help others — for 10 openings in police radio dispatch.
"You have to stay calm with this job," Simmons said Thursday during a news conference inside HPD’s call center about the recruitment drive. "You can’t let things get to you. … It is rewarding though, knowing that you help save lives."
Applications are being accepted — online only — through Thursday. According to the job description, requirements include having the ability to handle tasks in rapid succession, communicate clearly and calmly, and make sound decisions under stress. Pay begins at $33,720 and jumps to $37,980 after the first year. New hires must complete a one-year training academy for dispatchers.
Police Capt. Allan Nagata of HPD’s Communications Division said the new hires will join about 100 employees who handle calls to 911 and dispatch officers in the field.
"What we want is people with people skills because that is what it takes to do this job," he said. "You’ve got to want to help people because you need the patience to be able to deal with people."
He said the job may be a good fit for those looking to assist others but who don’t want to be police officers.
"They’re our angels," he said of dispatchers. "That’s the person (for officers) who’s your lifeline for aid, help or any other service that you may need."
Albert Battease, an operations supervisor in the call center, said about 20 employees work each shift and rotate positions, from handling the police radio to emergency calls to non-emergency calls.
"It’s very busy," Battease said. "Our dispatchers have to make a lot of split (second) decisions … juggling the importance of getting all that good information and also moving on to the next calls."
Battease, a military retiree, said he began working as a dispatcher 19 years ago and enjoys the job’s daily variety.
"It’s challenging when you’re on the radio, and you’ve got 20 units out there and multiple cases going on and you’re able to handle everything," he said. "That’s where the rewards come from."
Those interested can attend an information session from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at HPD headquarters. For more information or to apply, visit joinhonolulupd.org.
