REALITY wrote on Jul 16, 2008 1:21 PM:
" LAWENFORCEMENT CANNOT GURANTEE ANYONES SAFETY.. DO YOU REALLY WANT TO PUT YOUR LIVES IN OTHERS HANDS, NOT ME.. THIS COUNTY IS SO DYSFUNCTIONAL WE JUST NEED TO GO BACK TO THE OLD WEST. KCSO IS DOWN CAUSE PEOPLE DONT LIKE THE ADMINISTRATION. HERES A QUARTER CALL SOMEONE WHO CARES... "
long ago wrote on Jul 16, 2008 1:45 PM:
" I was employed at KCSO as a dispatcher long ago. Dispatchers work incredibly hard at multi-tasking, directing incoming phone calls, alerting fire/ambulance crews to emergency calls, communicating with the officers/other law enforcement agencies and get paid well for doing a job well done. It's hard work, but it was GREAT when I was in the work force many moons ago.
It seems to me that this is moving towards automated emergency. "push button 1 if this is truly a fire emergency." or worse (your loved one is in need of medical assistance ASAP) but you hear "your call is important to us, please hold on and the next available representative will be with you as soon as possible."
I can't stand automated stuff!
That is all "
Help wrote on Jul 16, 2008 2:42 PM:
" Has anyone contacted Lemooore PD to see what they think of this idea. I'm sure they will be billed more and not receive additional service. The County Supervisor's need to wake up and admit this a personnel thing between them and the Sheriff. Maybe a better choice would be a system that really works. Other agencies in the county are at least talking about getting a better system and not making another broken governmental budget breaker. "
Community Member wrote on Jul 16, 2008 3:06 PM:
" First of all the Board of Supervisors have no clue what it takes or all of the hard work that goes into dispatching. These dispatchers work around the clock to serve our community. The Board members say they dont think its functioning the way it should, but they have no idea what they are talking about. They have no experience in this field. If they really wanted to better serve the public the board should stick with their field of expertise. The members want to spend our money on something they know nothing about. What a JOKE! Other local cities want nothing to do with this plan and why would they. "
Saw it first hand wrote on Jul 16, 2008 3:25 PM:
" A step towards regional communication is a great step! I went on a ride-along a few times and it was next to impossible getting ahold of Hanford PD. I think the move to get it out of the Jordan castle and move it to neutral territory will only help the other cities get on board. The ultimate goal should be for all the cities and the county to merge into one center for quicker response and more coordiated efforts. I applaud the county supervisors for their vision and for taking this from one entity so that it can best serve the entire community. "
The Oracle Says... wrote on Jul 16, 2008 3:36 PM:
" Dispatch has been "broken" for a loooong time. So broken that the fire dept looked at ways to have CDF fire dispatch for them several years ago. Dispatch said they would do better, so they didnt leave. Its nominally under Sheriffs control, but no sworn deputy is actually running it...Its a civilian manager position, who believe that they dont "answer" to anyone. To really fix it, promote a new commander in charge of it and records, and place, rotationally, Sr Deputies on each shift, as the dispatch supervisor. If it stays same-same, only a lunatic city manager would sign off on handing over their comms to this historical dysfunction. In this manner, the Sheriff can maintain control, as he should of this critical infrastructure. But first he has to acknowledge the problem....First stop is go talk to the Fire chief and really learn what the historical problems are. If the Sheriff refuses to acknowledge any of this, then the BOS should act and create something new, and make it a county wide dispatch center. Oh and lest we forget, SPEND the money on a voting type comms system.. "
Moving wrote on Jul 16, 2008 3:49 PM:
" Glad I applied to be a dispatcher in other counties so I won't have to worry that my job is at stake and deal with all the political drama! "
Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 16, 2008 4:47 PM:
" I am for this idea, but I also think that if people would look into it, that there just might be some grant money or other funding through the Homeland Security Office for this move. Let's face it in the event of a terrorist attack do you really think Sheriff Jordan is capable of holding them off from his dispatch team. Why is it Jordan screams like a squished cat everytime someone tampers with his kingdom? I would think less responsibility would generate more concentration on other facets of policing and jailing and all the other responsibilities he has? They aren't asking him and Chief Mestas to give up their positions and merge, not yet anyway? I don't recall Tom Clark having all this problem with the BOS, correct me if I'm wrong? Sometimes as the receiver of budgeted funds you are often better off to be low key and less vocal. I don't know what he is complaining about, he is the one wanting to plop down early release centers in the heart of our communities. Like we are suppose to like that notion. "
Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 16, 2008 4:54 PM:
" I think everyone would be on board with an open communications network that invovlved all the county and city first responders. I would think in an emergency that would be an absolutely valuable resource. "
TO Saw it first hand wrote on Jul 16, 2008 4:59 PM:
" A few ride a longs with HPD doesn't give insight into dispatching. Go sit in dispatch on any of their shifts to get an idea of what truly goes on.
1). HPD have their own dispatchers, they aren't county..
2). KCSO have their dispatchers.
3). Dispatchers have MANY jobs & they are, all at the same time:
a. relay incoming calls to the appropriate places.
b. dispatch fire personnel to fires or medical emergencies & keep records of each call.
c. work with the beat officers over the radio for what they need, i.e., check a drivers record, check for warrants, etc.
d. answer 911 calls, patch callers to correct dept. such as ambulance or CHP.
e. Call out the coroner for a dead body & keep a log of it.
f. Change the recording tapes of each shift.
& don't forget about keeping track of pursuits WHILE doing all of the above.
FYI: KCSO dispatchers are the ones dispatching beat officers and fire for the city of Lemoore.
I concur with REALITY! "
Just a Thought wrote on Jul 16, 2008 6:10 PM:
" First of all, let me say that Joe Rose and Jordan are best of friends. No crediability with his comment. It must be broken, delayed response time with an injured citizen's life at stake? Like Oracle says, dispatch has been broken forever. How many crimes have NOT been solved due to incompetent dispatchers who work for a civilian. Put a uniform in there for some accountability or hwere is another option. Put a new uniform as the Sheriff so some confidence can be restored in that agency. "
No Regional Dispatch wrote on Jul 16, 2008 6:39 PM:
" But do something about HPD dispatch. "
Neves Behavior wrote on Jul 16, 2008 6:58 PM:
" Eiji,
Why did you leave out any mention of even greater importance, which is Supervisor Neve's behavior?
I grew up in Kings County and returned about 6 months ago. In that short amount of time, I have heard many stories concerning Supervisor Neves "Yosemite Sam" type behavior. He reportedly directed improper comments towards Sherriff Jordan that SHOULD have been included in your article.
We must demand professional behavior from those elected to REPRESENT us. If Neves acts like a clown, what type of example is he setting for other County employees and what type of message is he sending to folks from other areas.
I am reminded of Bob Lung, who was a City Council Member in Fresno during part of my time there. He was also a person with a fat mouth and a fat body that he used to physically intimidate people. We don't need that type of bully arrogance here! "
Big Brother Patrol wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:34 PM:
" First let me say the cities are not interested in consolidating, that should be the first flag and why the Sentinel chose the headline they did is inserting opinion in the article. Unless they are just doing what the BOS tells them to do. Anyhow, If the county reorganizes that isn't one step closer to consolidation when the cities have made it clear they aren't interested. The county wants to build a new dispatch and they want the cities to pay for it. That simple! They also want to please the fire chief because he is Spikes' boy and the Sheriff isn't. Sounds childish huh? It is that simple. These other cities aren't going to snuggle closer to the county...they are so dysfunctional as it is. They are trying to plug the holes in their budget and they want to use the cityies as revenue. When this is all over, Spikes will be looking for another job, there will be at least a couple of new board members, fire chief will retire and the rest of the municipalities in the county will have lost what little trust they may have ever had. Big Brother is sinking. "
agree with behavior wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:46 PM:
" Neves does all of his work behind the scenes, he never has an up front objective discussion in public. Same with Olivera. This is all going to catch up to them. Taylor is trying to save her BOS job, not truly have a position. She wil turn in a second. This issue is a terrible idea and hasn't even been studied. Who says this is a good idea, Spikes, the BOS? What the heck do they know. This is typical county politics and has nothing, I repeat, NOTHING to do with public safety or efficiency. I know th esheriff isn't the greatest leader in the world but I have to admit he is right to resist this. Side note: What an insult to the hard working dispatchers and the city leaders in hanford, corcoran and lemoore. Kings county leadership has officially lost the last drop of credibility. "
Dont believe it... wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:48 PM:
" .... when people (Oracle, and others) say it will only work with a sworn deputy oversseing dispatch. I'm not sure where that's coming from but that has nothing to do with it. Dispatch may have problems but they are not related to not having a deputy involved. The problem with fire is one of their procedures and codes being different than the Sheriff. And, since the Sheriff is a larger agency they feel they are not getting good service. But it's not related to the quality of the dispatchers. I don't know if there's a management issue or not - there seems to be in other areas of the SO so why wouldn't this area have them too. A civilian is just as accountable as a deputy. A deputy, on the other hand, may not want to be there - did they sign on to be a dispatch supervisor or a peace officer? The reason for a civilian is so you have continuity from someone hired to do that job specifically.
Just seems like another opportunity for Oracle to make a plug for his/her union. "
Justice wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:56 PM:
" To Just a thought
First of all let me just say that Joe Neves a volunteer firefighter, who also happens to be on the Board of Supervisors is a supporter of this. The articles say that The fire department/ fire chief has issues with Kings County. Could it be that Yosemite Sam is trying to throw his "weight" around by teaming up with his fire department colleges? Is this Justice? You say the Jordan and Rose are friends, so what. They are not doing the good ol boy policy like we see here with a volunteer firefighter who is on the BOS, who is pushing for something the fire department wants. This is not justice, this is bullying at its finest. It sound like the fire department has the issue, maybe they are not competent. "
Holy Moly.... wrote on Jul 16, 2008 11:07 PM:
" This is huge news citizens of Kings County. Sheriff's Department now closer to losing control of Dispatch. The Sheriff's department has lost so many quailified personnel recently and they have also lost there S.W.A.T. Team. I say lets vote to bring in an outside source to find out what the problem is that is causing the Sheriff's Department to be so mismanged. "
Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:12 AM:
" To all concerned: Slow down take the personal agendas out of all of this and someone please explain to me once and for all what happens in the event of an emergency disaster in this community. Who dispatches what from where and how do the first responders get the word? Once the responders have arrived how do they report their findings to those in charge if there is no communication network between Hanford, Lemoore, Corcoran to the county? I'd like to make a suggestion why doesn't the BOS along with Sheriff Jordan, Chief Mestas and Lemoore's current Police Chief travel 18 miles to the east and meet with Tulare County which contains far more cities than ours and see what they have for communications for and between departments? Simple solution, do they have one system or several inter locking one's that can communicate? Check it out quit hiding behind your personal agendas and seek out the information necessary to make the decision and then make it once and for all. If not Visalia another city in California with a like problem that has addressed it already, find a model first. "
The Oracle Says... wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:43 AM:
" PERFECT EXAMPLE from "dont believe it"...Quote, "And, since the Sheriff is a larger agency they feel they are not getting good service." Here is a news flash for you...Dispatch is UNDER the control of the Sheriff's office. That just says it all doesnt it. A department that is controlled by the Sheriffs office, wears a Sheriffs office patch, wont provide service that is acceptable to the agency that controls it. Thus my comment that they and the past comm director, had the idea that they were not beholding to anyone. If the S.O. or fire said hey, we need this dispatched this way...tough luck, its going to be this way. The ONLY way to get control of this situation is to put sworn officers running it. Yes, deputies did not sign up to be dispatchers...but they didnt sign up to be dog catchers either. Dispatchers are going to scream about this, as they do not want the oversight. Truth is, every large dispatch center has sworn officers as supervisors. They know what field units need. This has NOTHING to do with politics..Its public/officer/firefighter safety issues. "
I was there wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:54 AM:
" I went to the BOS meeting and heard every word first-hand. How many of you venting actually went to the meeting? Well I was there, and let me tell you, even though I'm not a fan of Sheriff Jordan, I was embarassed for the man. In my opinion, he made a fool of himself and his department with his argument against an independent dispatch center. It was clear to me that his only concern was to maintain his "kingdom" as it is. The sheriff is taking this whole thing as a personal attack against him, he's not concerned with what's best for the people of Kings County. Public safety should be the number one priority of a dispatch center, regardless of who is in charge of it. An independent dispatch center that is run by someone with the technical knowlegde and leadership ability to do it right can only benefit the county. "
Insider wrote on Jul 17, 2008 9:38 AM:
" I will keep it short. Don't trust what the board and Spikes are trying to do. They are not concerned at all about improving service. "
I checked wrote on Jul 17, 2008 9:42 AM:
" There are several different agencies in Tulare County thathave communications. They are not interested in consolidating. Whoever mentioned that having one center is a bad idea when there is a disaster and that center goes down...people could die. All of the communication departments in Kings County can already communicate. I have been on ride-a-longs and have heard all of the other agencies on the officers radio. "
Taps wrote on Jul 17, 2008 9:55 AM:
" I love it! The USS County is finally going down. Man the life boats, shoot flares, call dispatch and have them radio for help, if they aren't on strike, we need a deputy, if they aren't all laid off...gentlemen it has been a pleasure performing with you... "
JJ wrote on Jul 17, 2008 10:13 AM:
" Jordan isn't trying to hang on to his empire...This is the way dispatch has operated for many years. It used to be separated from the S.O. but was brought back under the umbrella because it wasn't working. There would be no dispatch without public safety. The two go together. Why not have Spikes answer to Hanford City council. Don't be so hard on Jordan. Do you think Marvin would have went for this? NO! He would have been right up there telling the BOS it is a bad idea. Jordan is right, the other cities are right and Spikes, BOS and company are wrong and will ultimately hurt their careers by trying to push so hard on this issue. Just train dispatch to speak fire or train fire to speak 10-code and all is solved. If you need a new dispatch Mr. Spikes, then manage county finances better and you will have the money to build one. "
disappointed wrote on Jul 17, 2008 10:55 AM:
" For some reason BOS seem to think if they put a deputy in dispatch the problems will be solved, or that they will have “good service”. I don’t know anything about dispatching, but that sounds ridiculous. Being an officer is different than dealing with all the issues that go with dispatching. To me it sounds like the BOS is disrespectful. If I were a dispatcher or worked for Kings County Sheriff’s Offices I would be offended. In my opinion the BOS needs to have some better manners. These people are suppose to set good examples for the community, but I don’t think they are. The BOS are calling people incompetent that work hard for the community. They gave out a lot of put downs. I hate to say it but from reading all the blogs this sounds like a personal/ political agenda only, that is using blame as a leg to stand on. It also sounds like the BOS is trying to portray a certain image about another party. I am not on any side, but I want to read unbiased material. I am disappointed with our elected BOS's disrespect. "
Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 17, 2008 11:40 AM:
" Oracle your comments are not making any more sense than the Sheriff did, and I have news for you there are dispatch centers all across the nation who are performing their duties without a sworn officer telling them how to do it. So your argument there is not holding water. If you feel so adomant about an experienced Officer being in charge why couldn't it be a Sworn Firefighter or Paramedic from the Fire Department in charge they know what's needed in the field. Better yet why couldn't a retired former law enforcement Officer be in charge of the dispatch center. Oh and here is one, why can't we recruit somone who has ran a dispatch center involving more than one department/agency before and put them in charge. Your acting like a spoiled child who has to have it his way or now way, what's next you take your ball and run home. Do you have a T-shirt that says; "Does not play well with others"? I always thought the partners in the field were what law enforcement relied upon, not dispatchers? Not taking anything away from Dispatchers, there. "
AMAZING wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:52 PM:
" TO ALL THE NEGATIVE PEOPLE WHO COMMENT AND BAD MOUTH ALL THE PEOPLE RUNNING OUR COMMUNITY AND COUNTY-- GET A LIFE!!! YOU MOAN & GROAN SO MUCH, IF YOU CAN DO A BETTER JOB DO IT! DONT YOU EVER HAVE ANY THING POSITIVE TO SAY? ITS ALWAYS THE SAME PEOPLE THAT HAVE A WHOLE MOUTH FOOL OF CRAP TO SAY. THESE SAME PEOPLE MUST BE ON THE COMPUTER ALL DAY. GET A LIFE, IF YOU WANT THE JOB, GET ON THE BALLOT! YOU SEE ALL THESE PEOPLE YOU BADMOUTH FROM CITY COUNCIL, KINGS COUNTY SHERIFF, BOARD OF SUPS, EVEN THE LITTLE LEAGUE BOARD. THESE INDIVIDUALS ALL ARE ELECTED BY YOU!! I THINK I KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, YOUR PROBABLY NOT WELL LIKED IN YOUR FAMILY BECAUSE YOUR SO NEGATIVE. ILL PRAY FOR YOU AND MAYBE THAT WILL BRING YOU ALL SOME POSITIVE ENCOURAGEMENT. GET OFF THE COMPUTER AND MAKE THE DIFFERENCE YOU CLEARLY SAY WE NEED. GOOD LUCK!!! "
Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 17, 2008 4:27 PM:
" AMAZING wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:52 PM
Just set down take a nerve pill and then tell us what's really on your mind. Of course the people on here are the same for the most part this is a blog, welcome to reality.: "
No Caps Please wrote on Jul 17, 2008 5:11 PM:
" Its too hard to read ALL CAPS. I for one skip the ALL CAPS blogs. Just an opinion. I want to know what you have to say, just do it in reguralr caps. Thank you! "
ALEJANDRO wrote on Jul 17, 2008 5:24 PM:
" Hey Watchdog, I guess ignorance is bliss, eh?
I couldn't help but laugh out loud:
"MOUTH FOOL?"
That would be a great moniker if I ever wanted to go deep cover. "
MOUTH FOOL wrote on Jul 17, 2008 5:43 PM:
" See...looks good, don't it? "
At it again wrote on Jul 17, 2008 7:23 PM:
" The County is at it again. They want to run everything in this county and put the price tag off on the backs of the cities. They don't get it, the Cities don't want the county to run City affairs. The County never provides the level of service that City departments do. Also, City departments do if for less $$, because the County does not know how to manage anything.
With that said, I do believe that open discussion of change is healthy and I believe the change we should start talking about is the CAO. He is primarily responsible for the Led Zeppelin we refer to as the County. He is a nice guy, but an inefficient manager who is ruining the County of Kings.
Final thought to the County.....Stay out of the affairs of the Cities, they are managing their affairs much better than you so they don't want your so called help!!!!!!!!! "
Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 17, 2008 9:50 PM:
" Hey Alejandro - now come on you know MOUTH FOOL is Jeff, dandre', dose's, nicknames quit trying to steal their monikers. Sometimes I make myself laugh out loud. LMAO. "
to at it again wrote on Jul 18, 2008 12:16 AM:
" Well said... "
Sad time wrote on Jul 18, 2008 12:39 AM:
" The county really is in sad shape. The leadership is at an-all time low, they can't even hide the tomfoolery any longer. I hear so many terrible comments lately about the county, the BOS and the leadership. It is truly at rock bottom. I really hope Spikes moves on and I hope there is a change in the BOS so the county can start rebuilding and regain some credibility. Especially with the various cities. Spikes you and your crew should be ashamed the way you conduct business. It is slippery and unprofessional to say the least. The truly sad part of it all is the good employees that are caught up in this very bad situation. They don't deserve to have their lives/careers yanked around in your overgrown chess match. You guys are really going too far and I suspect the other comments here are correct...there will be a change in leadership come from this trash. To the county line employees, to include the dispatchers, hang in there, it will get better as soon as the leadership changes. Truly sad! "
just curious wrote on Jul 18, 2008 12:50 AM:
" Anyone know how many BOS have actually been in the county dispatch or any dispatch for that matter? Also, have not read that the Sentinel has sought any comments from the elected officials in the cities. Seems they have either worked a deal already or the BOS / Spikes have some real nerve and just figure they will be the playground bully and do as they wish. How can an elected BOS even talk about consolidation when they have had no public (to my knowledge) discussion with Lemoore, Corcoran, Hanford and Avenal City Council? If they have had a discussion it does not appear that it is public and that warrants an inquiry and if they haven't it may still warrant an inquiry. I think the Grand Jury should review any and all contracts that the county has with other municipalities and/or jurisdictions. I'm curious. "
been there wrote on Jul 18, 2008 9:29 AM:
" Has anyone from the BOS or County Administration been into dispatch. Has anyone that has been blogging been to a dispatch center and talked with the dispatchers or spend a full 12 hours on a Friday night with them to see what they do? Doubtful. Dispatchers at Kings County are trained. They must attend a 3 week POST academy. They must have 24 hours of training every two years. If the county wants to take the dispatch center maybe their study sessions should include dispatch. I know of two consolidated centers in Calif. One in Santa Cruz that is privately owned and the cities pay them to dispatch because the cities are two small too have their own centers. One in Shasta. One half is ran by the Sheriff's dept and one ran by the different police depts. These dispatchers are NOT cross trained to run different cities or the county. The dispatchers in Kings County are not broken. Maybe the grand juy should look at the conflict of interest between a BOS member being a volunteer firefighter and being an elected offical. "
Dispatcher wrote on Jul 18, 2008 2:23 PM:
" As a dispatcher I am angry at this article. It doesn't matter what center you dispatch in all dispatchers should be closing ranks and fighting these acusations. The blogs that have been written are shameful. People have a misconception of what a dispatcher does. They believe we are not trained. I can show you a stack of certificates of the different trainings I have. Until you have walked in my shoes and have done your homework you have nothing to say of any interest. To any deputy, officer or firefighter that feel the center could be run better by sworn personnel or a firefighter. Again, this would be a misconception. We are each trained in different areas. What does need to happen is people need to take responsibility for their actions. When an error is made on responding personnel end they need to act as an adult and take responsibility. Dispatchers dispatch the units. How long it takes the unit to get there is their responsibility. Dispatch is a life line to responding public safety. Stand behind the dispatchers. "
What the wrote on Jul 18, 2008 2:36 PM:
" BOS sounds like you are upset with the Sheriff and you are taking out your dislike on employees of Kings County. The dispatchers are trained. If you think there are dispatchers out there that are more trained than your dispatch center you have not sat in on the interview process. Most dispatch centers in the state are understaffed. Dispatch is a tough job. Dispatchers listen to it all. They don't get a call that is pleasant. When someone is calling a dispatch center they are not having a good day. Sometimes it is to complain about their neighbor, the dog barking, the bathrooms at a park that are dirty, a caller who's husband/wife has not woke up, a caller who's child has drowned, a child upset and crying because his mom and dad are hitting each other. No one calls dispatch to say thank you for sending someone. They thank the police officer or fire fighter but the dispatcher just goes on to the next call. Police Officers/Deputies/Firefighters do what is right and stand behind your dispatchers. Don't let the fire chief and the BOS do this. "
ALEJANDRO wrote on Jul 18, 2008 4:09 PM:
" Why doesn't the Sentinel do a story on this important life safety issue for the residents of Kings County?
It would make good press as well as inform the public as to the facts behind the issue.
The sheriff could then comment directly and tell the public why his solution - to do nothing - is best.
Continual process improvement is the essence of quality of service, folks. "
Think About it wrote on Jul 18, 2008 4:19 PM:
" Consolidated means just that. Not one department dispatching for all. Just like the last blogger said, in Santa Cruz County they have a Consolidated Dispatch Center where Under One Roof you have dispatchers from the the County, Hanford, Lemoore, Corcoran, Medical and Fire. You people have the concept all wrong. Under one roof means better communication to all in the field and between departments. Why do you you think the BOS is picking away at Sheriff' Jordans' responsibility? Because they now see Jordan is incompetent and cannot manage anything. They see he's ruined his department and now it's bleeding over to the dispatch center. Soon you will read that Lemoore Police will end their 30 years of having the County dispatch for Lemoore because now Lemoore sees that Jordan is incompetent. The BOS kows this and is trying to save as much as they can in the two years Jordan has left. Think about it before you start blaming the BOS. It all started after Jordan got elected. "
wow wrote on Jul 18, 2008 4:49 PM:
" i am still waiting to hear what is broken at the dispatch center. I have not heard anyone from the BOS say, while I was sitting in the dispatch center observing.I would suppose that is because they have never sat down and put a headset on. I am sure when one of the BOS members passes through during a holiday, they have gathered enough information and knowledge on how the dispatch center is ran to be able to say "I personally don't think it is being run the way it should". I wonder if they would be able to find the phone. "
wow part wrote on Jul 18, 2008 5:12 PM:
" I think the real issue needs to be addressed and stop putting the blame on the dispatchers. Someone has a problem with the Sheriff, So i guess the BOS will show him by taking away dispatch. If that is the case go ahead but Stop bad mouthing the dispatchers. Maybe the BOS could give a little insite on what exactly needs to be done to make a great dispatch center. I do not think that the BOS will spend the money to change the dispatch center. If the BOS is counting on corcoran pd, lemoore pd and hanford pd, they better make smart decisions. What agency would want a combined dispatch center with a BOS that talks so badly about the dispatchers. i wouldn't "
kcso dispatcher wrote on Jul 18, 2008 5:31 PM:
" think about it. I do believe that BOS said in the Hanford Sentinel that is not so much about saving money but to have highly trained professional dispatchers on duty 24hours a day 365 days a week. I am a dispatcher and I am highly trained. we are there 365 days a year 24/7. If the issue is with the Sheriff take it up with him. Do not be little what i do or try to say I do not do my job. I care very much and love my job. I think that people need to start leading from the front. take some responsibility for your actions. Stop talking badly about the dispatchers and take care of your issues with the Sheriff not dispatch. just remember when you are talking bad about us we are in the dispatcher center still doing our jobs. "
Dispatcher II wrote on Jul 18, 2008 8:22 PM:
" My question to the BOS and Larry Spikes is where are you people on Christmas Day when a child calls in crying because his father is beating his mother, or when we get a call of a child that has been molested, or from a mother who's child is not breathing? Dispatch goes above and beyond their call of duty. For those of you who know nothing about dispatchers, we are the ones who make Christmas a little more happier for the elderly people on the RUOK Program by delivering them baskets. We are the ones taking Easter Baskets to two girls that had been molested and CPS could not find a placement for them.BOS and Larry Spike I welcome you to come and do a sit a long on a friday night for a 12hr shift. Yes we are the ones that chose this job but we did not choose for our employer /BOS to belittle us and rub our faces in the mud. We are competent, highly trained,and professional dispatchers with great leadership qualities-BOS and Larry Spikes you could learn a lot from us dispatchers. "
Bad Bad BOS wrote on Jul 18, 2008 8:31 PM:
" The board doesn't have any single argument because they are trying to pull one over on the public. If the debate calls for saving money, they use that, if it calls for service levels, they use that. This is not a good idea at all and "Think about it" is completely wrong. The county wants to put their financial problems on the cities and wants to call the shots. Lemoore's issues are likely with the whole county...not the sheriff. Santa Cruz is a bad example. They consolidated because they had other issues. On the surface consolidation seems like a good deal for the citizens but it is not in this case. If you asked them to consolidate and build it in Lemoore or Corcoran and let either of thoise cities run it they would resist that. They want a new dispatch for the poor fire chief who can't teach his guys to use the 10-code. The county is straight up wrong and in the end it will surface. Sheriffs come and go, why would you break the bank and ruin relationships with everyone for a sheriff that has 2yrs. left. Flawed! "
To Dispatchers wrote on Jul 18, 2008 8:34 PM:
" The dispatchers need to get their friends, family and community members to every board meeting and let them look you in the eyes when they spew their garbage and the deputies and other law enforcement need to support them. BOS is wrong and is being guided by a CAO who has lost his ability to lead. Time to retire Spikes. "
Listen People- wrote on Jul 18, 2008 9:08 PM:
" There is nothing wrong with Kings County Dispatch. They are a bunch of professional dispatchers who the BOS is attempting to save from Jordan's failures! I do hope it's taken from him before he ruins Kings County Dispatch like he has already ruined the Sheriff's Department. If Lemoore plans to pull out of Kings County Dispatch soon they are smart and obvious see how Jordan is ruining everything he is responsible for. It's funny that the bloggers on here just thought it was a bunch of whinnying deputies in past blogs but now you see it's spreading like a disease and not just confined to the Sheriff's department anymore. If the BOS is smart, they would also take Animal Control from Jordan also before that department crumbles too. OPEN YOUR EYES, It's JORDAN the BOS is really after not dispatch. They care enough to not see those professionals suffer under a worthless, incompetent elected official who we call a Sheriff. "
FYI VOTERS wrote on Jul 18, 2008 9:26 PM:
" FYI voters, Mr. Rose is a Jordan Clone so be careful come election time. I'm telling you right now, you don't want him and if you were considering it , you are making a huge mistake. You think the BOS are messed up now, just wait, if Mr. Rose got in there is would be a total disaster for this county. What should actually happen so that this disease doesn't spread is --- Someone needs to get brave, organize, and start the Impeachment process against Jordan. If this was to happen the BOS wouldn't have to take the extreme measures they are doing! "
IDEA wrote on Jul 18, 2008 9:29 PM:
" Let's save the BOS their efforts and impeach Chris Jordan. My buck is on TIM REVIOUS For SHERIFF. He'd straighten up that department in a flash. "
Inside the Fire wrote on Jul 19, 2008 12:43 AM:
" In addition to removing dispatch from Sheriff Jordan's control the BOS need to remove the entire Sheriff's Office from his control. Do the citizens of Kings County realize there is no longer a SWAT team in the Sheriff's Office? In fact Sheriff Jordan has gone through two, count'em two SWAT teams since taking office in January 07. Within a few months of taking office several members left the team and most of the remaining members left the department altogether. This forced Jordan to start over with only a few of the original members left. The county spent many thousands of dollars to build a new team. Sadly in less than a year this team fell apart due to poor leadership and in now disbanded. This would be an interesting story for the paper to look into. "
To BOS wrote on Jul 19, 2008 1:41 AM:
" I see what you people are attempting to do, but you started off on the wrong foot. In the process of trying to take another division under Sheriff Jordan's control, you slapped the ones in the face whom you are trying to save. I suggest, instead of beating around the bush that you come out first by apologizing the the County Dispatchers then truthfully stating your actual intentions. Openly state the BOS has NO CONFIDENCE in SHERIFF JORDAN's abilities to manage the office he was elected to. Believe me, you will be more respected if you were to just honest instead of flubbing up an excuse for wanting to take dispatch away from him. If the BOS was truthful and admitted their intentions, I bet you a cup of coffee (at Starbucks) that all law enforcement and a heck of a lot of citizens in this county would praise and respect you more! Think about it, be tough and let's just be honest for a change and don't forget it's you who is the VOICE for us citizens in these terrible times! "
Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 19, 2008 2:18 AM:
" Can someone please fill me in on what happened at the river and why it took so long to respond to an emergency there. It's just kind of been glossed over, with no detail of the outcome or any reasons given for the delayed response time. "
Come on wrote on Jul 19, 2008 10:15 AM:
" This isn't just about the sheriff. The BOS and Spikes want to build a new dispatch and have no money. So they have this cracked plan of doing it with the cities money. At this very moment they are pushing their re entry agenda on the cities to get money for the jail expansion. They can't do it themselves so they bully cities to make them come up with solutions for them. Just watch...they will be increasing contract prices by huge percentages this year to plug the holes in their budget. Spikes and the BOS can't lead the county any longer, they are not effective and thre must be a change for the county to recover from its rock bottom position. By the way...Revious is probably the worst choice for Sheriff and by the time a recall is organized Jordan's term will already be up. Everyone chill and wait and see who runs...then make up your mind. For now, keep the BOS and Spikes from screwing up the county any more than they already have. "
Just a point wrote on Jul 19, 2008 10:58 AM:
" Cities with communications receive money from the state to help with maintaing equipment etc. That money is based on 9-1-1 calls. For many years now the state has been working on E9-1-1 where 9-1-1 calls coming from cell phones would go directly to the jurisdiction in which the call is being made. This cuts CHP out of the loop and makes for a faster response etc. The cities are begining to see the cell companies come on line now and soon all carriers will be on line for the communications department to receive these additional calls. This is a good thing. What this does is increase the 9-1-1 calls thus increasing the state money that comes with it. The county would not receive these additional calls except for maybe Avenal & Armona. If the county dispatched for all of the cities they would not only get a new dispatch built by cities and their tax payers, they would get this 9-1-1 money as well. I think if you cut away the issues with Jordan, take out the BOS/Spikes junk and just look at it from all angles it is a bad idea to consolidate "
Why Sentinel wrote on Jul 19, 2008 11:37 PM:
" After reading all these blogs and others that deal with the failure of Chris Jordan as Sheriff, Why is it the Hanford Sentinel has not written one article about what's going on over there. Now with the failure of two SWAT teams, a heck of a lot of deputies who have left, and the dispatch topic, why hasn't this paper even looked into all these failures. Put your investigative reporting to work and lets see what you conclude as to the real problem over at the sheriff's department. "
to watchdog fred wrote on Jul 20, 2008 12:14 AM:
" kings county fire does not employ any paramedics.
all paramedic services are employed and run by American ambulance and avenal ambulance.
all ems dispatch is ran by American ambulance by highly trained ems call takers and dispatchers that know how to give life saving info by people that want to be there not by someone who has been pushed into the job. kings county gave up this responsibility 13-14 years ago because they were smart enough to know the community would be better served. "
Consolidation wrote on Jul 20, 2008 2:01 AM:
" Consolidation is not the answer. Dispatchers in this county including the cities can speak to each quickly and easily. The dispatch center has a mapping system that shows the whole county so that dispatch knows exactly where the officers/deputies need to go. When the generator went down last year nothing was lost inside the dispatch center. Communications stayed up because of the backup battery system that was in place. Why did the generator go down in the first place? Because it was over 20 years old. The sheriff's dept did not have anything to do with the generator, that was under the direction of the public works dept. When you ask public works why the generator quit working, stop by dispatch and explain it to them because they have never been given a straight answer. But citizens of Kings County please know that the phone system, computers, and radios NEVER went down contrary to what people said last year. The communications with the outlying areas were never jeopardized. We had dedicated professional dispatchers who called out the appropriate departments to get the problem fixed. "
Consolidation cont... wrote on Jul 20, 2008 2:11 AM:
" How would consolidation have helped in this matter? If Kings County was consolidated with all of the cities and the generator went down and no battery back up was in place then where would our communications be? Dispatch centers have alternate Public Safety Answering Points just in case something should happen to the dispatch center. Right now Corcoran backs up Kings County, Kings County backs up Corcoran and the Naval Air Station. Consolidation may be a good thing and it may not. I'm willing to try anything, but under who's direction would it be? Because I don't believe any dispatcher in their right mind would want to have Kings County administration staff as their boss. They have already seen how well County Administration stands behind their employees.
Dispatchers are not the only employees who should be outraged by the statements of the BOS and Spikes. So should any department within Kings County. If the BOS and Spikes gets angry with another department what will stop them from doing this to other employees. How can the county expect dedication when they publicly humiliate their employees. Hostile work enviroment? "
No Idea wrote on Jul 20, 2008 7:42 AM:
" You people have no idea what's really happening in the KCSO under Sheriff Jordan's "leadership"............. Believe me, when it all comes out eventually, and it will very soon, those of you supporting the sheriff now will be washing your hands of him and back-pedaling faster than you can say "I don't dance". "
DL wrote on Jul 20, 2008 11:37 AM:
" Nowhere does it say that existing dispatchers will be fired or that they are doing a poor job. All this article implies is that the County is growing and planning a more efficient system could be a good idea. If the problem was the dispatchers they would just be fired. The article says the dispatch system could improve. I realize people get sensitive when their jobs are implicated but you dispatchers are a little over sensitive here. Nor would the County control such a system if the cities joined. They would manage it jointly. Lets not project all of our issues on to this article. No reason to freak yet. "
what are we talking about here wrote on Jul 20, 2008 7:35 PM:
" why are we acting like we are some big metropolitan area that needs this kind of coordinated approach to communications and dispatching? if the chief's of police and sheriff are not in favor of this grand idea, and they ARE NOT in favor of it, the old addage comes to mind, "if it aint broke dont fix it!"
as far as services are concerned, a regional dispatch center will not in and of itself guarentee a better response time to calls, only more manpower can help improve that.
right now in hanford there are 4 officers and a supervisor on duty for the entire city. if the citizens want a better, quicker response, the city will have to hire more officers, plain and simple! "
R U Kidding wrote on Jul 20, 2008 9:11 PM:
" What do you mean "jointly?" No one wants to "join" with the County. It is dysfunctional! Sentinel, if you really want a story research what the County is charging for other services and how that impacts city budgets. The County is the ultimate playground bully. They want heir way and don't care what problems it causes. This has nothing to do with better services. The County doesn't know how to provide "better services" they can't even provide basic services. Spikes needs to leave, the BOS needs to be diluted, Kilner needs to retire and only then will there be a start to rebuild. This isn't just about the Sheriff...That is part of it, not the whole issue. But I guarantee you the BOS isn't trying to help anyone but themselves. "
A little History... wrote on Jul 20, 2008 10:25 PM:
" Well I have read these blogs and some of you are right. Yes I have been to the Kings County Dispatch Center. For those of you that have been here very long, you will remember that it used to be on the top floor of the old County Hospital. My mother was a dispatcher for 20 years and as a child, I spent hundreds of hours sitting at an empty console doing my homework while three or more dispatchers did their jobs. The dispatch center and radio shop used to be under the control of a single "Communications Officer". It wasn't until the Sherriff's Dept took over that the problems began. The Sherriff combined the Records Division and Dispatch and appointed the Records Supervisor (who had never dispatched a day in her life) to manage the dipatchers. The new Dispatch Supervisor began to implement changes based soley on what the Sherriff' wanted, without imput on whether or not it would work. it was at that point the City of Hanford withdrew the Fire dispatching responsibility from the County. Everybody involved, PLEASE do your research before you make a decision. This is a big step. "
highly trained professional competent kcso dispatcher wrote on Jul 20, 2008 11:16 PM:
" I am having an issue with the following:
1. no one is welcoming the idea of a new dispatch center. To go up and beyond sheriff Jordan is just disrespectful...To me reading the newspaper and blogs and getting the details on the bos meeting..this all sounds like a personal attack on sheriff Jordan. If the bos was really that worried about our community then they would try and help make the already functioning dispatch center better.
2. To all those who think having a sergant/deputy/officer supervise and run dispatch have no clue...the already exisiting manager is doing an awesome job.. she has been a dispatcher for serveral years and knows what the dispatch center needs to run smoothly (which it has been and continues to do)
3. Last I am offended by the comment "a team of highly trained professional dispatchers on duty working 24/7 365 a year... excuse me who the hell am I then.....our dispatch center already works 24/7 365 a yr.... do you know that at kcso you have a 1yr probation period.. At the time I was hired 7 other dispatchers were hired also.. there are now only 2 dispatchers left from that 7. "
Highly trained professional competent kcso dispatcher wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:20 AM:
" cont....
The 5 other dispatchers didnt pass their probation. At kcso we have 1 yr has a dispatcher 1 and 6 months probation has dispatcher 2.. I feel that after 1.5 yrs of training we are highly trained dispatchers.
4. Bos wants to build some expensive dispatch center when dispatch can't even get new chairs for our highly trained professional competent behinds to sit in 24/7 365 a yr...
5.The night of the lemoore fire...tapes and times show that dispatch did their job...the response time for the units was questioned.. so the fire dept and community had to blame someone and dispatch got the grunt of it all..in cases of delayed response it isnt dispatches fault it is the units responding.. a train can cause a delayed response so can an accident.
6. Dispatch is the last to know about anything...this is sad that we had to find out our jobs may be at stake by the newspaper.. Why didnt the bos come to dispatch first and ask our opinion? "
Huh wrote on Jul 21, 2008 2:05 PM:
" Who said they were going to "build" and new dispatch center, and who said the current dispatcher's jobs were in jeopardy? No one! The dispatch center will stay right where it is, and the dispatchers will keep doing what they do. Geez people, get a grip! One thing is for sure, nothing ever stays the same, change is inevitable....especially when dealing with any government agency. Take a "chill pill" and wait to see what the BOS decides to do, it's not going to be the end of the world, Law enforcement will still respond to calls, fireman will still put out fires, and the highly trained professional dispatchers will still have jobs. uggggggg I should have had a V-8!!!! "
Change of Opinion wrote on Jul 21, 2008 5:52 PM:
" The board of supervisors should change their opinion and reorganize their own department.
The KCSO disptach center is a highly professional organization that receives no recognition. The dispatchers get their rewards by the challenge of the career paths. These folks are highly trained, POST certified professionals and take great pride in the work they do. They define what mulit-tasking is. When is the last time you heard on CNN or other news about how KCSO dispatchers messed up? You haven't!
Here is the bottom line, the board of supervisors is looking to try and make budget cuts. Because of the BOS audacity, the city of Lemoore is pulling out of KCSO dispatcher.
Try to get in touch with HPD dispatcher. Most of the time you will have to wait.
BOS: Get you heads on straight and realize that you have one of the best dispatch centers in the state. "
To Highly trained professional competent kcso dispatcher wrote on Jul 21, 2008 6:03 PM:
" You need to read the article. The BOS never said any of the current dispatchers are going to be fired. Plain and simple, there is a huge management problem with dispatch and was caused by Jordan. The BOS simply wants to take it from his control and revert back before then Sheriff Ken Marvin tried to control everything. As it's own department, "Communications" was much better. How can you people not see that the BOS sees that Jordan has totally ruined the Sheriff's Department and they are just trying to save Dispatch before Jordan ruins that too. The headline does not match what the BOS is actually trying to do. Don't read between the lines people! "
to the person that answered my comment on highly trained kcso dispatcher wrote on Jul 21, 2008 8:11 PM:
" I did read the article and yeah it doesnt state that we will lose our jobs but it doesnt state we will be keeping them either since they made the statement of "a team of highly trained professional dispatchers" if the bos wants our dispatch department to run more efficiently they should train the already existing dispatchers and provide us w/up to date equipment other than trying to make a whole new communications center that includes other cities in it...again no one hpd,lpd,cpd wants to join in on this motion.. so why would they go ahead w/ it when all the other surrounding agencies said no already?
if bos wants to fix something they should fix the departments that are having problems and leave dispatch alone.. "
Outsider wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:59 AM:
" Ok, I have read many blogs and frankly, do not know who to believe. I have been hearing about he ineffective leadership of the Sheriff for quite some time. I read it hear first and did my own research. If half of what I know is true folks, we all were scammed and should have left McClain there. I am sure who to believe on this one-might have to attend a BOS meeting when they discuss this again to form own opinion. "
Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:39 PM:
" I still think the approach should be to find some areas who have sustained the growth we have and have had to make those same decisions and look for a model that fits the glove that most closely satisfies the need. The process could be as easy as substituting responsibility for the center and not a complete restructure. But as long as the Dispatchers side with Sheriff Jordan, they aren't willing to comply to any changes and in that instance the animals are running the zoo and the zoo keepers which can't be the case. The zoo must be ran by it's keepers not the jungle from which they came. "
what the wrote on Jul 22, 2008 3:00 PM:
" to the bloggers who believe that the dispatchers are siding with Sheriff Jordan you are sadly mistaken. dispatch does not want to be a pawn in any political debate or tug of war. they have no political agenda. dispatch understands the difficulties that the department has with the sheriff, bos and county administration. the center runs just fine. dispatch has a job to do and does it. KC Dispatch dispatches fire, police, deputies, probation, animal control and when needed callers are transfered to EMS. After hours dispatch monitors Kings County Public Works and Lemoore Public Works radio. After hours we dispatch out county roads, central services, building maintenance, Lemoore public works, Avenal Public Works, Avenal Animal Control, EHS, CPS, APS, Public Guardian, Blood Techs, Mortuary services, County Animal Control all water districts in KC, gas, electric, phone companies when needed. Dispatch monitors State Parole, DA Investigators, Welfare Investigators and any special teams when they are in the field. We contact helicopters, other law/fire agencies when asked.
What dispatch did 20 yrs ago has no merit in todays world. "
what the continued wrote on Jul 22, 2008 3:13 PM:
" what dispatch wants is to be taken out of the political arena. some people say that the bos is saving them. saving them from what?
if someone believes dispatch has issues bring those issues to the table and tell them exactly what they are. They can resolve the issues but they cannot resolve the innuendos.
people are not having a good day when they call dispatch. if law enforcement does not immediately get on scene there is usually a reason but it is not because dispatch hasn't told someone. your emergency is not the only emergency dispatch is dealing with.
take this fight somewhere else, dispatch doesn't want to be a part of it. if the problem is with the sheriff, bos or county admin take it there.
it has been said because we wear a certain uniform we don't fill the needs of all the depts. We don't care what color the shirt is. we dispatch for everyone. "
Leave Us Out Of It wrote on Jul 22, 2008 4:05 PM:
" In response to 'What The'....AMEN!!! "
Next BOS Meeting wrote on Jul 22, 2008 5:45 PM:
" I urge everyone to attend the next BOS meeting. Hopefully, the BOS will come out and be more honest and say to Jordan's face, the truth of the matter. There is no way this will be resolved unless the BOS grows a pair and publicaly and honestly admit that Jordan is ineffective and a poor manager and this is why it's once again going to become a department of it's own. The last blogger (the dispatcher) listed who they all dispatch to-----your talking about peoples lives and a whole bunch of other agencies they dispatch to, It's one thing to tear down your own house but when you start tearing down other houses that don't belong to you is another thing. All the BOS wants to do is remove dispatch from Jordan, that's all. There would be no other changes with exception to the dispatchers being their own department and having their own Departmental Head. Also, sorry but as long as your with the Sheriff's Department you're just as involved in the politics, just as the deputies are. No one is immuned here. "
Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 22, 2008 8:48 PM:
" To what are we talking about here wrote on Jul 20, 2008 7:35 PM:
I don't know who you are but if you were in the military you would be serving time in Leavenworth for the informaiton you just provided on troop size, qnd troop movement, time of the movement.
right now in hanford there are 4 officers and a supervisor on duty for the entire city. if the citizens want a better, quicker response, the city will have to hire more officers, plain and simple! "
How comforting to the criminals of Hanford if they can create enough disturbance in town to occupy four officers, the town is wide open for the taking.
Think before you divulge information like this. "
To What the... wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:45 PM:
" You are correct. Dispatchers for all local government agencies have this same responsability. Your comment "What dispatch did 20 yrs ago has no merit in todays world " is a little off the mark. The dispatchers of 20 years ago did the exact same thing you dispatchers are doing today. The only difference is they did it with less technology AND the had Hanford Fire Dept as well. I will be the first one to say that dispatching is the HARDEST job there is! It takes a unique person to handle the diversity of that job. Most could not do it. I know if it weren't for the dispatchers, the world would be total anarchy! "
for Watch Dog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 2:11 AM:
" watch Dog Fred, you seem like you have all the answers. You have a comment for everyone.
1St of all why would you even comment to someone talking so stupidly about Hanford pd. Who even knows how many officers are on duty. You mention that in an Emergency, a combined dispatch center would be absoluty valuable. I think the Emergency Dispatch Center handles emergencies everyday, allday.If you want to know how dispatch handles emergency disasters, maybe you could look at the policies and procedures they have. I am sure you have access to them. Maybe you can get your answers to the call at the River while you're there Can you please stop talking about what fits into a glove, dispatchers being zoo animals running from the zoo keeper. People going to the brigg. Maybe you could just say what you mean. "
DL wrote on Jul 23, 2008 3:13 AM:
" I appreciate someone saying that our jobs at dispatcher are safe. I do not feel that we are projecting any issues onto this article nor are we "freaking out'. We have been finding out about our jobs through the Hanford Sentinel. It would be nice if someone would tell us what they are thinking about doing to the dispatch center. We do have open minds and never said that we were not open to change. Do you really think it is o.k. for the kcso dispatchers to take a "Chill Pill" and wait to see what the BOS is going to do. i do not think that is right. I know that i will be attending the BOS meeting in hopes that maybe the BOS will notice me. We are very patient about our jobs, don't mistake it for freaking out or being a little over sensitive. "
Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 1:36 PM:
" for Watch Dog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 2:11 AM:
I am speaking my mind and using analogies that for the most part are not over the head of the average reader. My reference to the Dispatchers regarding the animals running the Zoo, is well noted by many professional people who understand what happens when control is lost. The animals take over running the zoo, meaning the dispatchers speak as though they should be untouchable based on the job they do. My response to that is wake up to reality, there is no such thing as job security any longer the working force has become like actors in employers views. You are only as good as your last performance. Senority doesn't apply any longer, experience is nill, there are thousands wanting your job wanting any job in this County. Just like any other County position that may become available, for the pay and benefits. But the amazing part is, no one has threatened you with the loss of your jobs! Is it the guilt of knowing you aren't performing as you should that brings the question of termination to mind? "
for Watch Dog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 5:27 PM:
" "Watch dog Fred" I never said anything about job security. Maybe you should read what I wrote before you pass judgement. I also understand your analogies, I just think they are a little overboard. I am not an employee of Kings County, just a stay at home mom. I read the blogs and you comment on everything. I am familure with law enforcement and you seem to have great knowledge about the Disptach Center. It sounds like you are getting a little upset. I was just giving my opinion as you do all the time. I, as a tax paying, voting county resident, stay at home mom would like to know that the disaptch center will be there when I need them. Oh by the way I do have job security. "
Just Another Blogger wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:38 PM:
" I've read this article several times and have read everything that everyone has had to say. Whether it's fact, false, an opinion or in CAPS. I just find it very interesting that nowhere in the article did the reporter state that "Dispatchers were not available for comment." After all, they are open 24/7-365 days a year (even on holidays!)
As a KCSO dispatcher, I am offended at how we came to learn about this consolidation the BOS so speaks of. It's upsetting that the public has found out about this possible change before we did! Some of us worked until 5 a.m. and received phone calls early in the morning about concerned family and friends wondering what the details were regarding this issue. No one ever came to us to give us a heads up and let us know what was going on. But we sure are the first one's they call when THEY need a phone number that I'm sure is not available in the phone book nor available through 4-1-1. Or when they need directions to their destination. "
Just Another Blogger wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:01 PM:
" Continued...
I'm sure this article about transition would have gone over a whole lot smoother had the people responsible for this transition approached those directly affected by this change first. Instead of having to have read an article posted by the Hanford Sentinel who was present at the BOS meeting. We all know information is not always presented the way it's meant to be.
I strongly agree with the question that was posted.." How can the county expect dedication when they publicly humiliate their employees." I can't imagine being in the Sheriff's shoes at the BOS meeting when he was publicly humiliated as if he had no grounds to speak on. "
Just Another Blogger wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:09 PM:
" Continued...One last thing...
To answer a few questions that some bloggers have asked...Yes at least 1 BOS member has been into dispatch (once a year to JUDGE the Halloween Decorating Office Contest) the years that Dispatch has participated. And IF there was a delay to the "river incident" it was because the parties involved were at the river where many other people go when it's hot and also because the fire engineers assumed they knew which property the patient was on according to the directions that were given to the call taker and then relayed to the fire dept. And the other information that was not printed in the article about the delayed response was that 2 of the responding fire volunteers were involved in a traffic accident on the way to the scene to assist a citizen with a possbile broken leg on a jet ski. So as I mentioned before the needed details are not always printed nor made clear; therefore, leading people to assumptions. Good Communication is a key part of everyday life, but apparently males and females don't speak the same language! "
Hmmm wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:27 PM:
" Someone please correct me if I'm wrong...Is this not the BOS Joe Neves last term in office? So does this mean he'll be out of a job? Oh wait a minute, he also works for the Kings County Fire Dept, right? Hmm, or is HE the "SOMEONE who is well-versed with all the radio technology and all the records and the whole sphere to run the communications system," as stated by Supervisor Jon Rachford. Just some questions I was wondering about if any of you bloggers can answer or perhaps I should be contacting "WATCHDOG FRED" directly for the answers. "
TO THANKFUL wrote on Jul 24, 2008 9:13 PM:
" It sounds to me like you are bitter about not having your job at KCSO anymore. I have to say now that certain Ex Senior Dispatchers, and Ex Dispatchers are gone; dispatch is running smooth. I think you should stay out of it. You just may have been one of those dispatchers scrap booking, reading magazines, or causing dissension in the dispatch center. Also No Supervisor that I have witnessed has let any trainee fall, or has let anyones life be put into jeparody. If a situation arises that is to big for a new person to handle a supervisor will take over. Once again I think you should STAY OUT OF IT!!!!!! "
to hmmm wrote on Jul 25, 2008 1:04 AM:
" BOS Joe Neves is a VOLUNTEER . you have to be payed to be an employee . "
One who knows wrote on Jul 25, 2008 11:31 AM:
" The former dispatcher had it right. Thats why you see present dispatchers telling her to "stay out of it." Whatever happens, something needs to. This has been an ongoing topic for many, many years. Communications believe that they are not answerable to anyone, including the Sheriffs office who employs them. They will vigorously try to keep ANY oversight from coming in, IE sworn officers in charge of a shift. BOS has taken many years to finally do something. Good for them for once. Now do it right. If the Sheriff doesnt want to play ball, then take it away from him, but at least fix it. As to Neves and Rachford, they both have been left hanging in their capacities as volunteers in county service (fire/sheriff) and know full well the shortcomings of dispatch. BUT, dont pinch pennies. The infrastructure is in just as bad shape. As the former comms guy said, its a million dollar problem on a 100 thousand dollar budget. If your going to go to all this work, do it right the first time guys. "
Fire Guy wrote on Jul 26, 2008 12:57 PM:
" The problems with dispach have been around long before Jordan. Most of you blogging on here dont have a clue what is really going on. People keep saying joe neves and Chief kilner are pushing for a central dispacth are wrong. The fire department would like to have its own dispatch center that would serve fire and ems with in the county. The dispatchers that we have now do a good job but are short staffed and over worked. I deal with them on a daily basis and they need some help. Part of the problem is most there traing they are sent is for post which is for law enforcement and not fire. I can bet that none of our current dispatchers have been to a true fire dispacth academy. The sheriffs department runs dispacth and they choose what classes to send them too. As for the fire department learning 10-code is just stupid there is so much that goes on at fire scenes that everyone would be lost. Plus after 9-11 there is a fedral push to do away with 10-codes. "
Fire Guy wrote on Jul 26, 2008 1:04 PM:
" fire guy cont.
There is not a fire department in the state that uses 10-code anymore clear text just works so much better. If everyone is so concerned about joe neves being a voulnteer, at least he is trying to help. When is the last time you risked your life for free. I am with the real dispatchers on here its not there fault and slamming them is not what needs to be done. "
fire guy wrote on Jul 26, 2008 2:54 PM:
" Why would the city of lemoore start their own dispatch. they wont even pay to have a real fire department. "
LifeLongCitizen wrote on Jul 27, 2008 9:27 AM:
" I blame this on the Sheriff. I do think that the BOS think the Sheriff himself is incompetent and can't handle anymore of his job than the Sheriff's Office and the Jail which is failing. Wake up people the problem is with the Sheriff's leadership abilities and timely decision making. When was the last time you heard of deputies jumping ship to Hanford P.D? Just a thought... "
To Fire Guy wrote on Jul 27, 2008 9:46 AM:
" Fire guy you say "slamming them" is not what needs to be done yet you slam the Lemoore Volunteer firemen. In one breath you defend Neves for risking is life to help then you turn around and say volunteers don't make up a real fire dept. You can't have it both ways. Proof that you are just throwing darts like many others. You do however, confirm that Kilner and Neves are behind the effort to push cities to pay for their new dispatch center. The county looks at the cities and the contracts they have with them as revenue streams...not customers. If Lemoore ultimately starts their own communications that will be a huge plus for Lemoore and its citizens. As far as 10-codes are concerned, fire could easily learn 10-code. That is what it is designed for...to put a lot of info into short radio transmissions so the airwaves are clogged with a bunch of people that like to hear themselves yap. The more going on the better as far as 10-code is concerned. Sounds like traing the dispatchers for prearrival/med/fire info would solve the problem & is cheaper than a new dispatch center. "
Dispatcher wrote on Jul 27, 2008 2:15 PM:
" In response to 'Fire Guy'..Thank you for your words for the current dispatchers -This one appreciates it. But you are mistaken that we refuse or are not receiving Fire Training. Did you know that 2 of our dispatchers are trained Fire Critical Incident Dispatchers. We were in the process of sending all dispatchers to this training (that was paid by the Sherriff department budget) but we received roadblocks by Administration for any implementation of the training. Any dispatcher that I have talked to (including myself) we would welcome additional training in Fire. So to Fire I say, schedule us for classes...I will attend "
To LifeLongCitizen wrote on Jul 27, 2008 5:57 PM:
" Look, the Sherrif has his problems and I'm sure some of the people leaving are at least in part because of him. But everything can't be blamed on the Sherrif. Sherrif's come and go and the problem as well. One reason the deputies are going to Hanford PD is because they typically don't recruit laterals and recently have been. So the opportunity hasn't been there. I agree with you that the Sherrif has some problems leading. However, the dispatch issue is not Jordans fault. The former Dispatch manager is the one who didn't want to train dispatchers for fire. Has the new manager brought any changes yet? "
WOW wrote on Jul 27, 2008 10:31 PM:
" I agree with quite a few of you bloggers. There are several issues going on. What really makes me wonder now though is what is really going on in dispatch. In talking to an ex probationer dispatcher I was amazed to hear that the ex dispatcher was correct, There is scrapbooking and magazine reading going on with our tax paying money. And its not law enforcement magazines we are talking about here. No wonder the present dispatcher was so upset. It seems they have been called out on the carpet. I also hear that there was alot of issues with the former manager causing alot of dissension within the center. Many good dispatchers were forced to leave because she was out of control. It sounds to me that the new manager has quite a mess to clean up. Good luck to him/her! "
To WOW wrote on Jul 28, 2008 5:21 PM:
" Have you ever been to the dispatch center during the holidays? This county office is probably the most highly decorated buildings during these times. So what that on their down time they look at magazines--don't you ever have any down time at your place of employment? Get real, you are so full of it that it's not even funny. There is a problem with dispatch but it isn't the dispatchers. It's with the management which includes the kingdom leader himself, Jordan! True when the last manager left, it was RELIEF to all but it was a good thing she too had enough of Jordan and retired. This was actually a blessing in disguise. Looks like we just have to ride out two more miserable years with a lame duck sheriff and hopefully they get someone in there who will actually clean house and turn that place around. "
to the bloggers wrote on Jul 28, 2008 6:55 PM:
" To set some things straight. Fire has not participated in training of dispatchers. There are two tactical fire dispatchers in the center and two that are Certified Emergency Fire Dispatchers. The trainings were paid by the Sheriff's department not by POST and not by Fire. Fire has not supported from a montary stand point to the training of dispatchers. They send the list of classes but do not pay for them. The Sheriff's Dept sends dispatchers to training on the law side and a lot of this training is paid by POST. The money reimbursed to the sheriff's dept is put into the general fund not back into the Sheriff's department. "
to the bloggers continued wrote on Jul 28, 2008 7:00 PM:
" To be a dispatcher you must take a 4 hour state POST test prior to being interviewed. If you pass that test you then go on to a minimum of two interviews. If you pass those interviews you must pass a background. If you pass the background you can then move on to becoming a dispatcher. A dispatcher is on probation for one year as a dispatcher I and 6 months as a dispatcher 2.
Dispatchers are trained by trainers that do not scrapbook. They listen to their trainees to make sure the trainee understands what they are listening to.
For those that are talking to EX probationers or EX dispatchers look beyond what they say. There may be a very good reason they are EX. Dispatch has not lost a supervisor for 3 years and that one left because of medical problems.
Yes the dispatchers do things in the down time. And as soon as any of you sit in dispatch on a friday or saturday night to see what really goes on you have nothing to say. "
Off Target wrote on Jul 28, 2008 7:37 PM:
" Even if the dispatchers are terrible (I'm sure they are not) you don't take away the department or try to consolidate just because your have some personnel issues. That's like cutting off your leg to solve an ankle problem. The BOS wants to stir it up so nobody notices when they do their dirty deeds. Stay focused people. There is no issue that can't easily be resolved. "
fire guy wrote on Jul 29, 2008 11:00 AM:
" the fire department already has contracts with sevral different citys in the county to provide fire services for them. the fire department pays a lot into dispatch for have a fire dispatcher and it does not seem that the fire department is getting a good return on there money. As for lemoore city if it was not for the county dispatch and kings county fire have an automatic aid with them there iso rating would go through the roof. I did say that the voulnteers put there lives on the line for free, If lemoore thinks there fd is so great lets have the county end all agreements with the city and see how good they reaaly are. Oh and the fire department does not charge the city for any calls that they run for them. "
fire guy wrote on Jul 29, 2008 11:09 AM:
" To dispatcher
I did not mean that you refuse training from the fire department, i meant you dont get the training for whatever reason. I think all the fire people would like to have more fire trained dispatchers. Cops only use 10-codes so they can try to be super secret about what they are talking about. no one said 10-codes were hard to learn the just dont work in the fire service. If everyone is so worried about everyone being able to commuincate then why did all the law enforcement in the county go digital and not have fire switch with them. "
Oh please wrote on Jul 29, 2008 3:31 PM:
" To Fire Guy,
There is nothing super secret about 10 codes it cuts down on the chatter on the radio. It is quicker to say 1097 then to say county I'm on scene.
As for digital, you need to do your homework. Law did not say we are going digital and we are not inviting the fire department. It is all about the almighty dollar and interoperability. Most law enforcement agencies have gone digitial and most fire departments have stayed analog.
Question the county and city fire chief as to why they wanted to stay analog. There are reasons. Don't assume it was all law enforcements idea.
Stop making this a battle between law and fire. It is not. It is about working together as a team. We all get enough criticism from the outside world. We should not have to take it from our co-workers. Dispatch/fire/law enforcement should not be fighting an internal battle. We should be standing together and telling people what we do that is right, and not point fingers at each and tell the world what we do wrong. "
fire guy wrote on Jul 29, 2008 4:32 PM:
" to oh please,
your right it was not about the fire department untill someone tried throwing our chief and voulnteers under the bus. The problem along has been with the sheriffs department thinking that they are gods gift to law enforcement. The sheriffs department cant even keep a swat team in place. Your right lets some trowing stones and look at the real problem the Sheriffs department as a whole. "
Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 29, 2008 5:10 PM:
" I think we should just route all the emergency 911 calls through Carl Spackler's house and let him dispatch the fire and police. He needs to get acquainted with the crime in this community, perhaps a couple of ride alongs on Friday or Saturday night on the southside of town, might open his eyes.
He says he doesn't fear criminals of course not he's never faced any yet. He said he would rather have a reentry facility next to his house instead of low rent housing. What an educated, calculated response from a Fresno State College Graduate. It almost smacks of discrimination in my way of thinking. He's choosing criminals over folks who just don't make quite as much money as Carl. I hope you don't ever let people know what that business of yours is, you may notice a drop in business. I really hope you don't need those people from low rent housing projects to buy any of your wares or services you sell. What do you have against IHOP, Lowe's and the 99 cent store or Tachi Palace for that matter, what did they ever do to you? "
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