Below are listed some of the most common questions that we have been asked   over  the years. 

      If you have a question that you think should be posted on this page please email the john@sircomm.com your comments.

·      What does SIRCOMM stand for?

 Southern Idaho Regional Communications Center

·      

       Where is it located?

 911 East Avenue H, Jerome, Idaho

·      

       Who/what do you dispatch for?

All Law Enforcement, Fire Suppression, and Emergency Medical Services agencies in Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, and Twin Falls Counties (with the exception of Twin Falls City Police and Fire Departments).  This totals forty-three agencies.

·      

       How many people work at your Center?

SIRCOMM employs seventeen full-time dispatchers.

·      

       What do you get paid?

Beginning wage is currently $11 per hour.  However, approved funding for fiscal year 2008/2009 (beginning in October 2008) increases the beginning wage to $13.47 per hour.

·      

       Have you ever had anyone die while on the phone with you?

 It is a rare occasion, but it does happen with a suicidal caller, elderly patients with

 extensive medical histories, etc.      

       Why can’t you give me legal advice over the phone?

 Although we have extensive training in what constitutes criminal and/or civil law, we as 

 dispatchers are not certified legal consultants.  We can take information and have an officer call you back and answer your questions or, in some instances, recommend you

 contact a lawyer in the case of a civil matter.

·      

       Do you have caller ID on non-emergency lines?

 No, only on emergency lines.

·      

       Why don't you have caller ID for cellular phones?

Telephone number and location information is available from landline telephone lines only under the current Phase I capabilities of our area.  However, Phase II technology, which displays a wireless caller's telephone number and location (based upon GPS coordinates) is currently being implemented by wireless service providers in our area.  SIRCOMM is technologically prepared to receive this data as each of the wireless service providers makes it available to us.

·      

       What happens if your computers crash?

 All dispatchers have been trained on the old-fashioned pen and paper method.  It is an

 efficient system and does not slow down the emergency response system.  It merely requires everything to be done manually.

·     

       What happens if your radios stop working?

 The Center is fully equipped with backup communication equipment.

·      

       Have you ever had an officer shot while on duty?

 Yes, unfortunately, it has happened, but it is a rare situation.  All dispatchers are trained on how to handle that type of situation.

·      

       Are you allowed to tell people to shoot someone if it’s self defense?

 We are allowed to tell people in an emergency situation that they can do whatever is

 reasonable and they deem necessary to protect their person, another person or their

 property until help arrives. This usually means staying inside if the danger is outside or

 stay in an area that is safe for the caller.  Since we are not on scene, we cannot tell people how to handle the situation, we can only request that they keep us updated as to what is happening and that they keep out of harm's way.

·     

       How much training is required to be a dispatcher?

 Dispatchers must complete training as a Call Taker, Fire/EMS Dispatcher, Primary Law Enforcement Dispatcher, and a Data Terminal Operator which usually take approximately 16 weeks.  Such training includes Emergency Medical Dispatch Training, CPR certification, outside training with a Fire Agency and Ambulance Service, ILETS Certification.  Once initial required training is completed, ongoing education continues on line and as it becomes available.  As scheduling allows, each dispatcher will attend the Basic Dispatch Academy and the Advanced Dispatch Academy held by the  Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) complex in Meridian, ID,

·      Can you use your computers to get information about your friends and 

       neighbors?

 Absolutely not.  All information accessed by dispatchers is for law enforcement officer use only and not for public use.  Any misuse of the Idaho Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (ILETS) is punishable by law.

·      

       Do you often dispatch air medical helicopters and jaws-of-life? 

      Yes, we do.  We work very closely with air ambulance services in Twin Falls, Boise, Pocatello, and sometimes Salt Lake City.  Several Fire Departments in our coverage area  are trained and use the Jaws-of-Life extrication equipment.

·     

       What happens if someone calls 9-1-1 when there is no emergency? 

       If it is a genuine misdial or mistake, callers are merely reminded to dial more 

      carefully.   If it is someone playing on the phone or an open line (no one talking) an officer will be dispatched to speak with the residents regarding the proper use of 911. Persons abusing the 911 system may be cited under Idaho Code 18-6711 for misuse of an emergency service.

       Why does it take so long for help to arrive after I call 9-1-1? 

      When a person is in the middle of an emergency situation their adrenaline is 

      pumping and time seems to go by very quickly.  In actuality, only five or six minutes may have passed since their phone call although it may feel like 15 minutes.  There are

      times when responders are bombarded with numerous emergency situations at once.  

      They have to prioritize and delegate their response accordingly.  Emergency responders are advised of every call we receive as they are received.  No calls are held without the permission of a supervisor.  Just remember—NO call goes without some level of response by us or a responding agency.