Emergency Communications and 911 Dispatch
Under Development
Recommended Emergency 9-1-1 Communications and Dispatch (ECD) Pathway
The courses below are recommended by our Board and network of industry experts. Each course link will lead to a page with lesson plans, national standards, and resources. For more information, feel free to email info@laspen.org
This is a national exemplar. Each state makes decisions on how to best serve their industry and school programs. Always refer to state and local guidelines for implementation.
Introduction Course – Introduction to Law and Public Safety (ILPS)
It is recommended that a ECD pathway begin with a broad based introduction to the law and public safety system. ECD professionals are a key part of the larger law and public system, so a critical starting point for the pathway is an exploration of the larger ecosystem the ECD lives in. Additionally, it is advised that a high school pathway in ECD not become so specific to ECD exclusively that participants are not exposed to other elements in LPS. The broader approach helps with marketing to encourage students to enroll.
Visit our Introduction to Law and Public Safety course page – with lesson plans – Click Here
Core Course – Emergency Communications & Dispatch (ECD)
Under Development
The “Emergency Communications & Dispatch” course is a comprehensive program designed for high school students as part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum. This course is structured to provide students with the essential knowledge and skills required for effective emergency communication and dispatch operations. Participants will learn about the critical role of emergency dispatchers in facilitating prompt and efficient responses to various emergencies.
Visit our Emergency Communications & Dispatch course page – Click Here
Supplemental Course Insert – National Basic 9-1-1 Dispatch Certification
40 Hour Course Supplemental
We have a well designed supplement that fits well into Introduction courses or can be added into other advanced course offerings.
Review the standards with a suggested instructional outlide – Click Here
Visit our NECI Basic 9-1-1 instructor supplemental page – with lesson plans – Click Here
Please note: All NECI materials are intellectual property of NECI. To access these materials you must be enrolled or have completed NECI Basic 9-1-1 Instructor Training. Click Here to learn more.
Third+ Course Options
Note – we are in the middle of major updates. We hope to have everything ready by the end of spring.
LAPSEN recommends pathways have flexibility for local systems to adjust to local needs. It is also recommended that a “deeper dive” into ECD-related content come from dual enrollment opportunities, if possible. The ECD course covers secondary educational needs adequately. To maximize student career preparation, engagement, and marketing it is suggested to offer courses similar to those listed below to complete the pathway.
Option 1 – Law Enforcement (LE)
The Law Enforcement course may be the best option. There are numerous crossovers in skill sets and practices. The Law Enforcement course prepares individuals to perform the duties of police and security officers, including patrol and investigative activities, traffic control, crowd control, public relations, witness interviewing, evidence collection and management, court procedures and the law in general. Basic crime prevention methods, weapon and equipment operation, equipment maintenance, and other routine law enforcement responsibilities are also included.
Visit our Law Enforcement course page – Click Here
Option 2 – Firefighting 1 (F1)
F1 is another great option as it is both marketable and industry is demanding broad public safety skills for career candidates. This course aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge and skills essential for entry-level positions in firefighting and related emergency services. Participants will learn about fire prevention, basic firefighting techniques, equipment operation, and emergency response procedures.
Visit our Firefighting 1 course page – Click Here (page is under revision and should be completed by spring)
Option 3 – Drones for Law and Public Safety (DLPS)
Bring some excitement to your pathway! This course prepares students for certifications to operate drones in the law and public safety environment. Drones are increasingly used in SPS areas. First students will complete the necessary training to be prepared to pass the FAA 107 Pilot test. Students will then train in remote sensing and photogrammetry. Students will learn how to prepare and plan for law and public safety drone operations. A significant portion of the course time will be dedicated to developing flight skills and performing maneuvers necessary for such operations. Using the National Institute of Standards and Technology national standard performance test for unmanned aerial vehicles, students will train for real world applications.
Visit our Drones for Law and Public Safety course page – Click Here
Public Safety Options
LASPEN is working on several public safety courses that would compliment this course. These should be available soon.
Visit our overall Public Safety Pathway page – Click Here
Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) for the ECD Pathway
National Basic 9-1-1 Dispatch Certification
LAPSEN has collaborated with NECI 9-1-1 to offer national credentials in emergency dispatch to LPS students. The NECI 9-1-1 Dispatcher certification is recognized by dozens of states & hosts of agencies.
This certification meets the following national 9-1-1 standards:
- APCO ANSI National Public Safety 9-1-1 Training Standard
- NENA 56-004 – TTY/TDD Call Handling Standard
- NENA 56-005 – NENA Call Answering Standard
- NFPA 1061
The NECI certification satiates all Perkins legislative requirements for Industry Recognized Credentials.
Learn more about the certification – Click Here or email holly@lapsen.org
Training
Instructors in the ECD pathway need to have industry experience or training.
Click Here to go to our Training Schedule for ECD pathway and other training.
Career Posters
Click Here to go to download folder
Textbooks
NECI has a student manual for the course. It matches the content perfectly. A digital copy is available at no cost to all certified instructors. It is located in the Instructor Materials page. Schools may also purchase physical copies.
Student Manual: $24.95 (regular price $49.99). Click Here to order.
Bulk Order: Orders of 10 or more come with a substantial discount per manual. Email admin@neci911.com to get a quote.
Competitions
The ECD pathway national CTSO is SkillsUSA. There is not an ECD competition per se – but there are several competitions that students can choose from to participate in that support the ECD pathway content.
For more information visit www.skillsusa.org/competitions or reach out to info@lapsen.org
EMT
Student teams of two demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to be EMTs. There is a knowledge test and several skill demonstrations plus emergency medical scenarios.
Commercial sUAS Drone
This competition for a team of 2 is designed to evaluate team members’ skills in the safe and efficient use of drone technology
Criminal Justice
This competition is a single competitor preparing to be officers or to work in other areas of criminal justice.
Customer Service
The competition evaluates students’ proficiency in providing customer service. This is one of the highest valued skills sets sought by DC employers.
Crime Scene Investigation
A team event testing students’ knowledge and skill sets in crime scene investigation. In addition to a knowledge test, teams record a crime scene, process evidence, and interpret results.
First Aid - CPR
Basic DC skill for a single competitor. Evaluates a competitor’s ability to perform procedures or take appropriate action based on scenarios presented related to CPR first aid medical emergencies. There is also a written exam.
Job Skill Demonstration - 3 Competitions
Competitors demonstrate and explain an entry-level skill used in the occupational area for which they are training. “A” refers to skills taught in the pathway. “Open” is usually a skill learned in WBL or similar that is outside the pathway. “Action Skills” is for students with IEPs. In all cases, the skill should be hands on as it is a “demonstration.”
Robotics - Urban Search and Rescue
A student team designs and operates a robot that simulate equipment used in rescue operations.
There are dozens more that cover everything from speeches to specifc skill sets.
TTAG Team – Support
The Training & Technical Assistance Group (TTAG) is here to help you! From emails and phone calls to onsite visits, these fellow educators are here to help! See the bottom of the page for TTAG members in LE.
Click Here to learn more.
Student Recognition
Your students can be members of the National Technical Honors Society PLUS a special endorsement for achievement in law and public safety! Don’t have an NTHS – they are super easy to start and no extra work.
Click Here to learn more.
Programs of Excellence
The national Industry Credentialed Program of Excellence (ICPE) is designed to make the best better. Applicant programs must demonstrate competencies across several standards. LAPSEN specialists assist applicant programs throughout the process with training, guides and mentorship.
Click Here to learn more. Do YOU have the BEST program?
National Program Directory
The National Census of Youth Law Enforcement Programs was funded by the DOJ COPS grant program.
Search the directory for programs near you – Click Here
Is your program is in the directory? If not: Click Here
Links & Resources
The National Survey of 911 Dispatch Certification Programs: A Reference Guide – A resource from LAPSEN Click Here
9-1-1 Audio Library – a collection of 9-1-1 audio files compiled by Dispatch Magazine Online: Click Here
911.gov – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Emergency Medical Services 911 website: Click Here
911 Operator the Game – word on the street is this game is great. Need console to play but no internet required: Click Here
APCO – The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials: Click Here
LA PD Actual 9-1-1 Calls – Audio of actual emergency calls fielded by LAPD 911 operators: Click Here
NENA– the 9-1-1 Association improves 9-1-1 through research, standards development, training, education, outreach, and advocacy: Click Here
Support
These educators and industry specialist have volunteered to help you. They are your network of support.
LAPSEN National Dispatch Pathway Specialist: Heather Joyner
Learn more about Heather – Click Here for her Linkedin
Brief Bio: Click Here
Email Heather – Click Here
Heather is our representative and lead instructor in 9-1-1 Dispatch.
TAGG Team Members
Click Here to learn more about TTAG
Liz Everidge
Learn more about Liz – Click Here for her Linkedin
Brief Bio: Click Here
Email Liz – Click Here
Liz has extensive experience in dispatch and emergency services. She has been teaching for two decades.
Lori Henricksen
Learn more about Lori– Click Here for her Linkedin
Brief Bio: Click Here
Lori has extensive experience in dispatch and law enforcement. She is retired from teaching and now runs BX3 Public Safety consulting.