Every day, men and women provide a critical service to the Washington State Patrol (WSP): A lifeline for troopers.

Communication Officers, or dispatchers, are true first responders. They work around the clock, 365 days a year, to ensure every one your  calls are answered. They are unsung heroes.

Located in eight communications centers throughout Washington State, communications officers (COs) provide around-the-clock professional emergency support to WSP, federal, state, local, and tribal agencies. Their main responsibilities are to answer 911 calls and initiate emergency services to meet the needs of the public and officers in the field.

In 2016, communications officers across the state:

  • Handled 599,002 emergency 911 calls
  • Assisted the public with 953,026 business calls
  • Initiated 362,187 calls for service
  • Facilitated 604,938 field initiated incidents

As National Public Safety Telecommunications Week comes to an end, it is the Washington State Patrol’s hope that the incredible and life-changing service they provide is never far from anyone’s mind.

The WSP has a proud history of telecommunications and we are honored to celebrate the hardworking men and women in our call centers who make a difference every day.

Thank you to all the dispatchers who help keep this great state safe.