The Office of Unified Communications' statement on DC 911 Operations Staffing - September 8

The Office of Unified Communications (OUC) utilizes the Erlang C Formula, an industry best practice, to properly forecast the ideal minimum staffing levels for each shift. Using the formula, the ideal staffing levels for the District’s 911 operations are 44 employees for day shifts and 37 employees for night shifts. Currently, OUC has 180 911 operations employees.

OUC is working diligently to increase staffing by creating a robust pipeline of individuals to become 911 call takers and dispatchers. The agency participates in job fairs, implemented a $2,500 hiring bonus, and developed a Junior Academy to bring awareness to 911 as a career in our city’s high schools. Agency leadership also started monthly “Prospect Days” which aim to reduce the six-month recruitment process by 50%.

In addition to recruitment, the agency is focused on our greatest asset, our people. Our first, first responders are public safety professionals that face challenging situations every day in their roles. We want to make sure they know they are valued, respected, and appreciated