WHEREAS:
911 telecommunicators and dispatchers are the first of the first responders, often serving as the initial point of contact for individuals in crisis and our emergency response system, and as such, deserve the same treatment and government support as other public safety professionals; and
WHEREAS:
The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) estimates that 911 telecommunicators and dispatchers handle more than 240 million calls per year or 650,000 calls per day, which require these heroes behind the headset to quickly assess life-or-death situations, make split-second decisions and direct field responders with accuracy and speed involving a wider range of emergencies than ever before, from contagious diseases to wildfires to natural disasters to active shooters to terrorist attacks to civil unrest; and
WHEREAS:
911 telecommunicators and dispatchers are required to complete extensive training to qualify and retain their challenging positions as their duties are set to become even more multifaceted with the transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911), a digital, internet protocol-based system that will involve integration of different types of multimedia transmissions — such as text messages, streaming video and photos — directly from the public; and
WHEREAS:
Outdated cultural beliefs about gender roles may contribute to the overlooking of the vital role of 911 telecommunicators and dispatchers in our public safety system as more than three-quarters of the workforce are women compared to fewer than one-fifth of police officers, fewer than one-fifth of firefighters and fewer than two-fifths of paramedics and emergency medical technicians; and
WHEREAS:
The federal Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system currently classifies 911 telecommunicators and dispatchers in the same category — “office and administrative support occupations” — as secretaries and office clerks; and
WHEREAS:
Given the life-saving nature of their work, 911 telecommunicators and dispatchers should be classified under the SOC as “protective service occupations,” which include police officers, firefighters, lifeguards and other public safety professions; and
WHEREAS:
At least 20 states have enacted legislation to officially classify 911 telecommunicators and dispatchers as first responders or other public safety occupations.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
The classification of 911 telecommunicators and dispatchers as first responders is critical in giving these dedicated, selfless public safety workers the recognition and support they need to perform their duties to the best of their abilities and keep our communities safe; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will support efforts at the federal level to reclassify 911 telecommunicators and dispatchers as first responders, such as the bipartisan Enhancing First Response Act (S. 725), which passed the Senate by unanimous consent in September 2025, and a companion bill, the Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services Act (H.R. 637), or the 911 SAVES Act, introduced in the House by Rep. Norma Torres (D-Calif.), a former member of AFSCME Local 3090, Council 36, who worked as a 911 dispatcher for the Los Angeles Police Department. This no-cost legislation would require the Office of Management and Budget to reclassify these public safety workers from “office and administrative support occupations” to “protective service occupations” in the Standard Occupational Classification system; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will support continued efforts at the state level to classify 911 telecommunicators and dispatchers as first responders or other public safety occupations; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That accurate classification of 911 telecommunicators and dispatchers as first responders serves as a catalyst in providing these essential workers with tangible benefits including increased pay, specialized training opportunities, access to mental health assistance and enhanced workers’ compensation and retirement options.
SUBMITTED BY:
Larry Gates, President and Delegate
Stephanie Smith, Delegate
AFSCME Local 3090, District Council 36
California