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Spanish II for Telecommunicators
Sept. 17, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

In an emergency, seconds count. Could you successfully get an address from a Spanish-speaking caller? What about a callback number? Could you determine what type of first responders to dispatch?

This course will prepare telecommunicators to better serve Spanish-speaking members of the community who call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

This course is for those who have successfully completed Spanish for Telecommunicators I and those with beginner-level Spanish. This eight-hour course begins with a review of the Spanish phrases necessary for identifying the nature of an emergency call.

The remaining program is dedicated to the practice and mastery of effectively handling police, fire and medical dispatch from a Spanish-speaking caller. Upon completion of this course, participants will find a higher level of comfort when dealing with Spanish-speaking callers, a reduced need for interpreters and a quicker response time.

Additional information and registration»

New Language Line operating procedure dramatically reduces average connection time

The new Language Line operating procedure averages a connection time of 3.1 seconds compared to the 11.9 second average for the previous procedure.

The operating procedure makes using the service faster and easier. Now telecommunicators use a button programmed in the PlantCML workstation, provide a simple PSAP code and are ready to begin the three-way call with the 9-1-1 caller and interpreter.

A six-month analysis shows that some agencies are still using the old process for initiating Language Line’s interpretation services. It is important that all PSAP personnel are aware of and utilize the transfer button on the workstation, as it speeds up connection time and saves valuable seconds during the call-handling process. You can find more information about the new operating procedure, PSAP codes and the Language Line usage policy on the public safety intranet.

Be a part of the 2011 Training Calendar

We are gearing up for the 2011 9-1-1 Training Calendar and we need your help! We want to see your creativity as you re-name some of the common acronyms public safety communications personnel use everyday. This is your chance to put your clever, funny and genius ideas to work. Visit the public safety intranet to find out how you can be a part of the 2011 training calendar.

View the public safety intranet on your 9-1-1 workstation desktop or use the address www.911.int . If you have questions or need assistance accessing the public safety intranet, contact MARC maintenance services at 816/421-2911 or 911techs@marc.org.

MARC launching enhanced online registration

We are in the process of implementing a new contact and event management system with enhanced online capabilities. Right now, our new online registration process is only active for select classes and events; however, you will soon be able to use the new online registration process for all MARC training and events.

We are working very hard to make the transition to the new system as seamless as possible. If you experience any trouble, have questions or need assistance with the registration or payment process, please call 816-701-8330 or e-mail e911@marc.org .

MARC's Public Safety Program

The public safety program at MARC coordinates regional activities in the areas of public safety and communications interoperability. These activities include:

Training and professional development courses for public safety personnel
Administration of the regional 9-1-1 system and network
Public safety outreach and education
Communications interoperability coordination
Geographic information systems coordination

For more information about the program, contact the public safety department staff at e911@marc.org.

MARC Public Safety renegotiates contract with Language Line Services
Estimated savings of $33K a year

The Public Safety Communications Board approved the renewal of a three-year contract with Language Line Services that will result in an estimated annual savings of $33,000 for the 9-1-1 region.

The Public Safety Program issued an RFP for telephonic language interpretation of 9-1-1 calls in July of 2009. Seven responses were considered before a committee — consisting of managers and supervisors from regional public safety answering points (PSAPs) — resulting in a recommendation to the Public Safety Communications Board to renew the contract with Language Line Services. More>>