In 1991 Congress proclaimed the second full week in April to be National Telecommunications Week to recognize the importance of the individuals who coordinate the efforts of police, fire, and EMS workers as they perform their duties.  Telecommunications operators are the unsung heroes of public safety.  To the public they are faceless voices heard over the scanner.  To public safety workers they dispatch for, they are a lifeline.  Governor Mitch Daniels has proclaimed the week of April 8-14 as Telecommunications Week in Indiana.

Telecommunications is a function that operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year and can be very stressful.  One minute an operator can be communicating a routine function to an officer and the next minute they may be coordinating a high speed pursuit, dispatching emergency assistance to an accident scene, or coordinating a situation where police officers are involved in a gun battle.

All Indiana State Police telecommunications operators must pass a written test, a typing test, appear before an interview board, and go through a background investigation before being hired as an ISP telecommunications operator.  Once hired, they must complete 12 weeks of intense training and continuous in-service training throughout their careers to maintain certifications and keep up-to-date on the latest communications technology and procedures.

Lieutenant Dan Jones, Commander of the Putnamville Post, said, “All Telecommunication Operators (TCO’s) are asked to do a job that most people cannot or would not do. Their salaries are less than they deserve and they are asked to work hours that takes them away from their families. They have an amazing ability to multi-task.  It is a difficult profession that most of us simply could not do. We are proud of our Indiana State Police TCO’s and all the TCO's throughout our surrounding area.  They all care about the communities they serve and they are a vital link to our Troopers safety.”