Brownsville can't keep 911 dispatchers on board

Brownsville PD is having trouble finding dispatchers who'll stay past their training period, reported a local TV station:

"We have a difficult time finding people who can fill those slots and can make a commitment to stay with it," Brownsville Police Chief Orlando Rodriguez said.

Starting next year, all dispatchers will have to be licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. They must first go through a 20-hour observation period to see if they want to apply for the job. Officials said about 80 percent decide it's not the job for them after that part of the process.

Before they are hired, they must pass a background check and go through a psychological examination. They must attend 64 hours of training. Usually, they work for six to eight months before they start working as a dispatcher alone without a trainer.

One recalls the Legislature raided "dedicated" 911 fees the last couple of sessions to help balance the budget. I don't know whether or not that has anything to do with the shortage in Brownsville.