Course Descriptions

 TABLE OF CONTENTS-- (Click on class for course descriptions)

40-Hour Advanced Dispatch School

40-Hour Beginning Dispatch School

9-1-1 Liability

Anger Management

Burnout

Child Callers

Conflict Management

Conflict Resolution

Cultural Diversity

Customer Service

Domestic Violence

Ethics

Executive Management Summit

Homeland Security-The Telecommunicator’s Role

Leadership I: Becoming a Great Supervisor

Leadership II: The Professional Supervisor

Leadership III: The Professional Supervisor-Advanced

Leadership IV: Coaching, Counseling and Discipline

Management I

Management II:  Needs Assessment

Motivating Your Workforce

Nix the Negativity

Presentation Mastery

Professional Dispatch

Responder Down

Stress Management

Succession Planning

Suicidal Callers

Team Building

Team Building II

Train the Trainer

Turn Stress into Success

What was Management Thinking?

 
 40-Hour Advanced Dispatch School (5 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200808A with Module II Endorsement
Online Class SCC 201302C with Module II Endorsement



Session One: 9-1-1 Liability

Understand liability risks from a 9-1-1 perspective and the different types of liability.  You will learn effective ways to reduce your exposure to 9-1-1 liability.

Session Two: Suicidal Callers


Learn how to respond to a suicidal caller and gain tools for what to say and what not to say.  You will understand what questions to ask to ensure safety for the caller and the responders.

Session Three: Homeland Security

Develop an understanding of the Telecommunicator's role in Homeland Security and Incident Command.  Gain confidence in knowing what to expect during a large incident.

Session Four: Domestic Violence

Understand domestic violence and develop the interpersonal skills necessary to answer and process the 9-1-1 domestic violence call in an effective manner.

Session Five: Stress Management

Identify the symptoms and effects of stress.  Develop coping strategies for dealing with the stress every dispatcher goes through.

“Tough topics that every dispatcher has to face, but this course puts them into focus.  Intense and fun.  Everyone can benefit from this course on some level.”
 ~ Bruce Micke, City of Wyoming Police Department


“This class brought back to the surface of my conscience why I do this job and why I love it.”
~ Jennifer Couch, West Bloomfield Police Department
                                                                                                                                                                                 Click Here for Outlines and Objectives as submitted for state approvals   |   Table of Contents

 40-Hour Beginning Dispatch School (5 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200707 with Module I Endorsement
Online Class SCC 201302E with Module I Endorsement



Learn legal terms for FCC Rules and Regulations, Criminal Law vs. Civil Law, felonies and misdemeanors, Juvenile Law, warrants, subpoenas, and orders to build your confidence in your new profession.  You will also learn ethics, professionalism, and customer service and discover interpersonal communications skills such as empathy vs. sympathy, respect, courtesy, active listening, verbal and split ear listening.  Gain knowledge of basic concepts of team building, handling difficult calls, basic call intake, types of callers, and call prioritization.  You will learn the etiquette of TTY/TTD, basic radio dispatching, and Police/Fire/EMS call taking.  In addition, technologies and how they will affect your customer service while understanding the effects of stress on the body and develop techniques to manage it.

“I've hated role playing since I started in Public Service sector 11 years ago, But OMG, your class rocked! I was actually excited to role play and excited to come to class.”
~ Christopher Hardenburgh, Fenton Police Department

"The seminar teaches the skills needed to be an effective dispatcher. It has provided me a new-found confidence in doing my job sufficiently. Exceeded at times, I expected the class to be a refresher, but learned quite of new information."

~ Laurel Cooper, Monroe County Central Dispatch

 9-1-1 Liability (1 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200803 with Module II (c) Endorsement
Online Class SCC 201302D with Module II (c) Endorsement


Understand your liability risks from a 9-1-1 perspective. You will learn the different types of liability for yourself and your agency and how to reduce exposure to 9-1-1 liability.

“I am going to strive to be a better dispatcher and to aid my agency in strengthening our liability conciousness."

~ Scott Del Pozzo, Amherst Public Safety (MA)

“Liability is very important in the dispatch center. This information will be utilized very much."
~ Kimberli Racicot, Westfield Police Department (MA)

 Anger Management (1 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200804 with Module III Endorsement


Anger is as natural an emotion as happiness or sadness.  Anger can potentially be the most hazardous emotion you face when it comes to yourself, the people around you, and your career.  Once you recognize how anger affects your body, your mind, and your behavior, you can more effectively control that anger even when faced with other peoples' anger.  You will discover methods to break old patterns and replace them with more successful anger management techniques.  In addition, you will be able to identify ways to help other people safely manage some of their repressed or expressed anger.

“A very good class. Stayed on topic for most of the day.”
~ Ashley Klco, Bolingbrook Police Department

“The role playing portion was fun and educational. I found all as helpful. I will start as soon as I go back. I will not let my anger control me. I will try to be a positive voice for change.”

~ Diane Kloepfer, Bolingbrook Police Department

 Burnout: An Examination of the Relationship between the Person and the Duties.  (One-Day Course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 201103A with Module III Endorsement

Are you feeling burned out? Can you recover? What is the difference between stress and burnout?
What if you're concerned about a co-worker? What can you do to help?

Learn the answers to these questions and more! Learn what causes burnout and what you can do to turn around the negativity and avoid the mistakes that burnout may be contributing to.

"It not only helped me taking what I learned back to my job but will help me overcome a major loss in my personal life."
~ Donna Bergstrom, Lansing Police Department

"Great class. Should be mandatory for all."

~ Nancy Thunherst, Lynwood Police Department

 Child Callers (1 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 201002A with Module III Endorsement


Contrast how child callers differ from adult callers and become more confident in listening and questioning techniques for children.  You will be able to better understand how a child processes information and relays it in their own way in order to help you more effectively obtain the information you need to provide help.  These techniques may help alleviate the consequences of vicarious trauma involving child callers.

"Great class! I can't wait to use these techniques."
~ Kolleen Hendin, White Lake Township Police

"Best class. Gives a good foundation to who our caller child is. It has more tools and better equipped to help a child."
~ Marc McCullough, Lapeer County Central Dispatch

 Conflict Management (1 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200804A with Module III Endorsement


Discover the causes of conflict and difficult behavior.  Learn to deal with change and to take responsibility for positive change in yourself.  Understand the importance of good communication as a tool to prevent problems, learn to cope with criticism, and know how to deal with difficult attitudes.

"No one is immune to conflict, but now that I have these tools I'm better equipped to manage, de-escalate, and resolve the conflicts I will encounter. Thank you!"
~ Lauren Joslin, Westy Bloomfield Township Police Department

“I am very impressed with the materials… Not only does it teach you how to approach other people during conflict, but we can use the tools to better ourselves which is where it starts.”
~ Joni Stidham, Livingston County Central Dispatch

 Conflict Resolution (2 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200702 with Module III Endorsement


In this course, you will recognize how your attitude and actions can impact others and find new and effective techniques for managing negative emotions.  You will develop coping strategies for dealing with difficult people and situations and identify those times when you have the right to walk away.

"Great class! This class made me analyze myself, not others. The information I bring back is something I can use instantly. Thank you."
~ Erich Sommer, WESCOM

"This course makes you feel better about yourself, your job, and gives you tools to effectively communicate in a positive way, ultimately bettering your work experience and raises your self esteem to win-win. Thanks!"

~ Sandy Ponce, Joliet Police Department

 Cultural Diversity (2 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200709 with Module III Endorsement

This course explores diversity issues in 4 key areas: Knowledge, Understanding, Acceptance, and Behavior.  Discover your current comfort level, gain insight, take action, and value diversity.

“I feel I am walking away with an open mind and ways to become more open and knowledgeable.”
~ Lyndsay Stephens, Lenawee County Sheriff's Department

“This is one of the best courses I've taken!”

~ Kristy Stockwell, Bloomfield Township Police Department

 Customer Service (1 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200706 with Module III Endorsement


Customer service skills can improve relationships with agencies you work with and advance your career at the same time.  You will learn who your customers are and learn to meet their expectations.  This course will help you explore opportunities within the scope of your authority of working effectively with others.  Gain skills to become effective in communicating with customers by utilizing fair and responsible responses.

"I believe the concepts are great and i intend to use them."

~ John Yaou, Highland Park Police Department

“Very enjoyable and I feel I can use it in my workplace."

~ Christina Garcia, Highland Park Police Department

 Domestic Violence (1 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200809A with Module II (a) Endorsement
Online Class SCC 201302A with Module II (a) Endorsement


You will learn the history of domestic violence and its reality in our society.  Become proactive in learning the hidden signs of domestic violence and why victims stay.  Learn why PPO's often get cancelled and what you can do to help.
 
"A lot of information presented and explained completely. Seeing the topic presented from a dispatching point of view was very educational for me."

~ Pat Garthwaite, Mesa Police Department

“Made me realize a lot of important questions I need to be asking to help others, either caller or responder. The class helps me realize the importance of being informed."

 ~ LeeAnn Tinney, Gila River Police Department

 Ethics (1 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200801 with Module III Endorsement


Explore the difference between ethics and morals while identifying some of your own values and moral principles.  You will become familiar with some philosophical approaches to ethical dilemmas and learn various ways to avoid them.  You will gain ideas to improve ethics in your workplace and tools to help make better decisions.

“Excellent class! Course made me think about things I had never even considered before. All law enforcement agencies should consider taking this class!!”
~ Tara Spillane, Otsego County Central Dispatch

“It had you take a look at yourself that may not have been done in some time.”

~ Dianna Fletcher, Clare County Corrections


                                                                                                                                                                     
 Homeland Security-The Telecommunicator’s Role (1 day course) SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 201001A with Module II (e) Endorsement
Online Class SCC 201303A with Module II (e) Endorsement


Build upon your skills and understand the role of the Telecommunicator in Incident Command.  Prepare yourself for large incidents by learning what to expect and who is accountable for what.  Become confident through understanding in a large scale crisis.

"I will be more aware of key words used in calls of threats to homeland security."
~ Anthony Howe, Montcalm County Central Dispatch

"There were a lot of interesting subjects going on today. A lot of new ideas presented that I didn't know about - cool!"
~ Casey Nichols, Missaukee County Sheriff's Department

 Leadership I: Becoming a Great Supervisor (2 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200603 with Module III Endorsement


This class clarifies your role and responsibilities as a supervisor enabling you to lead your team with confidence and assurance.  Expand your communication skills in listening, asking questions, and giving feedback as well as developing techniques for giving clear instructions.

"I didn't know what to expect but was pleased with what I received. The bar is now high for future success classes!

~ Samantha Sturgis, Fenton Police Department

“As the class got in depth... I was grabbed, pulled in deeper and didn't want to have it end. Thus, II, III, IV & V = goals.”

~ Carla Inglis-Greiner, Mason-Oceana 9-1-1
 Leadership II: The Professional Supervisor (2 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200704 with Module III Endorsement


Build upon your leadership skills and understand the scope and nature of the supervisory position.  Learn ways to manage challenges as you establish ways of dealing with difficult employees.  Identify key techniques that will help you plan and prioritize effectively and develop strategies for leadership.
 
“This is a very good class to remind people of principles they need to keep and show while working in a Supervisor capacity. Very helpful for me! The idea this class covered is a great reminder of how I will conduct myself to both my shift of dispatchers and management. I will work hard to communicate more effectively.”
~ Marc Gramlich, Monroe County Central Dispatch

“Great step to becoming the leader I want to be.”

~ Vaughn Noble, CCE Central Dispatch

 Leadership III: The Professional Supervisor-Advanced (2 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200705 with Module III Endorsement


You will build upon skills acquired in Leardership II: The Professional Supervisor.  Develop strategies for leadership, team building, communication, and motivation while learning what, when, and how to delegate.  You will acquire new skills for conflict resolution and use the tools and techniques necessary to become an effective supervisor.

"Very good content, very relevant material. I received a lot of good information and I will be able to apply to my job."

~ Pete Sotos, Elgin Police Department

"Being in this class helped me to see and KNOW I can be a leader."
~ Jackie Holte, Bolingbrook Police Department

 Leadership IV: Coaching, Counseling and Discipline (2 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 201002C with Module III Endorsement


Learn how to effectively communicate corrective techniques to your personnel and identify what you can and should document.  Upon completion of this course. you will be able to immediately apply the tools and techniques that make you stand out as a true leader.

"This is a good wrap-up of techniques learned in Leadership 1-3. This allow for more opportunities for applying lessons to real world scenarios. This class put all the pieces together. Not only will I use the coaching techniques on my subordinates, I will use some of the techniques - like the Benefits & Consequences Matrix - to 'sell' some ideas to my bosses. Scenarios on how to apply the concepts was extremely helpful."
~ Loren Hebert, Grand Rapids Police Department

"Excellent class! I can't wait to take it back and put it into action. I will be keeping better documentation and using the tools everyday. All supervisors should have take this series. It's perfect!"
~ Debra Laberdie, Livingston County Central Dispatch

 Management I (2 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 201011A with Module III Endorsement


Learn and understand the role of management, learn to avoid obstacles while managing the workplace, and define new ways of leadership that intertwine with managing the department.

"This was a great class. Even after 7 years as Operations Manager, I have learned tons! This class is needed for all management people not only to help them grow their company, but people and themselves! It's a great class to remind them why they are or want to be managers."
~ Shawn Grabinski, Muskegon Central Dispatch

“Class size was good for productive problem solving.”

~ Chris Karish, Ottawa County Central Dispatch




          
Click Here for Outlines and Objectives as submitted for state approvals   |   Table of Contents
 Management II:  Needs Assessment (2 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 201108A with Module III Endorsement


Participants will use this 2 day course to strategically identify, analyze, plan and construct a needs assessment on their own organization.  Attendees will measure important issues such as performance, equipment, information and technology.  Upon assessing the problem areas or areas of improvement, participants will build their own optimal model of intervention for implementation.

Attendees will understand the proposed solution, implementation and strategic awareness of building a plan for change.  Understanding the need for clear documentation, teamwork, and solutions strategies will guide the manager towards growing the department beyond routine maintenance.

*****NEW CLASS

 Click Here for Outlines and Objectives as submitted for state approvals | Table of Contents

 Motivating Your Workforce (1 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200703 with Module III Endorsement


Motivating others is a skill that can be learned.  This class investigates the how, why, and when to motivate others and help them become self-motivated.

"Very thought provoking.  A lot to think about and consider. Very good directions and specific actions and tactics."
~ Lynn Schmidt, Germantown Police Department

“Helped look at other areas of motivation that I had not thought about.”

~ Robert Kirk, Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department
 

            Click Here for Outlines and Objectives as submitted for state approvals   |   Table of Contents

 Nix the Negativity in the Workplace (1 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200811B with Module III Endorsement


What is Negativity?  Where does it stem from?  You will learn the answers to these questions as well as understand that negativity is a learned behavior that can be turned around.  Win the battle by turning your negativity into positive living.

“After working from 5pm the previous day until 1am this morning, and bravely sleeping 2 hours due to the many things weighing on my mind, this class was thoroughly engaging and kept my attention!

~ Alex Chavez, Glendale Heights Police Department

“I really didn't think I would get much out of this, because I'm very new (4 months) in dispatching and I'm very positive. But I got a ton out of it. Ways to eliminate negative people from my life. This class has given me things to think about, to not let people bring me down and make sure I keep bringing positivity into the center. 
~ Sarah Tepper, Seecomm (Southeast Emergency Communications)

 Presentation Mastery (5 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200908A with Module III Endorsement

Do you want to know the secrets behind being a Successful, accomplished, and polished speaker/presenter? Would you like to know how to reach everyone in your target audience and gain a better understanding of how they learn and what they desire from you? Do you struggle with presentations one on one, in a small group or a large audience? The techniques from this 40-hour Presentation Mastery course will help you chart a course for progress and success that will win over your audience no matter the size. The confidence, the new skills, and the proven techniques will turn you into a more effective presenter by the time you deliver your final presentation.

“The skills I learned this week I can use in ALL aspects of my life!”
~ Christine Collom, Isabella County Central Dispatch

“As the opportunities to teach increase, I now know better how to connect with learners of all types and will be able to better serve them.”      
~ Vance Stringham, Grand Traverse County Central Dispatch

 Professional Dispatch (1 day course)
SNC/MCOLES #SCC 200811A with Module III Endorsement


Learn how it all began and what the definition of Emergency 9-1-1 Telecommunicator means.  Gain skills to identify key areas of growth for individuals, the center, and the profession.  Develop new resources to further yourself, your job, and your center while understanding how you and technology will evolve into the Emergency Communications Specialists of the future.

"I can better help our center grow and standardize training."
~ Rob Saunders, Westfield Police Department (MA)
 
“I will use the tactics shown to have a better work environment.”
~ Stephanie Everett, Amherst Public Safety (MA)

 Responder Down (1 day course)
SNC/MCOLES #SCC 201107A with Module III Endorsement


Learn how everyday conditioning can assist in a crisis situation with an officer in trouble or officer down.  The stress of a responder down is like none other.  In this class, you will learn what your responsibility is before, during and after the call and how to deal with the after effects of the stress endured.

"So informative! I got a lot of information that I was expecting plus a whole lot more."
~ Sylvia Ghiotto, Quechan Police Department
 
“I really loved your stories and thank you for sharing them. My expectations were surpassed! I loved how this class was all about the dispatcher's viewpoint in every way.”
~ Cynthia Hudson, Arizona Department of Public Safety



 Stress Management (1 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 201001B with Module II (d) Endorsement
Online Class 201302B with Module II (d) Endorsement



Learn to identify the symptoms of stress and how stress affects us.  Develop coping strategies for dealing with the stress every Telecommunicator and public safety responder experiences.

"I will use the skills used in this course to improve my work as a dispatcher and improve the quality of service to our citizens."

~ Nicholas Funk, Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office

“I will definitely use the breathing exercises as relaxation techniques.”

~ Dawnette Roberts, Montcalm County Central Dispatch

 Succession Planning (On Line Course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 201107B with Module III Endorsement


When you move on, who will take your place?  In this on-line course, you will learn the traits of a successful succession plan as well as create one for your agency,  You will interact with your instructor, discussing the roles, responsibilities, function, scope and evaluation of the plan and the people involved.

NEW CLASS!

 
Suicidal Intervention (1 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 201001C with Module II (b) Endorsement
Online Class SCC 201302F with Module II (b) Endorsement



Understand who is at risk for suicide and apply learned techniques to evaluate the level of risk of a suicidal caller.  You will learn how to respond to a suicidal caller with confidence by knowing what to say and what not to say.  Identify resources to assist your call-taking even if working alone.

"It doesn't matter what agency you're from or equipment you have, EVERYONE can learn and apply something from this class."
~ Casey Nichols, Missaukee County Sheriff's Department

"This class helped me find better ways to control the situation on a call and connect with a suicidal caller while still obtaining and relaying pertinent information to responders."
~ Anthony Howe, Montcalm County Central Dispatch 

 Team Building (2 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200601 Minnesota POST Approved # 10273-0001
with Module III Endorsement



A "team" is a group of people with a full set of complementary skills required to complete a task, job, or project.  (Business.com)  You will learn your role within your team through the use of the Team Dimensions Profile.  With this priceless information, you will work more efficiently with your team by understanding team patterns, how to deal with differences within your team, and arrive at a more positive solution.  Realize that together is better!

“The class was great. It went far beyond my expectations. It showed me things about myself and others that I work with. I will gladly recommend the instructor and the company."
~ Jessica Martin, Amarillo Emergency Communications Center

“The class was very interactive and fun. Valuable exercises on how to deal with people and self.”

~ Leslie Carroll, Cambridge Emergency Communications Center

 Team Building II (1 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 201005A with Module III Endorsement

 
Participants will explore their part on a public safety team and how to build each other up in their organization with new tools, tips, and techniques in order to become a successful, highly functioning team. Team Building I is a prerequisite.
 

 Train the Trainer (3 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200812A with Module III Endorsement


Training others is one of the most fundamental skills necessary to retain the RIGHT employees.  You will understand different learning styles and adult learning principles.  Learn how to develop your own effective training style and evaluate whether or not objectives have been met.

"This class was awesome! We interacted with one another. We discussed how to improve our current training program. I learned tools to become successful trainer."
~ Sharonda Love-Wilson, City of Flint 9-1-1

"The overall flow of the class was very well done. The group activities were an excellent learning tool. I am going to take this information and use it as a continuous training tool."
~ John Jannette, South East Regional Emergency Services Authority (SERESA)
 
 Turn Stress into Success (2 day course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 200708 with Module III Endorsement


In today's society, we are constantly on the go and always have many windows open and operating within the computer we call our mind.  With all you have on your plate on a daily basis, it is no wonder you become "stressed."  Determine how to better utilize the coping skills already within yourself and learn fresh coping skills that will help you to manage stress rather than allowing stress to manage you!

"Without questions, I believe that what I've learned in this class may not only save my job, but quite possibly my life."
~ Thomas Seling, Oakland County Sheriff's Office

“The class provided so much more than the title. A 'must have' class for our profession.”
~ Mark A. Graham, Van Buren Central Dispatch
                                                                                                                                                                           
 What Was Management Thinking? (One-Day Course)
SNC/MCOLES Approved #SCC 201108B with Module III Endorsement


This class is geared for line workers as they desire to understand why and what the management team does. Critical for evaluating one’s own role, the employee will gain new understanding of the management structure, and responsibilities up and down the hierarchy. Demonstrating knowledge of management roles, the employee will be a “boss for a day” in a case study and examine the responsibilities, duties, liabilities, and repercussions of being in management.

"I loved the class. It really opened my eyes to what is really important in my profession. My role as a dispatcher is very important. I should approach my supervisors in a respectable manner. I can't wait to attend another class. This was GREAT!"
~ Dawn Barfield, Joliet Police Department

“Great class, I highly recommend this class not only for dispatchers but also for management (supervisors).”
~ Erich Sommer, WESCOM