911 dispatchers at CU campuses designated as first responders

Apr. 13—Dispatchers answering 911 calls at University of Colorado campuses will now be designated as first responders instead of office and administrative support.

Emergency communications technicians, or dispatchers, in police departments at CU Boulder, CU Anschutz and the Colorado Springs campus will be designated as first responders. The proclamation does not apply to CU Denver because that campus shares resources provided by the Auraria Campus Police Department.

The new designation offers recognition for the people who help others in high-stress situations.

"It's great to see this type of recognition for our team, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to help others on their worst day," said Melissa Hart, CU Boulder Police Department lead dispatcher.

The new designation also opens the door to specialized training and mental health resources specific to first responders and offers an elevated perception of the position, which could help with recruiting dispatchers on the three campuses. Communications technicians at neighboring public safety departments, including the Boulder County Sheriff's Department, are already considered first responders.

In 2022, CUPD dispatchers handled close to 17,000 calls, including nearly 600 911 calls.