Ford County Communications is staffed 24/7 with minimum of 3 full time staff on each shift.   There are 4 x 12 hour shifts.   (Currently, Ford County Communications employs 15 full time staff plus Director, 2 part time and 1 reserve.)  Part time staff cover weekends, vacation, training, and special events.

Initial training is provided by the CTO.  The Supervisors  and Lead Dispatchers will continue to monitor training, when the CTO is absent or when the CTO has turned the trainee over to another shift.   Training consists of one year of on the job training, testing, competencies evaluations, and any other type of training available (videos, Priority Dispatch Protocol System for EMD, Fire, Police, Power Phone Protocol Systems, Police Legal Sciences, LEAPS TV classes on line as well as Emergency Management classes to assist in various emergency and non-emergency call types/scenarios for day to day training).  EMD training is provided after the first year or two of employment or when available.  Hamm Radio training and licensing is provided when available and requirements have been met.

Lead Dispatcher status is not necessarily done by senority, but by careful evaluation of interaction with staff and ability to perform the job and follow polciies and procedures with little or no supervision.  Lead Dispatchers are to lead by setting the example.  If evaluated to be in good standing and no complaints from co workers, they may be considered for Supervisor training and certification when position and budget becomes available.

Supervisor status is to be obtained through APCO Supervisor Certification.  The Director will appoint the Supervisor.

CTO status is to be obtain through APCO Certification.  The Director will appoint the CTO.