Sec. 5201.3. Basic training standards

(a) Emergency Services Dispatch Training Evaluation Program.

(1) The authority shall have in place for each PSAP an Emergency Services Dispatch Training/Evaluation Program (ESDTEP). Except for those commencing employment in such capacity prior to January 1, 2004, all call-takers/dispatchers must satisfactorily demonstrate competency in the performance criteria established therein.

(2) The ESDTEP shall consist of a minimum of 200 hours of training, including, but not limited, to:

(i) specific performance criteria;

(ii) daily written evaluations;

(iii) observation of the trainee while interacting with the public and all relevant public safety agencies and organizations serviced by the PSAP.

(3) A call-taker/dispatcher who is otherwise subject to the training requirements set forth in this section, but who has been previously employed in such capacity, may in lieu of completing the training requirements, show competency in specific performance areas pursuant to a protocol established by the employing jurisdiction.

(4) Completion time. Every call-taker/dispatcher subject to the training requirements of this section shall satisfactorily complete the ESDTEP training program:

(i) within 18 months of the date of initial appointment for persons employed more than 20 hours per week; or

(ii) within 24 months of the date of initial appointment for persons employed 20 hours per week or less.

(5) Supervision.

(i) The ESDTEP program training shall occur under the immediate supervision of a competent trainer.

(ii) Call-takers/dispatchers shall not be assigned to unsupervised duty until the training is satisfactorily completed.

(6) Administrative requirements. The authority shall:

(i) maintain accurate and current copies of curricula consisting of course outlines, descriptions, and specific lesson plans for all training courses that are completed through an in-house training program;

(ii) maintain and make available accurate training records of all trainees, including daily written evaluations.

(b) Classroom and related instruction.

(1) In addition to the ESDTEP program training, all call-takers/dispatchers shall complete the following:

(i) a course of classroom instruction consisting of a minimum of 40 hours, including but not limited to, the following topics:

(a) roles and responsibilities;

(b) legal aspects;

(c) interpersonal communications;

(d) technologies;

(e) telephone techniques;

(f) call classification;

(g) radio communications;

(h) stress management; and

(ii) a course of study in incident command system, to include, but not be limited to:

(a) IS-700, or the equivalent, as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive Number Five; and

(b) ICS-100, or the equivalent, as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive Number Five.

(2) Completion time. Every call-taker/dispatcher subject to the training requirements of this section shall satisfactorily complete the classroom and related instruction training set forth above within 12 months of the date of initial appointment.

(3) The board may establish a list of approved classroom and related instructional programs which meet the requirements set forth above.

(4) All call-takers/dispatchers who are in a supervisory position shall complete the following:

(i) IS-700, or the equivalent, as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive Number Five;

(ii) ICS-100, or the equivalent, as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive Number Five;

(iii) ICS-200, or the equivalent, as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive Number five.

(5) Every call-taker/dispatcher who is in a supervisory position shall satisfactorily complete the training requirements set forth in the section above within 12 months of the date of appointment to a supervisory position.

(6) Administrative requirements. The authority shall:

(i) maintain accurate and current copies of curricula consisting of course outlines, descriptions, and specific lesson plans for all training courses that are completed through an in-house training program;

(ii) maintain and make available accurate training records of all trainees, including daily written evaluations.

(c) Extensions of time.

(1) The board may grant an extension of time for completion of the training required under subdivision (b) of this section under the following conditions:

(i) illness;

(ii) injury;

(iii) military service;

(iv) special duty assignment required and performed in the public interest;

(v) administrative leave involving the determination of workers' compensation or disability retirement issues, or suspension pending investigation or adjudication of an offense; or

(vi) any other reason documented by the authority, which reason shall be specifically described.

(2) Prior to the expiration of the time required for completion, the authority shall present written notification that the trainee is unable to complete such training due to one or more of the reasons set forth in paragraph (1) of this subdivision, accompanied by appropriate documentation.

(3) Any extension of time approved by the board shall not exceed a single 12-month extension.

(d) The training standards set forth in this rule shall be met through attendance at either a recognized training academy or through an in-house training program. Trainees shall be required to attend all classes and shall not be placed on duty or on call during such training except in cases of emergency.