Crime & Safety

SERESA to Hold Citizens Academy

Residents can participate in the first behind-the-scenes look at how the regional dispatch authority for St. Clair Shores, Eastpointe and Roseville works.

When a resident calls 911 in St. Clair Shores, Eastpointe and Roseville, the call goes into the SERESA consolidated dispatch center for police, fire and EMS services.

From the moment the call is received, a trained dispatcher goes through a process to determine the situation and which service is needed.

For the first time since the service went live in Dec. 2010, resident will be able to go behind-the-scenes look at the center through a citizens academy. Participants will see everything from how a call is received to actual role playing.

Find out what's happening in St. Clair Shoreswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"When you have that (role playing) people are astonished," said Cherie Bartram,
SERESA executive director. "It opens thier eyes to 911 and helps the citizens become the police and fire's eyes and ears."

The seven-week course begins Feb. 21 and meets one night per week for two hours. While the course is free, applicants do have to undergo a background check because the academy will be held at the call center. 

Find out what's happening in St. Clair Shoreswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Among the topics which will be covered include:

  • Learn about the structure of SERESA.
  • Hiring and training of dispatchers.
  • Call taking.
  • Emergency Medical Dispatching.
  • Fire Dispatching.
  • Law Enforcement Dispatching.
  • Observation of the dispatch center in action.

In addition to providing look at SERESA, local law enforcement officials find a better educated community will help them with their job.

"The more information the dispatchers can glean from the call, and relay to us, the more prepared we are for what is going on," said George Morehouse, St. Clair Shores fire chief. "Be calm, cool and collecting. It makes all the difference in the world."

To learn more about the program, and apply, visit the SERESA website.


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