Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Communications Division will celebrate National Dispatchers' Week April 10th thru 16th. The annual event, established in 1992 by President George H. Bush, honors police dispatchers nationwide for providing vital emergency services in their respective communities.

LAPD dispatchers, known as Police Service Representatives (PSRs), are an integral part of the public safety net in Los Angeles. They fulfill dual roles as police dispatchers and 911 Operators. In 2004, PSRs provided all dispatching services for LAPD officers and answered 3.3 million calls for police service from the public.

As part of the weeks' activities, Communications will award the 2005 Most Valuable PSR Awards. One PSR and one supervisor from each shift will be selected by their co-workers as epitomizing the ideals of teamwork, service to the community and leadership for which the division is known.

In addition, the LAPD's two state-of-the-art dispatch centers will offer guided open-house tours for officers, city employees, members of the media and the general public. Specific times of the tours are: 12:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Due to space limitations reservations are strongly suggested.

Monday, April 11, 2005
Valley Communications Dispatch Center (VCDC)
23001 Roscoe Boulevard
West Hills, CA 91304

Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Metropolitan Communications Dispatch Center (MCDC)
100 North Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Tour reservation requests and/or questions may be directed to PSR Marco Mendoza in the Community Relations Unit at 213-978-6511 or 213-978-6510.