Can You Describe That Again

     Police dispatchers are one the greatest assets to any law enforcement agency.  They absolutely must be able to multi task on short notice, keep accurate records, usually deal with frustrated and often hostile people in person and on the phone and accomplish all of this at high speed.  But sometimes one comes along that is just a little lacking in one or more of these areas.

     We were short handed one dispatcher and needed the job filled quickly.  The wife of our assistant chief recommended a young lady,  a friend of a co-worker who was in dire need of a full time job. The young lady completed the application, did well on her interview, in most areas and was willing to learn.  So, the chief decided to give her a chance.  She completed a brief training period, just enough to learn the system, and was put to work.  It happened that the shift opening was 3-11 which was almost always non stop rock and roll busy during the spring and summer. 

     It was a Friday night and everything was buzzing as normal.  Suddenly the car radios came alive with, all units stand by to copy bolo:  Be On Lookout.   We pulled off the road to take notes when she reported, be on lookout for stolen school bus.  After waiting for several minutes, the shift sergeant called and stated, "Can you give us further on the stolen school bus".  We were hoping for a school name on the bus,  approximate time of the theft, where it was stolen from, direction of travel, most anything that would beneficial.  The sweet young confused lady keyed the microphone and slowly stated, "  10-4;  it is long and yellow and has lots of seats.