Listuguj Police Department’s Dispatchers – Prioritizing Community Safety

The Listuguj Police Department (LPD) oversees all aspects of public safety in the community, and one of the major resources used is the Police Dispatch Program.

Currently at LPD, there are six trained dispatchers who are available to provide emergency assistance 24/7 in Listuguj. These dispatchers answer calls and send the proper emergency teams to respond to the situations. They monitor and record the whereabouts of police officers, to ensure there is always help available for every call that comes in. 

The dispatchers are trained to answer calls and remain calm under high stress situations. Their role requires quick thinking and the ability to multi-task using dispatching equipment and tools and provide basic emergency help before responders arrive on scene.

Abby Metallic is a dispatcher with the LPD and engages in public relations work as needed for the past four years. She highlighted how working in this field is very rewarding and said, “Having a connection with my community, I have the opportunity to make a positive difference by providing assistance during critical situations. Helping people in their times of need can be emotionally rewarding, giving you a sense of purpose.”  She has also had the opportunity to assist in the training of new dispatchers in the community over the years. She spoke about the importance of teamwork and camaraderie when it comes to working closely with law enforcement officers and other emergency responders.

The LPD developed an updated Police Dispatch Program in Summer 2021. Before this program was put into place, LPD officers answered calls directly over the radio and then responded, which was not typically an ideal process. Constable Jesse Doiron assisted with the development of the program. He worked as a 911 PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) Operator prior to his career in policing. Doiron said, “Drawing from that experience, I applied my knowledge to help develop a dispatch system tailored to LPD’s needs. This program allows dispatchers to log calls and track officer activity throughout their shifts. Additionally, I helped ensure that our new dispatchers were trained internally. Now I’m in the process of building an updated version of the system to enhance its capabilities even further.”  

Listuguj community members have two options when they require emergency services. They can call the LPD emergency phone number: 418-788-2003, or 911. Calling the emergency line ensures that individuals will speak with an LPD dispatcher, rather than a 911 dispatcher in Quebec beforehand. Ultimately every call will end with an LPD dispatcher no matter which number you call, and they will assist accordingly. Calling the emergency line may also shave off time in the event of a critical situation.  

Doiron said, “I also want to remind the public, that even though dispatchers may ask questions during an emergency, help is already on the way. Their role is to gather crucial details to ensure the right resources are sent as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

In early February, LPD rolled out an anonymous Drug and Crime Tip Line. Some examples of situations for the tip line include drug activity, theft, missing persons and crimes against a person. Call or text 506-987-3654 or email lpd.tips@listuguj.ca.  Please note that all calls, texts and emails will remain anonymous. The LPD would like to stress that this tip line is NOT designated for emergencies, and to please continue to use the LPD Emergency line and 911 for all emergency calls.

If you are interested in becoming a dispatcher with the Listuguj Police Department, please contact LMGjobs@listuguj.ca.

Thank you to the LPD dispatchers for the hard work they do in the community.

Listuguj Police Department Emergency Line – 418-788-2003
Non-Emergency Line/Office Phone – (418) 788-2334

By Ann Marie Jacques