A Call for Service

Abstract

Policing is often understood as a dangerous occupation. Subsequently, much research has examined police officer victimization. Scholarship is relatively scant, however, when focused on police dispatcher victimization. This gap in empirical discourse is concerning as these individuals serve an integral function for police and other emergency responders. Likewise, the actions taken by dispatchers impact the needs of citizens (e.g., crime victims, missing persons, etc.) and the actions taken by emergency services. Thus, the purpose of this chapter is focused on illustrating what is known about dispatcher victimization and how these occurrences impact these public servants both professionally and personally. Also discussed in the text are areas that need to be further explored by researchers and practitioners.