PHX Reporter

In observance of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County has honored the Probation Communications Center team for their role in maintaining the safety of field personnel.

Michael Cimino, Chief of the Adult Probation Department, praised the team of 21 professionals, stating, “The Judicial Branch is fortunate to have a team of 21 professionals enhancing the safety of officers in adult and juvenile probation as well as Judicial Branch Security.” He highlighted their extensive training and multi-tasking skills necessary to manage field officers and provide customer service to incoming calls from law enforcement, staff, leadership, and stakeholders.

The team oversees a complex radio communications and computer-aided dispatch system that assists in the monitoring of probation staff and Judicial Branch security. Their workload in 2024 included handling 3,500 arrest notifications, answering 5,000 calls per month, and processing 200,000 radio transmissions weekly.

Eric Meaux, Chief of the Juvenile Probation Department, remarked on the team’s vital contribution to community safety and their effective support, saying, “Ensuring their well-being involves a critical combination of training, proper equipment, and real-time support. One key element in this effort is the proactive monitoring and communication provided by trained professionals in our Probation Communications Center.”

Sean R. Gibbs, Director of Judicial Branch Security, commended the dispatchers and controllers, stating, “This week-long event celebrates and thanks those who dedicate their lives to serving the public. To all the dispatchers and controllers in the Judicial Branch, thank you for your hard work, dedication, and serving as the Judicial Branch’s eyes and ears 24/7."

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is observed annually during the second week of April. This event is dedicated to acknowledging the service and sacrifices of public safety telecommunicators. It began in 1981 and was officially recognized in 1994 by President William J. Clinton through a Presidential Proclamation.