From traffic collisions to violent crimes and everything in between, the voices on the other end of the line at Saskatchewan RCMP’s Operational Communications Centre (OCC) are a lifeline for thousands in crisis each year.
In 2024, the OCC answered 366,737 calls for service, a four per cent increase from the year before. More than 4,400 of those were Priority 1 calls, meaning they involved urgent or life-threatening situations that demanded immediate police intervention.
“It paints a picture of the demands placed on emergency communication services and officers who respond 24/7 across the province,” said Jocelyn James, manager of the OCC.
The pace doesn’t appear to be slowing down in 2025. Between January and May, dispatchers had already answered 169,598 calls — including more than 1,720 Priority 1 emergencies.
On average, a dispatcher answers about 150 calls per shift, many through the 310-RCMP non-emergency line, but also via 911. Call-takers are responsible for gathering crucial details and dispatching the right kind of help, often while managing multiple situations unfolding across the province.
“No matter the call, we’re here to help,” said James. “It’s intense work, but it’s also very personally fulfilling knowing you are helping others in what could be their worst moment.”
RCMP dispatchers were instrumental during the mass casualty homicides on James Smith Cree Nation and in Weldon in 2022. One call-taker described the day the suspect was located and arrested as “highly stressful” but said staying calm and focused helped bring the case to a close. They later called it the most rewarding day of their career.
But it’s not always the high-profile cases that stick with dispatchers. One call-taker recalled helping an elderly person who had fallen out of a wheelchair while trying to put on slippers. The caller was frightened and alone. The dispatcher stayed on the line, offering reassurance until help arrived.
“That one really stuck with me,” said the call-taker. “I was just glad I could be there.”
The RCMP is currently recruiting for telecommunications operators. Trainees receive a starting salary of $64,625, with increases up to $86,007 annually after successful training, along with applicable allowances.
“If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and want to make a real difference, this could be the career for you,” James said.
More information about joining the team is available online at RCMP dispatch careers.
The statistics come as part of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s broader release of 2024 crime trends, which include province-wide data from RCMP jurisdictions and links to Statistics Canada’s national crime severity index.