How Morgan County is Recruiting Gamers as the Next Generation of 911 Dispatchers

What do video gamers and emergency dispatchers have in common? Quite a lot, actually! 911 dispatchers carry out a high-stakes and high-pressure job that requires quick decision-making, multitasking, and seamless communication skills—all things that dedicated video gamers practice every day. Recognizing this connection, Morgan County 911 in Alabama has launched a new initiative to recruit video gamers as the next generation of 911 dispatchers, which could be vital in an industry with a big workforce shortage.

With the help of CentralSquare Technologies’ leading public safety solutions, these new recruits are entering real-world emergency response situations with relevant skill sets learned through gaming.

Addressing the 911 Staffing Crisis with Gamers

Across the country, 80% of emergency dispatch centers (PSAPs) are understaffed, putting immense strain on first responders and communities. Morgan County’s gamer recruitment initiative could help change that. By tapping into a community of tech-savvy, quick-thinking problem-solvers, they’re expanding the talent pool for emergency response careers.

And it’s working. Morgan County is actively promoting the opportunity through social media outreach campaigns, aiming to attract gamers who might never have considered 911 dispatching as a career path.

“A lot of young people don’t even realize this kind of job is out there,” Joe explains. “But when they see how well their skills fit, it just makes sense. A lot of people out there want to be a cop, but hopefully a lot of people will see that this is really cool, too.”

Gaming and 911 Dispatching, A Natural Fit 

On the surface, gaming and emergency dispatching may seem like two completely unrelated things. But in reality, the skills gamers develop through playing align perfectly with the demands of a 911 dispatcher. Whether navigating complex missions in Call of Duty or coordinating emergency responses, success depends on the ability to quickly process information and take decisive action under pressure.

Joe Sivley, an avid gamer and Operations Manager at Morgan County 911, puts it simply:

“Gaming was literally practice for my time as a dispatcher. You’re constantly making split-second decisions, managing resources, and communicating with teammates—all of which translate directly to dispatching.”

For many gamers, these abilities come as second nature. That’s why Morgan County is tapping into this talent pool, recognizing that the very skills trained through gaming could mean the difference between life and death in real-world emergency situations.

Some key similarities between gaming and dispatching include:

• Multitasking & Prioritization – Gamers regularly balance multiple audio and visual inputs (think sounds from the game, communications with teammates, and controller feedback), much like dispatchers who must simultaneously track radio communications, incoming emergency calls, and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems.
• Fast & Accurate Typing – Some gamer-dispatchers can type up to 130 words per minute, significantly higher than the 40 words per minute average for the average person.
• Situational Awareness – Whether it’s keeping track of a fast-moving battle in Counter-Strike or coordinating emergency response teams, both roles require an ability to process complex situations in real time.
• Seamless Communication – Online multiplayer games demand quick and clear communication between players, much like dispatching requires constant and clear coordination with first responders.

Simulations, Training, and the Future of 911 Tech 

The overlap between gaming and dispatching is more than just a shared skillset. 911 simulation games already exist, which can provide realistic training environments through a fun and engaging medium that also help to educate the public on dispatching as a career opportunity. Games like 911 Operator simulate emergency response scenarios with impressive accuracy, incorporating real-world city maps and call management systems into the game.

Jordan Witt, Product Manager, Vertex NG911 Call Handling at CentralSquare sees potential for gaming interfaces to help inform the future of dispatch technology:

“At CentralSquare, we look at games to see what we can learn from their user interface. Gamers expect intuitive interfaces, customizable keybinds, and less menu clutter. All of these features make dispatching software more efficient, saving lives in the process.”

This approach is already influencing CentralSquare’s Vertex Next Generation 911 (NG911) solutions, which integrate multi-channel communications, AI-enhanced dispatching, and streamlined interfaces to support the fast-paced environment of emergency response.

From Virtual Missions to Real-World Impact 

By recognizing the overlap between gaming skills and emergency dispatching, Morgan County is pioneering a fresh approach to public safety staffing. As CentralSquare continues to evolve the technology that powers innovative 911 operations, the future of emergency response will be shaped by individuals who stay cool under pressure, think fast, and communicate effectively, whether that be from behind a gaming console or a dispatch desk.

If you’re a gamer, or know a gamer who is looking for a career that turns skills into real-world impacts, consider stepping up to the challenge of 911 dispatching.

The next mission might just be the most important one yet.

Schedule a discovery call today to learn more about how CentralSquare provides mission-critical solutions that empower your team to serve and protect your community.