Rock Island Considers Temporary Dispatchers Amid 911 Staffing Crisis

Davenport Rock Island Moline, IA, September 27, 2026 —

Rock Island officials are planning to address a critical staffing shortage at the city’s 911 emergency dispatch center, RICOMM, by potentially hiring temporary travel dispatchers. The center is currently operating at approximately 67% of its normal capacity, a situation that has led to mandatory overtime for existing personnel and increased strain on the remaining staff.

The City Council is scheduled to vote on a proposal that would authorize the city to contract with an on-demand dispatcher service. If approved, this service would provide temporary support for up to a six-month period. The estimated cost for this temporary measure is capped at $174,898. Funding for this contract is slated to come from existing department savings, according to the proposal.

The staffing deficit at RICOMM has created challenges in maintaining consistent operational levels for emergency communications. The potential use of temporary dispatchers is intended to alleviate the immediate pressure on the center’s resources and personnel while longer-term staffing solutions are explored.

The proposal highlights the urgency of the situation, noting that the 67% operational capacity is insufficient for optimal functioning of the 911 center. The contract would allow for flexibility in bringing in qualified dispatchers to fill gaps as needed over the next six months.

Story summarized from the original created by KWQC staff on www.kwqc.com, see more information here.

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