The graduating class included 35 new civilian Emergency Communications Officers (ECOs) along with 68 additional graduates from Evaluation, Dispatch, and other operational support roles.
ECOs perform critical functions: 911 operator, police evaluator, and dispatcher. All candidates begin as 911 operators which includes four days of classroom training and four days of on the floor training with an experienced coach.
ECOs then progress to the police evaluator role, which includes five weeks of classroom instruction and approximately seven weeks of supervised, on-the-job training while working on regular shift rotations. After one to two years as an evaluator, members may advance to dispatcher training. This final stage includes 10 weeks of course material completed during regular shifts, followed by a 16 week program that combines classroom learning with hands-on operational training.
ECOMB serves as Edmonton’s primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), handling approximately 3,000 calls every day from the public. These calls, which encompass both 9-1-1 emergencies needing police, fire, or ambulance and non-emergency inquiries, are answered, evaluated, and dispatched accordingly. ECOs serve as the vital connection between the community and the public safety services they depend on.
Becoming an ECO requires a highly competitive application and selection process, with fewer than 6 per cent of first-time applicants selected for training. The training prepares members to perform effectively in high-pressure situations where accuracy, empathy, and utilizing their quick decision-making skills are critical. Graduates bring diverse backgrounds to the Branch, including customer service, law, science, and military experience.
During a standard 12-hour shift, an ECO may speak with upwards of 80 callers. In 2025 alone, ECOMB handled more than one million emergency and non-emergency calls, including over 600,000 emergencies with 96.3% of calls answered within 15 seconds. Behind each of those calls are more than 200 dedicated ECOs working around the clock to answer, evaluate, and dispatch help – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Although their work happens behind the scenes, the impact they have on public safety is immeasurable. This is all the more reason to celebrate their achievements and recognize the critical role they play in keeping residents safe. As the first of the first responders, ECOs ensure the fast and accurate transmission of information related to fire, medical and law enforcement emergencies.
The professionalism of ECOMB was demonstrated during a critical incident that occurred in late 2025 when an ECO stepped in to provide American Sign Language (ASL) translation for a hearing-impaired individual. Her compassion and quick action enabled effective communication and were key to the successful resolution -one of many examples of the vital work ECOs do every day.
“We are proud to welcome our newest Emergency Communications Officers to the ECOMB team, says ECOMB Director, Kay Anderson. “As the First of the First Responders, your dedication and service make a meaningful difference in our community every day, you are the calm voice in crisis and a vital link in every emergency response.”
EPS congratulates all graduates on their achievement and thanks them for their commitment to public safety.
For more information about a career as an ECO, please visit 911maketherightcall.ca or the ECOMB page at edmontonpolice.ca/ECOMB
