Answering The Call Of Duty
(I’m working the graveyard shift at our dispatch center, answering 911 calls from the public. Usually this is the time when we receive our most interesting callers.)
Caller: “I’d like to speak the head honcho, you know? Who is ever in charge of the… uh… department or police or whatever?”
Me: *thinking he wants to speak to a supervisor to make a complaint* “What is this in regards to?”
Caller: “About a job. How to get one with the police.”
Me: “…I’m sorry?”
Caller: “I’m asking about how to get a job there.”
Me: “You’re asking about getting a job… on an emergency line?”
Caller: “Yes, I think I’m really good at what I’m doing now. I could help out, work as… uh… what’s it called… for an undercover cop. That’s what I mean. I could work as an undercover cop. How can I get a job doing that?”
(Just to make sure he’s not doing anything that could endanger himself or the public, I decide to continue and ask questions.)
Me: “And what is it that you’re exactly doing right now?”
Caller: “I’ve been noticing a lot of crime and drug sales in the area. At my home and at [Major Intersection on East side of town.] I play a lot of Call of Duty and I know what I’m doing. I’m just watching all the activity around me. I think I could be a real help. I just have this one little thing in court that I need to take care of, but other than that, I don’t have anything else. I’m clean.”
(At this point, I’m too flabbergasted to be my usual stern self when someone abuses the 911 system. I remain patiently polite, already imagining telling this story later.)
Me: “Okay… well… you will need to go to the town’s website and look for any job openings for the police department. I think they’re hiring officers now, so go take a look. Just don’t call 911 asking for a job here. And if you do see anything drug deals or anything like that going on, don’t confront the people, just give us a call and let us know.”
Caller: “Yeah, yeah, of course. I won’t confront them. I’m just watching. So, just go to the town’s website?”
Me: “Yes. You can fill out an application there.”
Caller: “Thank you so much! I really think I could be a big help.” *click*
Dispatcher: *next to me* “Did someone really just call 911 for a job? Were they serious?”
Me: “I… don’t… know.”
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