Several studies conducted by different research institutions have determined that approximately 95 percent of all police work performed by a department's patrol force is first received, screened, and assigned over police communications systems. The key to ensuring optimal performance of all dispatch personnel is intensive training which focuses on maintaining the highest levels of integrity and professionalism by standardizing training guidelines, establishing performance expectations, and using the incremental training method. By establishing a comprehensive training program which includes both training and evaluation, the department may reward dispatch personnel who perform well; identify those individuals who require remedial or additional training; and identify personnel, both present and prospective, who do not possess the skills necessary to perform effectively. Criteria used to evaluate dispatcher performance and training include attention to attitude, voice control and response, use of dispatching aids, stress response, the handling of routine calls for service and priority or emergency calls, the ability to understand and interpret information, and level of language skills. Tabular data and two footnotes are provided.