911 to begin handling Anniston Police dispatching in October

Beginning on October first, Calhoun County 911 dispatchers will start handling the dispatch duties for the Anniston Police Department which is likely to cause some Anniston Dispaatcheres to lose their jobs.  Calhoun County 911 District board members voted last week to approve the $383,501 annual contract to take over telecommunications and dispatch services for Anniston police.  Anniston City Council members agreed to the move on June 10^th which they say  will save the city about 40 percent annually in providing those same services.  Anniston police Chief Shane Denham says it’s not clear just how many employees could lose their jobs with the change. Denham said the department currently employs 15 dispatchers, and at least one of those workers has transitioned from full-time to part-time employment.  In an effort to save as many of those jobs as possible, Denham said County 911 board members agreed to hire additional dispatchers exclusively from Anniston police staff.