More dispatchers have joined Richmond’s 911 staff, reducing vacancies in a critical element of public safety.

The City Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response reported graduating 13 people Feb. 24 from its academy, the largest number of new emergency communications officer graduates since at least 2016.

Director Stephen Willoughby said that the new staff members will help to improve service and provide relief to the overworked staff in place.

Before the new graduates arrived, the department reported operating with 33 percent fewer people than authorized, 56 full-time and one part-time person. The department reported 28.5 vacancies of the 85 authorized positions.

According to news reports, people found themselves waiting on hold for 2 minutes or more in seeking a response.

Richmond is not alone. The National Emergency Number Association has reported a 911 staffing crisis exists across the country.

And it is not just dispatchers. The Richmond Police Department is short about 150 officers, while the Sheriff’s Department is down at least 170 people.

In the case of emergency dispatchers, the city has sought to make the position more attractive by pay. Mr. Willoughby also has been authorized to increase recruiting and hold at least four training academies a year to build up the staff.

The next training is scheduled for mid-April, and the department hopes to have 10 to 13 people in that class as well.

The department also stated the public can help improve response times by following a few simple rules, including dialing 911 only to seek immediate help from police, fire or emergency medical services.

For less urgent calls, the department encourages people to use the non-emergency number, (804) 646-5100, to seek assistance or to report or request help through the 311 system.

Also, anyone who calls 911 is encouraged to stay on the line if they get a recording and are put on hold.

The department stated that it answers calls in the order they are received. Hanging up and calling back puts that call at the back of the line.