- I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
- Traveling
- Watching Movies and TV Shows
- Gym Workouts
- DIY and Home Improvement
- Music and concerts
- Creating digital artwork using software like Photoshop, Illustrator, or Procreate; Crafting; Technology
- Personal Development and Self-Improvement
Kathryn Prell
Carlsbad,New Mexico
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in the field of Public Safety, adept in strategic planning and crisis management. Proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency through policy development and analytics reporting. Proficient in various technical systems, fostering strong team performance and client relationships while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Driven individual with hands-on experience and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dispatch Commander
Carlsbad Police Department
Carlsbad, NM
09.2012 - 03.2025
- Leads, manages and coordinates the operations of the 911 Communications Division.
- Develops, implements and revises 911 plans, programs, policies and procedures.
- Hires, trains, and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel; establishes and evaluates appropriate performance and operation standards.
- Prepares, presents and oversees the division budget; maintains contracts, accounting records, and prepares reports. Develops budgetary request proposals and capital improvement plans; researches and manages applicable grants; establishes staff goals and objectives based on the department goals.
- Manages and coordinates use of radio communication infrastructure, including developing long and short term planning.
- Responsible for the coordination with neighboring 911 Centers for emergency contingency backup, coordination with the software, radio, telephone and computer operating system providers.
- Manages the repair, maintenance and replacement of existing equipment, and purchase and installation of updated systems. Plans capital expenditures to support all systems.
- Ensures the compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and FCC and local laws and regulations. Ensures that all equipment is operable and properly maintained. Negotiates and administers associated maintenance agreements.
- Facilitates meetings to ensure effective and efficient use of time and resources. Serves on numerous boards and committees.
- Maintains proper staffing levels for assigned shifts at all times.
- Develops various operating reports detailing department statistics, activity, dispatcher performance, and scheduling other administrative information.
- Represent the Communications Center at local, county, state and other meetings as needed. Assigns staff to job assignments as needed, and reviews work to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Ensures appropriate and efficient records management and adequate security of records and the facility.
- Review and evaluate issues of performance standards and/or procedures for implementation costs, benefits and liabilities, and other matters.
Education
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NHNo Degree - Criminal Justice
New Mexico State University
Carlsbad, NMSkills
- Proficient in Tyler Technologies Public Safety CAD, Mobile, RMS, GIS, IT networking applications/processes; radio; phone systems; NCIC; NG911 technology
- Policy writing
- Strategic planning
- Crisis management; Decision making
- Supervising staff
- Analytics reporting
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Organizational skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Computer proficiency
- Interpersonal skills
- Client relationship management
Accomplishments
National Emergency Number Association (NENA) NM Chapter President 2024-2025; NM NENA Secretary/Treasurer 2022-2024
APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials) NM Chapter Secretary/Treasurer 2021-2025
APCO Registered Public Safety Leadership National Certification
2018 Supervisor of the Year Award for the Carlsbad Police Department
Carlsbad 40 Under 40 Award
Certification
- APCO RPL (Registered Public Safety Leadership) Certification
- APCO PST (Public Safety Telecommunicator) Instructor Certification
- APCO Law Enforcement Communications Instructor Certification
- APCO Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Instructor/Certified EMD Certification
- New Mexico State Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification
- New Mexico State Law Enforcement / PST General / Master Instructor Certification
- FBI National Crime Information Center Certification (NCIC)
Interests
Timeline
Dispatch Commander
Carlsbad Police Department
09.2012 - 03.2025
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Southern New Hampshire University
No Degree - Criminal Justice
New Mexico State University