Dispatchers feel stress of recent attacks

TAMPA (FOX 13) - The ambushes in Dallas and Baton Rouge have sent shock waves through the law enforcement communities, including those in the Bay Area.

Justine Stickley is a supervisor at Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office's 911 dispatch center. She's the person on the other end of the line during 911 calls. She's also responsible for sending deputies out to respond.

Since the attacks on law enforcement officers began, her 12-hour shifts have become even more stressful.

"We have made some protocol changes. I'm not at liberty to discuss those for the safety of our officers. But yes, most definitely, we have made some changes," Stickley said Monday.

Tampa Police Chief Eric Ward had a similar response following the Dallas shootings. He says officers are working harder than ever to foster respect between the community and cops.

"The officers have been instructed to get out, get out of the cars, engage the community in a simple conversation. The community needs to know these officers are here, and they have family members as well," Ward said earlier this month.

It's a notion weighing heavily on the shoulders of those tasked with sending officers into the unknown.

"At the end of the day, that's when you let your deep breath out, your sigh of relief. I got through this shift, everyone went home safely," Stickley added.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office 911 dispatchers take in approximately 1.6 million calls a year.