Strong supervisors keep people and operations moving. Exceptional supervisors see what is possible—and help turn that vision into something that strengthens the entire organization.
Jordan Mitchell has done exactly that.
The 2026 PSAPs’ Finest Line Supervisor of the Year Award recognizes Jordan, Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor I with the California Highway Patrol’s Los Angeles Communications Center, for helping create a new operational capability that is improving coordination, efficiency, and investigative support across Los Angeles County.
Jordan was instrumental in establishing the Information, Records, and Investigative Support—or IRIS—Unit. He helped move the unit from concept to operation by developing its curriculum and policies and personally training eight employees for their new specialized roles.
Today, the IRIS Unit supports a broad range of mission-critical work. Its responsibilities include mutual-aid communications, case-record management, warrant confirmations, criminal-history requests, and real-time investigations involving Crime Stoppers tips.
By establishing clearer, more efficient workflows between dispatchers, investigators, and field personnel, Jordan has helped strengthen both the speed and investigative capabilities of the communications center.
His commitment to developing others reaches beyond the IRIS Unit. Jordan also leads quarterly POST courses for employees and supervisors, sharing his expertise and investing in the continued growth of the people around him.
Through initiative, knowledge, and a willingness to take an ambitious idea from the drawing board to daily operations, Jordan has made a lasting contribution to his center and the communities it serves.
To learn more about what drew Jordan to public safety and what continues to motivate him as a supervisor, we spoke with him about his emergency communications career.
What attracted you to a career in public safety/911 emergency communications?Jordan: I’ve always wanted to help people. Growing up watching shows like
Rescue 911 sparked my curiosity about public safety and ultimately inspired me to pursue this career.
What is your most memorable career experience?Jordan: One of my most memorable calls involved a suicidal juvenile who stole his mother’s minivan and led officers on a high-speed pursuit. Thankfully, it ended safely with a happy ending.
What do you most love about what you do?Jordan: As a supervisor, I enjoy helping dispatchers grow, develop, and reach their full potential.
What advice would you have for others thinking about a similar career path?Jordan: Every day, you have the opportunity to make a difference, even if it’s just for one person.
What does it mean to be recognized with a PSAPs’ Finest Award?Jordan: It’s an honor to be recognized by my leadership and peers. It motivates me to continue giving my best to our department and the community we serve.
About the PSAPs’ Finest Awards
PSAPs’ Finest is an annual recognition program honoring excellence in emergency communications centers (ECCs). The awards celebrate individual and team achievements each year across categories including Lifetime Achievement, Above & Beyond, Communications Center Director/Manager, Line Supervisor, Technician, Trainer, Telecommunicator, Innovator, and PSAP of the Year.
More information can be found at:
https://www.nicepublicsafety.com/psaps-finest-awards
