Pros
I've been working at COPS Monitoring for 2 years now, and started as a dispatcher in the New Jersey office. I had heard about the job from a friend, who ended up being my trainer. COPS Monitoring prides themselves on hiring from referrals. This ends up being great as you take a personality test during the application process. As a result, similar people are attracted to apply for the job. I made a lot of friends and was welcomed into my group of coworkers on the (7am-3pm) Day Shift crew. When I decided I wanted to move to Nashville, TN, COPS was more than happy to transfer me within the company. When I arrived at the Tennessee site, I was met with the same inviting environment and likable coworkers. When a supervisor position opened up, I gave myself the opportunity and applied. To my delight, I was selected, promoted, and given a raise! I switched my shift to Evenings (3pm-11pm), and as a supervisor I work 10 hour days (3pm-1am) 4x a week. I really enjoy having this schedule! As a supervisor, I am now involved in the ideology of the company. It is apparent that the people assigned to lead want the best for the employees. You start as a level 1 dispatcher for training. The training period lasts on average 15 days, to learn the basics of alarm handling and how to navigate our system. Monthly thereafter, you will be evaluated based on your level skill set and customer service. Each time you are promoted to the next level, you earn a raise. Once you have reached Level 6, you receive an additional raise yearly. During your time employed, you are rewarded for good attendance. The Wellness Bonus is a quarterly bonus received for good attendance. Each time a lateness or call out occurs, a small portion is deducted. As a Level 6 dispatcher, you are also invited quarterly on a Club 6 trip. This is when the higher level dispatchers and management join together in an activity and a meal. For my first Club 6 trip, we went to a steakhouse for dinner and drinks and to a Dave & Buster's type adult and kid friendly arcade. Many of the employees have children, and these trips are usually family oriented to where it is appropriate to bring them along. You can't forget about the holiday party; every December each site hosts their own lavish Holiday Party at a local venue. These parties are themed and include dinner, activities, and usually an open bar. Jim McMullen and Ira Riklis, the president and CEO respectively, typically show at each site's party. Selected from monthly nominations written by supervisors and managers, they will read and announce who the year's Chairman Award for Excellence is. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners are rewarded for going above and beyond for the company, alarm company dealers, subscribers, or even coworkers. These are people who are valuable to the company and deserve to be recognized in front of their coworkers and rewarded for their ambition and dedication. Although I am not covered through work insurance, I know COPS provides affordable and excellent coverage for those who are. The company also values it's employees opinions. There is an Employee Suggestion Box located in our intranet. Here, dispatchers who are working with our system can give their opinion on what can make our standards and procedures better, safer, and faster for our subscribers, dealers, and coworkers. The executive management responds to these concerns and takes into consideration suggestions that will improve the workplace.
All in all, this company gives their employees a voice, and shows they are listening. There is potential to advance and move throughout the company, clear incentives, and a fun, friendly, and professional environment. I love my job.
Cons
As a supervisor, I do not have any personal qualms with the way the company is run. For some people, attendance is an issue as it is a point based system. Others have complained of favoritism; I have not witnessed any sort of favoritism amongst the management at the Tennessee site. I feel fairly treated and strive to treat everyone equally. Customer service is not a field for every personality type, and COPS understands this. Overall, COPS Monitoring is looking to hire people who are able to conform to it's high standard of customer service, which is an ability different from person to person.