What Does It Take To Be A Police Dispatcher

Start In Customer Services

Customer service departments are a great place to learn how to deal with stressed members of the public. Its not quite the same situation as handling emergency calls, but its a good stepping stone all the same.

Having an extensive knowledge of the geographic area, you plan to work in will also work in your favor. If youre intimately familiar with street names, shop locations, and the landmarks of your town or city, this will aid immensely when fielding calls and passing information on.

Safety And The Police Dispatcher

Police dispatchers are often seen as the lifeline of police officers, as their instructions and information give the police officers direction regarding how to proceed with the incident or emergency.

Police dispatchers must monitor, receive, and relay police alarms, intra-departmental calls, emergency calls, and dispatch police vehicles in the most efficient and productive manner. They must be able to remain calm and composed at all times, and they must be able to collect and relay as much information as possible to the responding police officers as to protect the safety and lives of both the general public and the police force.

Sound judgment and the ability prioritize phone calls and dispatch police officers accordingly are of the utmost importance, particularly in the event of a potentially life-threatening situation.

Information that is not clearly relayed to the officers in a timely fashion could result in injury or death to the police officers, the involved parties, or innocent bystanders therefore, the ability to gather and relay as much information as possible as to allow the police officers to handle the situation accordingly is, without a doubt, one of the most crucial aspects of the police dispatcher job.

Recommended Reading: How Can You Find A Police Report Online

Description Of A Telecommunication Operator

Now, we’ll look at telecommunication operators, who generally average a higher pay when compared to police dispatchers annual salary. In fact, the difference is about $1,979 per year.

According to resumes from both police dispatchers and telecommunication operators, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include “computer aided dispatch,” “cad,” and “ncic. “

Each job requires different skills like “patrol,” “criminal history,” “data entry,” and “radio transmissions,” which might show up on a police dispatcher resume. Whereas telecommunication operator might include skills like “patients,” “customer service,” “emergency situations,” and “non-emergency calls.”

Now, let’s take a closer look at the financials in each career. The government industry tends to pay more for telecommunication operators with an average of $45,658. While the highest police dispatcher annual salary comes from the government industry.

Telecommunication operators reach similar levels of education when compared to police dispatchers. The difference is that they’re 0.0% more likely to earn a Master’s Degree more, and 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Don’t Miss: How To Get Access To Police Reports

Gain Experience And On

Being successful in the unique and specialized role of an emergency dispatcher necessitates a particular set of skills. When you start working as a dispatcher, youll probably have to go through a probationary period. Utilize this time to learn on-the-job, hone your skills, and absorb knowledge from your managers and team leaders.

How To Become A Police Dispatcher

Have you ever thought about a career in emergency services but dont necessarily want to be physically on the scene in the thick of it all?

If so, then maybe you should consider becoming a police dispatcher.

Its a great way of serving your community without putting yourself in personal danger. Its also a vital part of providing an effective policing service.

In this article, Im going to look at the steps needed to become a police dispatcher. There are a number of pre-requisite requirements and skills youll need to have and specific training youll need to complete before being hired.

So, lets find out exactly what the job involves and How To Become a Police Dispatcher.

Recommended Reading: How To Be A Police Officer In Pa

What Are The Duties Of A 911 Operator

A Telecommunication Operator handles all incoming calls and transfers them when necessary to appropriate quarters. As a Telecommunication operator, you will be tasked with responding to inquiries, answering messages, and passing along communication to the right individuals. In addition to that, you will be tasked with organizing the telephone directory and performing a host of other administrative tasks. You will also have the responsibility of processing packages and incoming mails and delivering outgoing mails and packages to the post office or other shipping facilities.

Now we’re going to look at the 911 operator profession. On average, 911 operators earn a $2,109 higher salary than police dispatchers a year.

While the salary may be different for these job positions, there is one similarity and that’s a few of the skills needed to perform certain duties. We used info from lots of resumes to find that both police dispatchers and 911 operators are known to have skills such as “computer aided dispatch,” “cad,” and “ncic. “

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren’t so similar. For example, several resumes showed us that police dispatcher responsibilities requires skills like “patrol,” “two-way radio,” “criminal history,” and “data entry.” But a 911 operator might use skills, such as, “non-emergency services,” “dispatch police,” “medical dispatch,” and “multi-line phone system.”

How Do I Know If A 911 Dispatcher Career Is For Me

A career as a 911 dispatcher is fast-paced, hectic, and above all else, rewarding. As a part of a chain of emergency responders, dispatchers are the faceor the earof emergency calls to 911. It takes a remarkable person to do a dispatcher’s work, and it is not suited to everyone. Are you considering a career as a 911 dispatcher? Before you apply for a dispatcher position, you should decide if emergency services dispatching is right for you. Keep reading because we have taken the guesswork out of your decision by compiling a list of truths about the job so you can better understand if a 911 dispatcher job is right for you.Dispatching Jobs are Difficult to Get

To qualify to apply for a 911 dispatcher job, you must meet a number of requirements.

• High school diploma/GED or higher education depending on the service

• Speak excellent and clear English and be able to write it as well

• Be a proficient problem solver

• Knowledge of city, state, and federal laws, regulations, and legal codes

• Have experience in transcription and word processing

• Be familiar with the geographical service area, which includes the names of waterways, roads, and highways

• Have excellent communication skills

Dispatchers Take Lots of Phone Calls

Dispatchers Undergo Intensive Training

After you are hired as a 911 dispatcher, you will need to undergo training.

911 Dispatchers are Busy

Dispatchers Are on Guard While Listening

Sometimes Dispatching is Hard

Dispatchers Often are Puzzle Solvers

A Final Note

You May Like: How Old Can I Be To Be A Police Officer

Is A Dispatcher Career Right For Me

A career as a 911 dispatcher is fast-paced, hectic, and above all else, rewarding. As a part of a chain of emergency responders, dispatchers are the faceor the earof emergency calls to 911. It takes a remarkable person to do a dispatchers work, and it is not suited to everyone.

Before you apply for a dispatcher position, you should decide if emergency services dispatching is right for you. Below, we have taken the guesswork out of your decision by compiling a list of truths about the job so you can better understand if a 911 dispatcher job is right for you.

Dispatching Jobs are Difficult to Get

To qualify to apply for a 911 dispatcher job, you must meet a number of requirements.

These include, but are not limited to:

• High school diploma/GED or higher education depending on the service

• Speak excellent and clear English and be able to write it as well

• Be a proficient problem solver

• Knowledge of city, state, and federal laws, regulations, and legal codes

• Have experience in transcription and word processing

• Be familiar with the geographical service area, which includes the names of waterways, roads, and highways

• Have excellent communication skills

Dispatchers Take Lots of Phone Calls

Dispatchers Undergo Intensive Training

After you are hired as a 911 dispatcher, you will need to undergo training.

The training includes :

• Emergency dispatch

911 Dispatchers are Busy

Dispatchers Are on Guard While Listening

Sometimes Dispatching is Hard

Dispatchers Often are Puzzle Solvers

Education And Certification For 911 Dispatcher Jobs In Texas

The 911 dispatcher job description in Texas specifies that candidates must be able to remain calm in stressful situations and provide appropriate assistance as needed. Doing this requires a certain degree of expertise that is attained when new-hires complete their required dispatcher training, education, and certification courses. These vary from agency to agency, and include the following sampling from requirements across Texas:

• Passing a clerical skills test and typing test
• CritiCall certification

Also Check: Who Can Request A Police Report

Whats The Work Environment Of A Police Dispatcher

Police dispatchers typically work in a communication center. Depending on their exact role, they either only answer police-related calls or all types of calls, such as those requesting emergency medical help or fire service assistance. Most dispatchers work regular eight-hour shifts, but some work 12-hour shifts and overtime, including weekends and holidays. Itâs considered a stressful work environment, because dispatchers constantly face the pressure of quickly and efficiently responding to life-threatening situations.

You May Like: How Do You Fix An Incorrect Police Report

Log Maintenance And Data Entry

Police dispatchers maintain automated or manual-entry logs on all police activities, requests, calls and responses. The dispatcher is also responsible for accessing and entering data for each call. Dispatchers need to be accurate and maintain a level of confidentiality for all the information they receive. They also create files for individuals or properties that are pending investigation, recovery or apprehension.

Also Check: How To Become A Police Diver

Don’t Miss: How To Make Anonymous Call To Police

Minimum Level Of Education & Experience

Most Dispatchers will only have a high school diploma or GED. Some may possess a college degree in criminal justice or a related field, but most can have a successful career with just a diploma. Each type of Dispatcher will have different experience requirementsthe number of years for experience is based on what your company needs.

Managing And Responding To Calls

Police dispatchers receive calls that come directly to the law enforcement facility or are redirected through a 911 call. Dispatchers take calls from the public, other dispatchers and agencies using a telephone, computer-aided systems and radio communications.When a call is received, the dispatcher processes and evaluates the information and determines not only the importance of the call, but also what type and how many emergency services personnel will respond to it.

Recommended Reading: How To Become A Police Officer In Usa

Job Description Of A Police Dispatcher

Like other emergency dispatching positions, the minimum requirement for police dispatcher jobs is usually a high school diploma and a clear criminal record. However, given the high degree of precision needed to perform this job, many police departments require at least a few years in a dispatching capacity as a minimum requirement for a police dispatcher position.

Police dispatcher jobs that do not require experience as a dispatcher, often still require a background in customer service or telephone work, particularly in areas involving resolving complaints or giving and receiving information. Other minimum requirements usually include basic computer skills, a minimum typing speed , and the ability to pass a background investigation.

A typical job description for a police dispatcher includes the following, essential job functions:

• Determining the significance of the call and assigning the appropriate level of police resources
• Collaborating with department supervisors to monitor and control the response of the police officers
• Operating a Computer Aided Dispatch System and other computer terminals
• Monitoring the location and the status of all police officers on patrol
• Ensuring compliance of all operating procedures and FCC regulations
• Receiving and processing calls either directly or through an enhanced 911 system

What Are The Job Requirements

• Be willing and able to work rotating days and shifts to ensure coverage 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, including weekends and holidays.
• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have a high school diploma or general equivalency.
• Selected applicants must possess a valid Class E or higher driver’s license. Selected applicants must have no cancellations, suspensions, or revocations of the driving privilege for a minimum of three years prior to employment and must also maintain a driving record with no more than three chargeable motor vehicle crash or any violation defined in chapter 316, Florida Statutes, during any consecutive year period of employment.
• This position is subject to a Level 2 background check, along with Criminal Justice Information System and State Law Enforcement Radio System security clearance, to include a fingerprint-based check of the criminal history records of the FBI, as a condition of employment. As an applicant for positions requiring CJIS security clearance, you are required to disclose criminal records that have been sealed or expunged.
• In addition, potential candidates must successfully complete a drug screening, medical and psychological examination.

You May Like: What Happens In Police Academy

Do You Have What It Takes To Be One Of The Finest

Thank you for your interest in employment with the Pasadena Police Department. You are taking the first step in what could lead to an exciting and rewarding career with a World Class law enforcement agency. We are looking for committed and conscientious people to serve in both sworn and non-sworn positions. The following is the hiring process for becoming a Police Specialist V also known as a dispatcher.

Key Characteristics To Look For In A Dispatcher

Any potential Dispatcher should have most of the following skills on their resume: communication, compassion, multitasking, teamwork, stress management, organization, computer skills, and quick ability to make decisions. Dispatchers usually work in a fast, high-stress environment, so you want to look for someone who can handle themselves collectively while still completing their tasks.

Recommended Reading: Do You Have To Pay For The Police Academy

Police Dispatcher Job Description

Perhaps the hardest question to answer when deciding on a career as a police dispatcher is “should I become a police dispatcher?” You might find this info to be helpful. When compared to other jobs, police dispatcher careers are projected to have a growth rate described as “as fast as average” at 6% from 2018 through 2028. This is in accordance with the Bureau of Labor Statistics. What’s more, is that the projected number of opportunities that are predicted to become available for a police dispatcher by 2028 is 5,500.

Police dispatchers average about $17.98 an hour, which makes the police dispatcher annual salary $37,402. Additionally, police dispatchers are known to earn anywhere from $28,000 to $48,000 a year. This means that the top-earning police dispatchers make $25,000 more than the lowest earning ones.

It’s hard work to become a police dispatcher, but even the most dedicated employees consider switching careers from time to time. Whether you’re interested in a more challenging position or just looking for a fresh start, we’ve compiled extensive information on becoming a communications officer, 911 operator, 911 telecommunicator, and telecommunication operator.

How To Get The Job

GAIN EXPERIENCE

If you don’t have any relevant work experience, working in a customer service position for a while can help you qualify for a police dispatcher job.

TESTING

You may need to take and pass a civil service test.

APPLY

Look at job-search resources like Indeed.com, Monster.com, and Glassdoor.com for available positions. You can also visit individual police departments and related agencies online or in-person to apply.

Don’t Miss: How Do Police Triangulate A Cell Phone

Other Skill Sets Requirements & Qualifications

While dispatchers are required to only have a high school diploma, there is plenty of on-the-job training. If you become a 9-1-1 Dispatcher, you will have to go through a 9-1-1 operator certification, which requires you to learn about topics like stress management, obtaining information from callers, legal and liability training, and how to perform CPR. Volunteer certifications include The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials , The National Emergency Number Association , and The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch .

Other Helpful Skills And Experience

Prospective police dispatchers should have strong multitasking abilities, since being a 911 dispatcher involves simultaneously taking calls, typing notes, and interacting with other emergency personnel. Police dispatchers should also have a calm demeanor and be able to cope with high levels of stress, as the job routinely involves intense mental pressure. 911 operators should be prepared to work first, second, or third shift especially in larger cities, there can be a higher demand for second and third shift dispatchers as more emergencies tend to occur during these hours. It is not uncommon for police dispatchers to work rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends. The ability to speak a second language fluently, especially Spanish, may give operators an edge in the hiring process. Finally, earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree may increase an emergency dispatcher’s opportunities for promotion.

Recommended Reading: How Can I Join The Police Force

Faq: What Is A Police Dispatcher And What Do They Do

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeedâs data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

Police dispatchers respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, determining the level and nature of police assistance required for each situation. On-duty police rely on their calm response and communication of details as they handle situations and protect the public. Regardless of your current qualifications, knowing what a police dispatch is can help you decide if itâs a branch of law enforcement that you would like to work in. In this article, we provide answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding police dispatch.

Read Also: How Do You Get Into The Police Academy