What does a Police Dispatcher do?
Published 3 min read
A police dispatcher is a professional who is responsible for communicating with police officers and other emergency personnel. They receive and process calls from the public, as well as dispatch the appropriate personnel to respond to incidents.
Police Dispatcher job duties include:
- Answer emergency and non-emergency calls from the public.
- Determine the nature of the call and the appropriate response.
- Dispatch police units to incidents.
- Monitor radio traffic and provide information to officers as needed.
- Keep track of officer locations and status.
- Record details of incidents and dispatch calls.
- Perform administrative tasks as needed, such as maintaining records and preparing reports.
- Provide customer service, including assisting with directions or providing information about the department.
- Handle calls from other agencies, such as fire departments or ambulance services.
Police Dispatcher Job Requirements
Police dispatchers typically need at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and must complete on-the-job training. Some states have certification programs for police and fire dispatchers. Dispatchers also need experience with computers and other telecommunications equipment.
Police Dispatcher Skills
- Communication
- Multi-tasking
- Organization
- Prioritization
- Time management
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Stress management
- Emotional intelligence
- Customer service
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How to become a Police Dispatcher
There are many reasons why someone might want to become a police dispatcher. Maybe they have a desire to help others, or they want to work in a fast-paced environment. Whatever the reason, becoming a police dispatcher is a great way to help your community and make a difference.
If you’re interested in becoming a police dispatcher, the first step is to research the requirements for the position. Most agencies require dispatchers to be at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some agencies may also require dispatchers to have previous experience in customer service or dispatch.
Once you’ve determined that you meet the basic requirements, the next step is to complete a formal application with the agency you’re interested in working for. The application process will vary from agency to agency, but most will require you to take a written exam and/or participate in an interview.
After you’ve completed the application process, the next step is training. Most agencies require new dispatchers to complete a formal training program before they can start working on their own. The training program will teach you everything you need to know about being a dispatcher, including how to use the dispatch system, how to handle calls, and how to work with law enforcement officers.
Once you’ve completed training, you’ll be ready to start your career as a police dispatcher!
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