Police Dispatcher Resume Examples

Essential Components of a Police Dispatcher Resume

A police dispatcher's resume is a critical document that showcases an individual's skills, expertise, and suitability for the role. The position of a police dispatcher demands exceptional communication abilities, the capacity to remain composed in high-pressure situations, multitasking prowess, and proficiency with dispatch equipment. It is essential that your resume effectively highlights these competencies.

In the following sections, we will delve into the various elements that constitute a police dispatcher resume. We will discuss their significance, what they should encompass, and provide guidance on how to enhance each section to capture the attention of potential employers.

1. Contact Information

The "Contact Information" section is a fundamental component of any resume, including that of a police dispatcher. It provides potential employers with the means to reach out to you for further discussions or interviews. Ensure that this information is accurate, up-to-date, and prominently displayed on your resume.

Your contact information should include your full name, address (or city and state), phone number, and a professional email address. It's advisable to include your LinkedIn profile or other relevant social media accounts, provided they present you in a professional light. Prior to adding these links, ensure that any unprofessional content is removed from your profiles.

• Avoid including personal details that could lead to discrimination, such as age, race, religion, or marital status.
• Refrain from using work contact details unless you are currently self-employed.

Overall, the contact information section is crucial for facilitating communication with potential employers, so it must be free of errors to prevent missing out on job opportunities.

2. Objective Statement

The "Objective Statement" is a pivotal part of a police dispatcher's resume, offering a snapshot of your career goals and qualifications to prospective employers. Positioned at the top of your resume, this concise statement should articulate your career objectives, relevant skills, and reasons for being the ideal candidate for the position.

For a police dispatcher, the objective statement should highlight your ability to handle high-pressure scenarios, superior communication skills, and experience in dispatch or related fields. Mentioning any specialized knowledge pertinent to law enforcement or emergency response is also beneficial.

Example: "Detail-oriented professional with over 5 years of experience in emergency dispatch, seeking a Police Dispatcher role at XYZ agency. Proven ability to navigate high-stress situations, coordinate emergency responses, and utilize advanced dispatch systems. Committed to supporting law enforcement personnel and ensuring community safety."

Customize your objective statement for each job application, tailoring it to the specific requirements and qualifications outlined in the job posting. This shows employers that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in joining their team.

• Ability to handle high-pressure situations
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience in dispatch or related fields
• Knowledge relevant to law enforcement or emergency response

A well-crafted objective statement can set you apart from other applicants by immediately showcasing your fit for the police dispatcher role.

Related: Top Police Dispatcher Resume Objective Examples

3. Skills and Competencies

The "Skills and Competencies" section is essential for a police dispatcher's resume. It displays the candidate's abilities that align with the job requirements. Tailor this section to the job advertisement, highlighting both hard and soft skills.

1. Communication Skills: Police dispatchers must possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills, serving as a critical link between the public and law enforcement agencies. They must convey information accurately and clearly, especially during tense situations.
2. Multitasking: Dispatchers often handle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as answering emergency calls, inputting data into computers, and coordinating with various field units. Proficiency in multitasking is crucial.
3. Technical Skills: Familiarity with high-tech communication tools and software applications is a plus for police dispatchers, making them more attractive to employers.
4. Problem-Solving: Dispatchers must quickly assess situations and make informed decisions during emergencies.
5. Stress Management: The role of a police dispatcher can be highly stressful; candidates should demonstrate their ability to remain composed under pressure.
6. Attention to Detail: Accuracy is critical in this job, as minor errors can lead to significant issues during emergency responses.
7. Empathy & Emotional Stability: Dispatchers often interact with distressed callers who require empathy and emotional stability from the dispatcher to provide comfort while gathering essential information for emergency services.
8. Knowledge of Laws & Regulations: Understanding local laws, codes, and terminology used by law enforcement agencies is beneficial.
9. Teamwork: Police dispatchers are part of a larger emergency response team and need strong teamwork skills to coordinate effectively with police officers, paramedics, firefighters, etc., ensuring smooth operations during emergencies.
10. Language Skills: Bilingual or multilingual candidates may have an advantage, as they can communicate with diverse groups of people in distress.

Support each listed skill or competency with concrete examples from past work experiences where possible.

Related: Police Dispatcher Skills: Definition and Examples

4. Work Experience

The "Work Experience" section is a cornerstone of any resume, including that of a Police Dispatcher. It provides an opportunity to highlight relevant experiences and achievements, showcasing your capabilities and skills.

List your previous positions in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include the job title, employer's name and location, dates of employment, and a brief description of responsibilities and duties.

For a Police Dispatcher position, emphasize experiences related to managing emergency calls, dispatching police units efficiently, maintaining communication records, and handling high-stress situations.

• Managing emergency calls
• Efficiently dispatching police units
• Maintaining communication records
• Handling high-stress situations

Highlight specific achievements or metrics that demonstrate your effectiveness in these roles, such as 'Managed 100+ emergency calls per shift with a 98% accuracy rate' or 'Recognized for rapid response times during critical incidents'.

Mentioning familiarity with specific dispatch software or equipment is beneficial, as it indicates your proficiency with industry-standard tools.

Even if your previous roles were not directly related to police dispatching but involved customer service or crisis management, such as working in call centers, they can still be pertinent and should be included in this section.

• Customer service experience
• Crisis management experience

The work experience section should present you as a skilled and experienced candidate capable of fulfilling the duties of a Police Dispatcher.

5. Education and Certifications

The "Education and Certifications" section is a key element of a police dispatcher's resume. It allows employers to evaluate an applicant's formal training and qualifications pertinent to the role.

Typically, police dispatchers require at least a high school diploma or GED. However, some employers may prefer candidates with an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, communications, or a related field. Highlighting such educational achievements can provide an edge over other applicants.

Certain certifications are highly valuable for a police dispatcher position, including:

1. Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification: Indicates training in managing medical emergencies and providing pre-arrival instructions.
2. Crisis Intervention Training (CIT): Prepares dispatchers to handle calls involving individuals with mental health issues with empathy and effectiveness.
3. CPR Certification: Useful since dispatchers may need to give life-saving instructions over the phone before paramedics arrive.
4. Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Certification: Offered by APCO International, this certification confirms mastery of essential public safety communication skills.
5. Certified Training Officer (CTO): Indicates the dispatcher's capability to train others in dispatch operations.
6. National Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) Training: Provides dispatchers with skills to handle nationally significant incidents.

List any relevant certifications, including the issuing organization and the date obtained. If you are currently pursuing a certification, mention it as 'ongoing training' or 'additional qualifications'.

Be aware that many states require police dispatchers to have state certification, with varying requirements by state. Ensure you are familiar with the requirements in your area.

Continuing education is important in this field due to evolving technology and procedures. Demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning can make your resume more appealing to potential employers.

Related: Police Dispatcher Certifications

6. Relevant Training Courses

The "Relevant Training Courses" section is an integral part of a police dispatcher's resume. It showcases specific training the applicant has completed that is directly related to the dispatch role. This demonstrates to potential employers the candidate's preparedness for the job and their commitment to professional development.

Training such as Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification, Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), or Public Safety Telecommunication classes are particularly relevant. These courses provide knowledge in emergency medical procedures, crisis management techniques, and effective communication during emergencies.

Training in stress management and emotional resilience is also valuable, as these are crucial for handling the high-stress nature of dispatch jobs. Computer literacy courses are beneficial since modern dispatch centers rely on complex computer systems.

In this section, include the course name, the provider, and the completion date. If space permits, briefly describe the course content and its relevance to a career as a police dispatcher.

• Course Name: The exact title of the course or program.
• Provider: The institution or organization that offered the training.
• Date Completed: The date you completed the course or received certification.
• Description: A brief overview of the course content and its applicability to the police dispatcher role.

Including relevant training programs on your resume not only showcases your qualifications but also reflects your dedication to maintaining high professional standards in public safety services.

7. References

The "References" section can be a decisive factor in the hiring process for a Police Dispatcher position. It allows potential employers to verify your professional background, skills, and work ethic.

List at least three individuals who can vouch for your qualifications for the police dispatcher job. These references could be former supervisors, colleagues, or subordinates from previous roles in law enforcement or related fields.

For each reference, provide their full name, job title, company name, contact information (phone number and email), and a brief description of your relationship. Ensure you have their consent before listing them as a reference to confirm their willingness to be contacted and to provide positive feedback about your work.

Choose references who can attest to your ability to manage stress, multitask effectively, communicate clearly, and work well in a team—all essential skills for a police dispatcher.

• Stress management ability
• Multitasking skills
• Clear communication
• Teamwork

Inform your references about the specific job requirements of the position you are applying for, so they can tailor their recommendations accordingly. Providing them with a copy of the job description or discussing key aspects of the role can be helpful.

While it was once common to include references directly on your resume, it is now more typical to state "references available upon request." This conserves space on your resume and allows you to control when potential employers contact your references during the hiring process.