Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers

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Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers

Careers / Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers

Summary Description


	Operate radio, telephone, or computer equipment at emergency response centers. Receive reports from the public of crimes, disturbances, fires, and medical or police emergencies. Relay information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May maintain contact with caller until responders arrive.

Sample Job Titles

1.	911 Dispatcher

2.	911 Emergency Dispatcher

3.	911 Emergency Services Dispatcher

4.	911 Operator (Nine One One Operator)

5.	911 Public Safety Dispatcher

6.	911 Telecommunicator

7.	Alarm Operator

8.	Call Person

9.	Call Taker

10.	Communications Officer

11.	Communications Operator

12.	Communications Specialist

13.	Communications Supervisor

14.	Dispatch Manager

15.	Dispatcher

16.	Electronic Telecommunication Dispatcher (ETD)

17.	Emergency Communications Dispatcher

18.	Emergency Communications Officer (ECO)

19.	Emergency Communications Operator (ECO)

20.	Emergency Communications Technician

21.	Emergency Medical Dispatcher

22.	Emergency Operator

23.	Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher (ETD)

24.	Emergency Vehicle Dispatcher

25.	Fire Dispatcher

26.	Fire Fighters Dispatcher

27.	Forest Fire Fighters Dispatcher

28.	Law Enforcement Technician

29.	Medical Dispatcher

30.	Patrol Telecommunicator

31.	Police Communications Dispatcher

32.	Police Communications Operator

33.	Police Dispatcher

34.	Police Radio Dispatcher

35.	Protective Signal Operator

36.	Public Safety Dispatcher

37.	Public Safety Telecommunicator

38.	Radio Dispatcher

39.	Telecommunications Specialist

40.	Telecommunicator

Job Tasks

	Question callers to determine their locations, and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed. Discuss goods or services information with customers or patrons.

	Receive incoming telephone or alarm system calls regarding emergency and non-emergency police and fire service, emergency ambulance service, information, and after-hours calls for departments within a city. Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.

	Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures. Coordinate operational activities.

	Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages. Maintain call records.

	Enter, update, and retrieve information from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles. Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information. Enter information into databases or software programs.

	Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials. Maintain security.

	Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.

	Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification. Relay information between personnel.

	Monitor alarm systems to detect emergencies such as fires and illegal entry into establishments. Monitor alarm systems.

	Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch. Operate communications equipment or systems. Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.

	Observe alarm registers and scan maps to determine whether a specific emergency is in the dispatch service area. Monitor alarm systems.

	Maintain files of information relating to emergency calls such as personnel rosters, and emergency call-out and pager files. Maintain call records.

	Monitor various radio frequencies such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense to keep apprised of developing situations. Operate communications equipment or systems.

	Learn material and pass required tests for certification. Maintain current knowledge related to work activities.

	Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.

	Answer routine inquiries, and refer calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies. Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information. Refer customers to appropriate personnel.

	Operate and maintain mobile dispatch vehicles and equipment. Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.

	Test and adjust communication and alarm systems, and report malfunctions to maintenance units. Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning. Adjust office equipment to ensure proper operation. Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers
	Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers, also called public safety telecommunicators, answer emergency and nonemergency calls.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers
	Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers work in emergency communication centers called public safety answering points (PSAPs). Dispatchers must be available around the clock, so they often have to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Overtime and long shifts—sometimes 12 hours—are common. The pressure to respond quickly and calmly in alarming situations can be stressful.

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