Important Dispatcher Questions

[Maroose]

Hello Everyone! I have a few questions that may seem pretty dumb...but they're very important! I replied to an ad in my local paper for a Police Telecommunications Officer (our city has about 65,000 residents). I had NO idea what that even WAS but it sure sounded good, and the pay was excellent. I was called back, have gone through testing, and am entering the final stage of interviews/checks. So, at this point, I need to know a few crucial pieces of information...

-Am I the person who accepts 911 calls, or do I just talk to the officers, and instruct them where to go?
-Do I actually wear a police uniform?
-What are some specific skills that are required to succeed in the position (ie. multi-tasking, calm under pressure, attention to detail, leadership, etc.)?

Any help/information that can be given is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Kristen

[dawnangel]

The center in savannah ga is set up we have call recievers days and dispatching days but generally you are crossed trained to do everything. Uniforms are pretty much standard, but the dept you applied in may have seperate ones for the dispatchers. The best thing you can do to get your questions answered is to ask the hiring person there if you can sit in with a dispatcher for a shift they usually encourage the public to come in. It gives everyone a better feeling about how things are handled when they are in crisis.

[MrJim911]

First, Maroose and dawnangle, welcome to the board!!
2 new dispatchers in a day, wow.

Really can't add much to what dawn said. Do some sit-a-longs to see what it's like!! This will help the most. Make sure you'll be able to handle the calls and radio traffic. Buy a scanner so you can get accustomed to that type of listening. Ask the people that work there all those questions you asked us. Every department does things differently so it's not something we can answer. Keep us posted on your hiring process and good luck!!!

[Ky911]

in our department we take the calls and we tell the officers, deputys,ambulances and fire departments where to go. (lol be it on the radio or in person) We also dispatch for the juvenile police, rescue and 17 plus volunteer fire departments and the coroner. there are 3 of us in the room dispatching at a time although we have 5 positions. Get use to being short handed. Our county is the 2nd largest county in Kentucky so we stay busy 24/7. Multi tasking is an major part of your job, handling officers with attitude when the NCIC doesnt spit the info back out quick enough for you is another hurdle.....lol takes alot not to cuss them sometimes but I love my boys :D To do this job in MY opinion you have to care enough NOT to care sometimes. You have to have a sick sense a humor and not be offended easily. When you get into a department (well most departments) its like one big family. If you ever heard officers only hang around officers and those who know what they do its pretty much true. No one understand them but other officers and us as dispatcher. You have to learn to be a mother, father,clergy and psychatrist (sp) to these people who call 911. Its will take time but any good dept will keep you in training at least 6 months.

[Maroose]

Hi All!
I'd like to send out a big THANKS to everyone who replied to my original message. Here's the update: the skills testing, written exams and behavioral interview all went smoothly -- I was a shoo-in! Unfortunately, I'm a full-time university student (and although the actual hours of the position worked with my schedule), I was unable to attend the required training sessions.

I'd like to note, however, that in reading the posts on this board, as well as participating in simulations (part of the selection process), I have developed a great respect for 911 dispatchers. My interest in pursuing a career as a dispatcher has certainly been picqued, and I look forward to once again competing for a spot when my schedule permits me to engage in the full training process.

Thanks!
Kristen
:)

[ladymoonlite]

Good luck to you Maroose! Didn't Lethbridge just receive their CALEA Accreditation this week, as well? Should be a great department to work for!

Best wishes