How to Be Police Communications Operator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 16, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Law enforcement agencies rely heavily on Communications Operators to maintain a safe environment for the public and handle emergency calls. They are responsible for dispatching police officers to emergency situations, monitoring radio communications and providing vital information to officers in the field. As a result, Communications Operators are essential for providing swift and effective responses to emergency situations.

They act as a bridge between the public and police officers and can help to protect citizens by providing timely, accurate information. they are responsible for logging information, updating records, and taking appropriate action when necessary. By providing these crucial services, Communications Operators help to ensure the safety of their community and the proper functioning of law enforcement operations.

Steps How to Become

Meet Minimum Qualifications. To become a Police Communications Operator, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be 18 years of age or older.
Complete Training Program. Most police departments require Police Communications Operators to complete a training program. This program usually consists of classroom instruction, as well as on-the-job training.
Pass State Examination. Once the training program is complete, potential Police Communications Operators must pass a state-administered examination. This exam tests the applicant's knowledge of police procedures, laws, and other necessary communications skills.
Obtain Certification. After passing the state examination, Police Communications Operators must obtain certification from their state's law enforcement agency. This certification is valid for a certain period of time and requires periodic renewal.
Maintain Certification. In order to maintain certification, Police Communications Operators must stay up-to-date on all relevant laws and procedures. They must also demonstrate proficiency in their job duties.

Being a reliable and capable Communications Operator in the field of public safety requires a unique set of skills. First and foremost, a Communications Operator must have strong communication skills and an ability to stay calm in stressful situations. They must also be able to think quickly and accurately to provide support to police officers and the public.

Furthermore, the individual must have strong technical skills, as they are responsible for using the latest radio systems, databases, and other technology to help manage emergency calls. Finally, they must have excellent organizational skills, as they are responsible for keeping records and dispatching the appropriate resources when needed. All of these skills together make a reliable and capable Communications Operator in the field of public safety.

You may want to check Emergency Response Police Officer, Police Officer Trainer, and Police Sergeant for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor and respond to radio transmissions from police officers in the field.
Answer incoming calls from the public and police officers; assess the nature of the call and take appropriate action.
Process requests for police services, responding to inquiries, providing information and assistance.
Accurately enter data into the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
Monitor multiple radio channels to ensure officers are in contact with dispatch and are receiving necessary information.
Maintain records of all radio and telephone communications.
Monitor alarm systems, security cameras, and other security systems as needed.
Maintain and update databases of information related to police activity.
Contact other law enforcement agencies, emergency services, and government departments as needed.
Provide administrative support to field officers, such as researching information and providing backup support.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong communication skills
Proficiency in computers, radios, and telephone systems
Ability to think quickly and remain calm in high-pressure situations
Knowledge of local and state laws
Ability to handle confidential information
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Data entry and record keeping skills
Basic knowledge of medical terminology
First Aid/CPR certification

Good communication is essential for a successful police communications operator. This role is responsible for receiving and processing emergency calls, dispatching police officers and other emergency personnel to the appropriate locations, and providing relevant information to those involved. As such, the ability to communicate clearly and accurately is paramount in order to ensure that the right personnel are sent to the right locations quickly.

Good communication skills also include being able to read and interpret maps, understanding radio protocols, and having a strong understanding of police terminology. Furthermore, operators must be patient and calm under pressure, be organized, and able to multitask. Without these skills, the operator may not be able to properly respond to emergencies in a timely manner, or may give incorrect or incomplete instructions to dispatchers or officers, resulting in confusion and delays that could have significant consequences.

Police Lieutenant, Police Background Investigator, and Police Surveillance Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How do you think your experience makes you a good fit for this role?
What do you know about the job of a Police Communications Operator?
Are you comfortable with multitasking and working with multiple technologies?
What kind of customer service experience do you have?
How do you handle difficult calls?
Describe a situation when you had to remain calm and collected under pressure.
Are you familiar with any police software or protocols?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision quickly.
How do you prioritize tasks when under pressure?
Are you comfortable handling confidential information?

Common Tools in Industry

Radio. A two-way communication device used to communicate with other operators, dispatchers, and officers. (eg: Motorola XTS2500)
Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) System. A software system used to track and document calls for service, identify available resources, and manage response. (eg: Intergraph Computer-Aided Dispatch System)
Telephone. A device used to make and receive calls to and from citizens, officers, and other agencies. (eg: Polycom SoundStation IP5000)
Emergency Alerting System. A software system used to alert officers of emergencies and send out warnings to the public. (eg: Everbridge Mass Notification System)
Background Check Software. A software system used to check the backgrounds of job applicants and other individuals. (eg: Verified Credentials Background Screening Software)
Records Management System (RMS). A software system used to store, manage, and analyze police records. (eg: New World Systems Aegis RMS)
Mobile Data Terminal (MDT). A handheld device used by officers to access information in the field. (eg: Panasonic Toughbook CF-31)
Geographical Information System (GIS). A software system used to store, manage, analyze, and visualize geographical data. (eg: ESRI ArcGIS Software)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Emergency Number Association (NENA)
Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO)
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
National Law Enforcement Telecommunicators Association (NLETA)
International Public Safety Association (IPSA)
National Alliance of State 911 Administrators (NASNA)
National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)
Radio Club of America (RCA)
Association of Public Safety Communications Professionals (APCSP)
Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR)

We also have Police Academy Instructor, Security POLICE Officer, and Police Evidence Custodian jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD). A system used by police communications operators to provide pre-arrival instructions to callers who request medical assistance.
Law Enforcement Teletype System (LETS). A computerized system that allows police communications operators to send and receive messages, as well as access criminal records databases.
Radio Signal Codes. A set of codes used by police communications operators to communicate over the radio.
10 Codes. A set of codes used by police communications operators to quickly communicate messages over the radio.
Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD). A computer system used by police communications operators to record and manage calls for service.
National Crime Information Center (NCIC). A national database containing criminal histories and other information on wanted persons, stolen property, and missing persons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Police Communications Operator?

A Police Communications Operator is a professional who answers emergency and non-emergency calls for police services, dispatches police units, and provides support to officers in the field.

What qualifications are required to become a Police Communications Operator?

Generally, a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in customer service, public contact, and/or data entry is required. Some agencies may also require certification in emergency medical dispatch (EMD).

What are the primary duties of a Police Communications Operator?

The primary duties of a Police Communications Operator include receiving and processing calls for police services, dispatching police units to respond to calls, entering and retrieving data from law enforcement databases, monitoring police radio frequencies, and providing administrative support to officers.

What is the average salary for a Police Communications Operator?

The average salary for a Police Communications Operator is $40,000 per year.

What technological skills are necessary for a Police Communications Operator?

Technological skills necessary for a Police Communications Operator include proficiency in using computer-aided dispatch systems (CADS), knowledge of law enforcement databases, proficiency in using radio systems, and familiarity with other computer systems used by the police department.

Web Resources

Police Communication Operator - UT Southwestern www.utsouthwestern.edu
University of Florida - Details - Police Communications Operator I explore.jobs.ufl.edu
Campus Police | Coppin State University www.coppin.edu