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

Nov 24, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Police dispatchers play an essential role in the criminal justice system. They are the first point of contact for members of the public who report emergencies or criminal activity, and they are responsible for quickly relaying this information to the right police personnel. As a result of their efforts, police officers are able to respond to emergency calls and crime scenes quickly.

This quick response allows them to apprehend suspects before they can cause further harm, and it also helps to reduce the fear of crime in local communities. In addition, police dispatchers are also responsible for scheduling and organizing police appointments, assigning resources and equipment for investigations, and monitoring police radio traffic. By performing these important tasks, police dispatchers help to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the police department and allow officers to better serve the public.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most police departments require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED.
Earn a Degree. Most police departments prefer applicants to have a college degree in criminal justice or a related field.
Complete a Certification Course. Police dispatchers must complete a certification course in order to qualify for the position. These courses often provide training in the use of police databases, emergency response protocols, and communication equipment.
Gain Relevant Experience. Some police departments require applicants to have experience working in a public safety or administrative role.
Take an Exam. Most police departments require applicants to take a written and/or physical examination in order to qualify for the position.
Pass a Background Check. Police dispatchers must pass a background check in order to be hired.
Interview. Once an applicant passes the written and physical exams, he or she must interview with the police department for final approval of the position.

Staying ahead and competent as a police dispatcher requires a combination of specialized training, staying up to date with industry trends and technology, and having the right attitude. Specialized training allows dispatchers to learn the legal aspects of their job, as well as how to effectively handle emergency calls. Keeping up with industry trends and technology ensures that dispatchers understand the latest dispatch systems, communication protocols, and data management tools.

Finally, having the right attitude is essential for success, as it helps to maintain composure in the face of potentially stressful situations. In order to stay ahead and competent, police dispatchers must understand the importance of these three separate components and how they all work together.

You may want to check Police Cadet Coordinator, Police Homeland Security Officer, and Police Officer Recruit for alternative.

Job Description

Answer calls from police officers, the public, and other law enforcement personnel and dispatch officers to the appropriate location.
Monitor police radio and respond to requests for assistance or service.
Operate a variety of communications equipment and computer systems.
Record information such as names, addresses, incidents, and license plate numbers.
Prioritize calls for service and dispatch officers accordingly.
Provide information to police officers in the field.
Relay information between police officers in the field and other law enforcement personnel.
Maintain records of calls and dispatches.
Monitor surveillance cameras and other security systems.
Provide administrative support to police officers and other law enforcement personnel.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Effective Communication Skills
Conflict Resolution
Familiarity with Police Protocols and Procedures
Problem Solving
Attention to Detail
Information Management
Stress Management
Ability to Handle Multiple Tasks Simultaneously
Knowledge of Local Area
Knowledge of Computer Systems

Being a police dispatcher is an important and demanding job that requires a certain set of skills. One of the most important skills a dispatcher must have is excellent communication. This includes being able to quickly and accurately process incoming calls, and to relay important information to police officers.

a dispatcher must be able to effectively manage several tasks at once, as they can often be bombarded with multiple calls and requests at once. Good problem solving skills are also essential, as dispatchers are required to make quick decisions in emergency situations. Finally, dispatchers must have a good understanding of geography, as they are often responsible for providing directions to officers or other emergency personnel.

Having these skills can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation, making the police dispatcher one of the most important roles in law enforcement.

Police Administrative Assistant, Police Evidence Custodian, and Police Officer Trainer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience have you had with police dispatching?
What challenges have you experienced in dealing with emergency situations?
How do you handle high-pressure situations?
How would you prioritize tasks when answering multiple calls?
How do you stay organized when dealing with multiple calls?
What steps do you take to ensure accuracy when entering data?
How do you handle difficult conversations with callers?
How do you maintain confidentiality of sensitive information?
Are you familiar with police codes and procedures?
What would you do if you received a call that was unclear or difficult to understand?

Common Tools in Industry

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System. this software is designed to facilitate the dispatch of police personnel, track and store related data, and provide analysis for crime trends. (e. g. Zetron CAD)
Radio Communication Equipment. specialized radios allow officers and dispatchers to communicate quickly and efficiently. (e. g. Motorola XPR 7550e Digital Two-Way Radios)
Emergency Call Management System. this system allows the dispatcher to manage emergency calls and prioritize resources. (e. g. NICE Inform Emergency Call Management System)
Warrant Management Software. this software allows dispatchers to quickly search for active warrants, saving time and resources. (e. g. LexisNexis Accurint for Law Enforcement)
Telephone System. this system allows dispatchers to manage incoming calls, route them to the appropriate personnel, and track call length and volume. (e. g. Avaya IP Office 500)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (IAPSCO)
National Emergency Number Association (NENA)
Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO)
National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC)
International Public Safety Association (IPSA)
National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)
International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute (IPSLEI)
National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS)
International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI)
Professional Public Safety Dispatchers Institute (PPSDI)

We also have Police Communications Operator, Auxiliary POLICE Officer, and Police Recruiter jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Call-taking. The process of taking down details from a caller and entering them into a computer system for a police dispatcher to use when dispatching officers.
Radio codes. Short codes used by police dispatchers and officers when communicating with each other over the radio.
Emergency response protocols. A set of procedures and guidelines for a police dispatcher to follow when responding to emergency calls.
Dispatching. The act of assigning officers or resources to a call or location based on the information gathered from a caller.
Incident analysis. The process of analyzing call data, such as location, time, and type of call, in order to determine patterns and trends in order to better predict future incidents and deploy resources more efficiently.
Incident mapping. The process of displaying incident data geographically on a map in order to gain better insight into crime patterns and trends.
Logging. The process of recording information from calls or events into a computer system for future reference or reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of a Police Dispatcher?

The primary responsibility of a Police Dispatcher is to receive, prioritize, and relay calls for police services.

What type of communication is used by a Police Dispatcher?

Police Dispatchers typically use two-way radio communication to dispatch officers, receive calls, and update the status of police personnel and vehicles.

What type of information does a Police Dispatcher need to gather from incoming calls?

When taking an incoming call, a Police Dispatcher needs to gather information such as the caller's location, the nature of the call, and any relevant details about the incident.

What is the typical shift length for a Police Dispatcher?

The typical shift length for a Police Dispatcher is 8 hours.

What type of training is required for a Police Dispatcher?

A Police Dispatcher must complete an approved training program, which typically includes classroom instruction and hands-on practice in areas such as radio communication and customer service.