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Public Safety Dispatcher

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AVG. SALARY

$52,050

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EDUCATION

High school (GED) +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What They Do

Public Safety Telecommunicators Career Video

About This Career

Operates telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Takes information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.

This career is part of the Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security cluster Emergency and Fire Management Services pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Questions callers to determine their locations and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
  • Determines response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatches units in accordance with established procedures.
  • Records details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
  • Scans status charts and computer screens, and contacts emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.
  • Receives 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.
  • Enters, updates, and retrieves information from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles.
  • Relays information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
  • Observes alarm registers and scans maps to determine whether a specific emergency is in the dispatch service area.
  • Maintains access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials.
  • Monitors various radio frequencies, such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense, to stay apprised of developing situations.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would sit most of the time. There's some walking and standing. You may have to lift and carry things like books, papers or tools weighing 10 lbs. or less.
  • Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves making repetitive motions more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Picking out a particular sound in the presence of other sounds
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Rotating shift work
  • Weekend work

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • 911 Dispatcher
  • Communications Officer
  • Communications Operator
  • Communications Specialist
  • Dispatcher — Operates radios and other telecommunication equipment to dispatch emergency vehicles and to coordinate the activities of drivers and other personnel.
  • Emergency Communications Operator (ECO)
  • Police Dispatcher
  • Telecommunicator

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support