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Career Details : Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers

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Description

Receive complaints from public concerning crimes and police emergencies. Broadcast orders to police patrol units in vicinity of complaint to investigate. Operate radio, telephone, or computer equipment to receive reports of fires and medical emergencies and relay information or orders to proper officials.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

Tasks

  • Questions caller, observes alarm register, and scans map to determine if emergency is within service area.
  • Determines response needed to emergency.
  • Scans status charts and computer screen to determine emergency units available for response.
  • Provides instructions to caller, utilizing knowledge of emergency medical care.
  • Coordinates emergency requests and dispatches response units to emergency, using radio or alarm system.
  • Records details of calls, dispatches, and messages and maintains logs and files, using computer.
  • Receives incoming calls by telephone or alarm system.
  • Tests and adjusts communication and alarm systems and reports malfunctions to maintenance units.
  • Contacts officers to verify assignment locations.
  • Monitors alarm system to detect fires, illegal entry into establishments, or other emergencies.
  • Operates telecommunication equipment to relay information and messages to and from emergency site, and between law enforcement agencies.
  • Questions caller to determine nature of problem and type and number of personnel and equipment needed.

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    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Objective or Subjective Information
    • Consequence of Error
    • Deal With External Customers
    • Frustrating Circumstances

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