Description
Operate 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. Take 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.
Interests
- Conventional
- Realistic
- Social
Work Values
- Relationships
- Support
- Achievement
Work Styles
- Self-Control
- Stress Tolerance
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Dependability
Tasks
- Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.
- Question callers to determine their locations and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
- Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
- Receive 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.
- Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Getting Information
- Processing Information
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software
- Presentation software
- Helpdesk or call center software
- Office suite software
- Spreadsheet software
Abilities
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Speech Clarity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Selective Attention
Skills
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Telecommunications
- Customer and Personal Service
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Emergency Police Dispatcher - Q CertificationCertifying Organization
International Academies of Emergency Dispatch
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Emergency Police Dispatcher Instructor CertificationCertifying Organization
International Academies of Emergency Dispatch
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
National Basic 9-1-1 DispatchCertifying Organization
Law and Public Safety Education Network
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Public-Safety ExecutiveCertifying Organization
Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials
Type
Core
Certificate name
Registered Public-Safety LeaderCertifying Organization
Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $43,086 |
| Median (50%) | $50,771 |
| High (90%) | $66,810 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $53,511 |
| Mid Level | $56,606 |
| Senior Level | $50,523 |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 102,700 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 106,800 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 4%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 4%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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