How do you become a police dispatcher?

Question

Ive been looking into it but I can't seem to find anything on getting started. Do you need a degree in criminal justice or a ceritfication? and what are the best schools (if needed) for police despatchers in California?

Answer 1

Check with your local law enforcement agencies for openings. Apply with them. A degree is usually not necessary, but they like for you to have some sort of call-taking experience, or experience working in stressfull situations. Most agencies will train you after your are hired. Some dispatch centers are very small with only one or two people...others are very large with 15 or more people dependng on the size of the city or county.

Our city dispatch center has 4 consoles. Two of the four consoles have 3 computer screens, a multiple-line phone, a 911 system with two lines, and of course the radio. One person sits at each console. The other two consoles just have two monitors and a phone. We have one police dispatcher, one fire dispatcher and 2 additional back-up dispatchers to catch calls and enter them into the computer.

You don't have to dispatch just for police. You can find jobs dispatching for fire departments or for EMS. I did police and fire for about 2 1/2 years. Fire dispatch was my favorite, it was easier of the two. With police, I had to learn all of the 10-codes and signals, but our FD used plain language, same with EMS.

A dispatcher must be able to multi-task. Example: You might be on 911 and have to answer the radio at the same time, while typing call information into the Computer Aided Dispatch system. Depending on what type of job you get, you'll be working anything from traffic stops to armed persons or structure fires to infant deaths. Dispatching can have its adrenaline rushes...and it can be an emotional roller coaster. Not everyone is cut out for it. Just like not everyone can be an ER doctor or a politician, but if it's something you're interested in, GO FOR IT! Good luck!!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Police dispatching is a world in and of itself. Get your typing speed up, the faster you type the easier to enter calls on a CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system. Multitasking, good hearing, the ability to work in stressful situations, keeping your cool when the caller is yelling for "the f###ing cops" and they only called 30 seconds earlier. Police Officers are a hard-nosed bunch when it comes to officer safety, Your first concern is ALWAYS the officers first. I have enjoyed being a dispatcher. Now I'm a 911 center shift supervisor. You can make some long lasting friendships and maybe even work in to becoming an officer too.

Answer 4

You don't need a college degree to be a dispatcher, but it sure couldn't hurt. You'd probably make more $ is you did have a degree. You DO need an impeccably clean criminal background and, in most cases, a clean credit history, too (don't ask me why credit has ANYTHING to do with getting aj ob, I think it's BS, but that's what they check for). You'll have to take a written exam (following written directions, following spoken directions, etc) and take a polygraph test in most cases, too. I'd keep an eye on job listings because a lot of times PDs will list opening for dispatchers. I applied, tested and was accepted as a dispatcher in Riverside County, CA but never started because we moved. It is a long process, though. It took about 3 months from the time I applied to the time I was accepted. Good luck!

Answer 5

RE:
How do you become a police dispatcher?
Ive been looking into it but I can't seem to find anything on getting started. Do you need a degree in criminal justice or a ceritfication? and what are the best schools (if needed) for police despatchers in California?

Answer 6

There is no college degree needed, but at least an AA would look good on your res. Most police departments will train you but you will have to be certified through the city's PD on their training format for a dispatcher after this training.

I looked into becoming a dispatcher, I feel it would be interesting work, aside from having to work shifts.

Good luck.

Answer 7

How To Be A Dispatcher

Answer 8

Check employment listings on your state and local government websites. My agency only requires a high school diploma or GED, no secondary education is necessary. You do have to have a completely clean criminal history, as you will need to be certified to run programs such as NCIC and CJIS. Be aware that it's not a glamorous job and that most agencies do not pay very well. I got lucky in that the agency I work for is one of the higher paying agencies. But, if you're cut out for the work and can handle the stress and the work schedule of weekends and holidays, it's a good job. I love being a dispatcher.

Answer 9

Dispatching can be alot of fun, it's also very stressful, I was dispatching before I took my current job. Many community colleges that have a Criminal Justice or Administration of Justice program offer the P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher course, it's a two week course, and having it would definately put you ahead of other candidates. Agencies like having people they can hire, and put to work, same reason they like hiring officers who have already put themselves through an academy.

Hope that helps ya.

Answer 10

I am a dispatcher. I just applied at the local police department when the position came open. You don't have to have a degree (although it doesn't hurt) They will send you through the certification process once you are hired. To get hired you have to apply, take a written test, a multi-tasking test, pass the oral board interviews, pass a background check and phyc test. Try looking up your local police department or Sheriffs office online. Good luck!