Police Dispatcher: Job Information for Students Considering a Career As a Police Dispatcher

Do you like working in customer service? Do you thrive in high-pressure situations? If you answered 'yes' to both these questions, consider a career as a Police Dispatcher. Police Dispatchers must have at least a high school diploma.

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What is a Police Dispatcher?

Police Dispatchers are communication professionals who receive and respond to emergency phone calls from the public. Police Dispatchers calmly question their callers to determine the nature of an emergency and then send appropriate emergency services to the scene. In some cases, Police Dispatchers administer medical advice to their callers.

How to Become a Police Dispatcher

Education Required for a Career in Police Dispatch

A career as a Police Dispatcher requires a high school diploma and several months of on-the-job training. Certification for Police Dispatchers varies by state, but training commonly includes eight weeks of classroom instruction, followed by a period monitoring calls and learning about equipment at a dispatch center.

Required Skills for Police Dispatchers

Police Dispatchers must have good clerical and communication skills. They also must be able to work fast and stay calm in high-pressure situations. Police Dispatchers should be prepared to work late nights and holidays since call centers are open all the time.

Career and Economic Outlook for Police Dispatchers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), the number of jobs for Police Dispatchers is expected to increase by 14% by 2016, with most jobs being created in urban areas. The median annual wage, including benefits, for Police Dispatchers is $43,823, according to Payscale.com (www.payscale.com).

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Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics