Police Dispatcher

Answer 1

Police dispatcher jobs have been in demand for years, even though the career pays well and can be very rewarding. Typically, the job of a police dispatcher is entry level, requiring no previous experience while offering opportunities for advancement. So how do you become a dispatcher for your local police department?

The minimum requirements for a dispatcher job vary by state, but almost all require a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also be at least 18 years old. In addition, it helps to have some sort of background in either the medical field, law enforcement, safety positions or even customer service. Another major requirement for all dispatchers is the ability to type fast and with great accuracy. Because 911 operators must accurately record information from callers in a short amount of time, it’s important to have excellent typing skills. If you find your typing is lacking, try taking an online typing class to instruct you. A certificate can also help you land a dispatcher job by proving your ability to do the job properly. The last requirement for a dispatcher job is the ability to pass a complete background check. This will include a criminal background check and potentially a drug test, polygraph test, personality profile exam and a psychological test, although this varies by state. You may also need to pass an interview by a panel, although this isn’t necessarily true.

One of the best places to search for police dispatcher jobs in your city or state is through your local government’s Website. Most cities post all available job openings online, allowing applicants to view requirements and submit a resume online. Be sure to follow up with a phone call after a few days, however, to stand out from the crowd and make sure your application is noticed. When applying, make sure you mention any previous work experience in related fields, including customer service or answering phones.

In 2008, the median salary for a police, fire or ambulance dispatcher was around $34,000. This varies wildly by state, however, depending on where the demand is. Some dispatchers make upwards of $55,000. It’s also common practice to be promoted from Police Dispatcher 1 to Police Dispatcher 2 after 6 months of work, and then so on to Dispatcher 3 and 4. Each promotion will typically come with a pay increase that can be as high as 10%. Because each state varies, it’s important to check with your local government listings to find out how much police dispatcher jobs pay in your area.