Dispatchers need to be calm under pressure and have a desire to help the public.The ability to quickly assess and respond to a situation, have strong communication and listening skills, and be able to elicit information from distressed callers are required in this position.Education, training and prior work experience are required for the job.This article will give you information on how to pursue a career as a police dispatchr.
Step 1: It is possible to earn a high school degree.
A high school or GED certificate is required for almost every police dispatch position.At least 18 years old is required for these positions.If you haven't graduated from high school or have a GED, you need to complete one of these programs in order to be considered for a dispatch position.
Step 2: A clear criminal record is important.
In some cases, you may have to pass a lie detector test if you want to work as a dispatcher.If you were arrested for a minor offense, you may be able to become a police dispatcher.Once you have identified an open position, you can determine if you meet the requirements for that position.
Step 3: Basic typing skills should be learned.
Dispatchers have to type information quickly and accurately.Basic typing skills, such as speed and accuracy, are required for most police dispatch positions.You should practice typing until you can type 35 words per minute.You can check your typing speed with a free online typing test.
Step 4: Local geography is something you shouldFamiliarize yourself with.
In order to properly assess and assign emergency response personnel, as well as identify the location of callers, police dispatch must be knowledgeable about their local geography.If you know the location where you want to work, study maps of the local area, learn the names of neighborhoods and understand the basic layout of your location, including any major landmarks.
Step 5: There are online jobs for police dispatch.
In order to attract the largest pool of applicants, some police departments post employment opportunities for police dispatchers on large, commercial job sites.A simple way to begin your online job search is to perform an internet search that includes language such as, police dispatch job openings and that also includes the geographic region that you are interested in working in.If you use this basic search, you may be able to find job openings on large job sites.
Step 6: If you're interested in working in the police department, you can find it on the internet.
If online job sites don't capture employment opportunities in your preferred work location, you should determine if police departments or towns where you would like to work maintain their own websites.Job requirements and salary may be listed on these websites.
Step 7: If you couldn't find employment openings online, call the police.
There are online employment opportunities for police departments and municipalities.If you can't locate this information, call the police departments.Do you know if there are any job openings for police dispatchers?A high school diploma or GED is required for many police dispatch positions, as well as a criminal background check, a vision and hearing test, and a drug test.
Step 8: You can fill out a job application.
Once you have identified a job opening and meet the minimum job requirements, you can either download the application from the police department, city or town website, request an application by mail, or pick it up in person.Contact information, education, work history, references, and criminal convictions are typically required for job applications.You have to answer all of the questions honestly.
Step 9: Get ready for the police dispatch exam.
Do you know if your local police department has a study guide for the exam?Downloads of study guides can be found on some governmental websites.Prepare for the exam by reading through the study guide and practicing answering the questions.
Step 10: Take the exam to become a police officer.
You will most likely be asked to take a written exam and other tests by the police department.Arrive on time for the exam, read the instructions carefully, and if you can, answer all of the questions.
Step 11: Get ready for the job interview.
The police department may schedule you for an in-person job interview if you score well on the exam and meet the basic job requirements.Employers can use the interview to assess how well you answer questions, respond to hypothetical emergency situations, and see if your demeanor fits well within the office and for the job.Before the interview, study the job requirements, review your exam study information practice answering interview questions based on your study material, to be able to clearly articulate why you are interested.
Step 12: Attend the job interview
Arrive five to ten minutes before your scheduled interview, dress in professional attire, and be confident.Discuss your qualifications and your desire to be trained as a police Dispatcher with the interviewers.
Step 13: The position is accepted.
You may be able to negotiate your salary if you are offered a position.Police Dispatchers make an average of $36,300 a year.You can still negotiate for a higher salary if your job offer is within this range.If the employer isn't willing to raise the salary, ask them how much training and certifications they have.If you have completed training and certifications, you may be in a better position to negotiate a higher salary later on in life.