Public safety dispatchers help the general public.Anyone interested in helping people will find this rewarding.This job helps save lives and is very rewarding.
Step 1: Inquire about opportunities.
Some localities hire for Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services Dispatchers as separate jobs, while others hire as a single job.Smaller communities usually have public safety dispatch and larger ones usually hire separate police, fire and EMT departments.
Step 2: You should express an interest.
If you want to learn about the hiring process, contact the individual departments.
Step 3: You have to get qualified.
The Civil Service Examination can be used to draw interested individuals.If you want to join the department, you need to know where to find information on the next examination.These exams are only offered every two or three years.The list will be valid until the next exam.
Step 4: Apply formally for openings.
If there is no Civil Service Examination for the job you are interested in, the only way the department will know of your desire is if they have an application on file to review.To get a job description and application, contact the town, city, county, state personnel or human resources department.Ask about qualifications that may be required or given a preference if a printed job description isn't available.You must complete and return the form.
Step 5: Prerequisites should be obtained.
First aid,CPR certificates, etc. are prerequisites in some localities.For jobs.If such prerequisites exist, use this time to get them.Update the application when it's complete to reflect the new certifications earned.If there are no prerequisites, but a preference is given to those candidates that have the certificate, then you should get one or more of them on your own.
Step 6: The radio communications of the department can be heard via the scanner.
You should get a radio ear for the department you want to work in.It will be easier to recognize and learn unfamiliar terms if you listen.Law enforcement and medical dispatch have their own terms.When hired, knowing them will help you get up to speed quickly.
Step 7: Good communication skills can be developed.
Dispatchers answer calls from the general public and dispatch officials via two-way radio.Speaking clearly is something that can be done all day.When callers need help, they will be excited and difficult to understand.It is possible to calm them down by speaking calmly.It will make it easier to get the information you need.A calm voice at the dispatch microphone will make it easier for the other end to understand you over street noise, traffic, sirens and other less than optimal conditions.
Step 8: Interview for jobs.
You should be able to speak clearly in the interview if you follow some of the steps above.It is important that you have a high level of verbal and written communication skills.