Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers

• Question callers to determine their locations, and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
• Receive incoming telephone or alarm system calls regarding emergency and non-emergency police and fire service, emergency ambulance service, information, and after-hours calls for departments within a city.
• Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
• Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
• Enter, update, and retrieve information from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles.
• Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
• Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials.
• Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.
• Observe alarm registers and scan maps to determine whether a specific emergency is in the dispatch service area.
• Maintain files of information relating to emergency calls such as personnel rosters, and emergency call-out and pager files.
• Monitor various radio frequencies such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense to keep apprised of developing situations.
• Learn material and pass required tests for certification.
• Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.
• Answer routine inquiries, and refer calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies.
• Test and adjust communication and alarm systems, and report malfunctions to maintenance units.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers.

• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers.