Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers

Receive complaints from public concerning crimes and police emergencies. Broadcast orders to police patrol units in vicinity of complaint to investigate. Operate radio, telephone, or computer equipment to receive reports of fires and medical emergencies and relay information or orders to proper officials.

Job Task

• Monitor various radio frequencies such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense in order to keep apprised of developing situations.
• Observe alarm registers and scan maps in order to determine whether a specific emergency is in the dispatch service area.
• Question callers to determine their locations, and the nature of their problems in order to determine type of response needed.
• Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen in order to determine locations and provide directions.
• 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.
• Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
• Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units in order to determine emergency units available for dispatch.
• 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.
• Learn material and pass required tests for certification.
• Monitor alarm systems to detect emergencies such as fires and illegal entry into establishments.
• Answer routine inquiries, and refer calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies.
• Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain files of information relating to emergency calls such as personnel rosters, and emergency call-out and pager files.
• Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.
• Test and adjust communication and alarm systems, and report malfunctions to maintenance units.
• Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials.
• Operate and maintain mobile dispatch vehicles and equipment.

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