Police dispatchers function as the important link between law enforcement and people who need help. You would like this help to be emergency help, but we’ve heard stories of people calling 911 to report things like, my son won’t go to school or my husband watches football all day. Nonetheless, this career can be rewarding.

Those who want a real challenge should consider the police dispatcher career. It is also a career that can be a first step to becoming a law enforcement officer. No matter whether you have your eye on this career for a permanent career or plan to use the dispatcher position as a bridge to becoming a law enforcement officer, below are the skills and training you should have.

Skills:

As a police dispatcher, you must be able to handle a wide range of telephone calls and maintain a positive attitude. You need to be calm at all times, have good communication skills and have the ability to follow proper protocol and guidelines relating to your duties.

In an extreme emergency you also must be sure that you maintain contact with the caller until help can arrive. Helping the caller remain calm is one of the most difficult challenges that you will face.

To be a police dispatcher you will need certification or must have completed at least a 1 year training course. Needless to say, you need to have graduated high school or earned a GED. A lot of employers look for candidates who have at least a year of clerical, public safety or phone operator experience.

Training:

There are courses offered that can prepare you for this type of work. Shorter courses are generally provided through many emergency dispatch associations. You can also check at a community college and enroll in a 2 year program that will lead to an associate degree in public safety.

Whichever route you choose, you will be given instruction and practical experience that deals with dispatch protocol. You will also be trained in the basics of public safety and taught how to function with challenging situations and instructed in proper communication skills.

While certification as a police emergency dispatcher is a definite advantage, as stated above, this is not a mandatory requirement when applying for a job. Other requirements are:

1. At least 18 years of age
2. Calm Demeanor
3. Ability to handle pressure
4. Driving record must be clean
5. Maintain composure despite stress and pressure
6. Clear a background check
7. Computer literate
8. Typing speed of 40-45 wpm

Best Options to Prepare for a Job as a Police Dispatcher:

Find out if there are any Associate Degree programs being offered in public safety at your local community college. Look for approved online courses or community based programs that may be available through the NAED (National Academies of Emergency Dispatchers).

These programs will help you prepare for the responsibilities of being a police dispatcher. The courses that you will take include such things as emergency services, community behavior, sociology, psychology and public health and safety.

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Author Bio: Copywrite Kenneth Echie. Kenneth is a Writer, Expert Author, and Publisher. He currently writes for Medical Assistants Schools. Get free scholarship report and learn about Emergency Medical Dispatcher by visiting. Affiliated website: Extra Money Ideas

Category: Career
Keywords: Emergency Medical Dispatcher,EMD Schools,Emergency Medical Dispatcher Training,EMD Career