To apply for a position as a police dispatcher, a person should contact his or her local police or sheriff’s office and inquire about operator or dispatcher openings. This will allow the applicant to learn about potential openings and request the necessary documents and forms to begin the application process. While a college degree is not required to work as a police dispatcher, having a high school diploma is almost always required, and having an associate’s degree in a field such as criminal law or police science would be extremely beneficial. For 911 dispatchers, actual skills and experience are usually more important than any particular educational background.
Those considering a career as a police dispatcher should also consider careers in the fire department or as an ambulance dispatcher. These other jobs would provide real-world experience similar to that of a police dispatcher and give him or her an advantage over other applicants, which could be especially useful in areas where dispatcher jobs are in high demand. Because some smaller communities may only require one or two police dispatchers, someone can begin working in a related field while waiting for a position as a police dispatcher. As more dispatchers are required to answer the greater number of incoming calls, larger metropolitan areas will typically have more openings, and anyone interested in becoming a police dispatcher should consider moving to one of these areas.
The application process for becoming a police dispatcher can be lengthy, and anyone considering the field should be aware of this. While the specific process varies by location, all applicants must complete a lengthy written application as well as a psychiatric evaluation. Background checks are usually required as well, and anyone interested in becoming a police dispatcher should think about what they might find in one. Any applicant with prior call center experience will usually have an advantage.
Dispatching police officers is a high-stress job that necessitates the ability to multitask and coordinate the needs of multiple people at the same time. Being a 911 operator can also entail some harrowing emotional experiences. Anyone considering a career as a police dispatcher should be confident in their ability to deal with the reality of hearing people on the phone who are panicked, injured, witnessing a crime, or victims of violent crime. While this should not deter someone with the mental and emotional fortitude to perform such a job, any potential candidates should be aware of the realities of the job.