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Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers

Description
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.
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Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.

Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

Tasks
  • Questions caller, observes alarm register, and scans map to determine if emergency is within service area.
  • Determines response needed to emergency.
  • Scans status charts and computer screen to determine emergency units available for response.
  • Provides instructions to caller, utilizing knowledge of emergency medical care.
  • Coordinates emergency requests and dispatches response units to emergency, using radio or alarm system.
  • Records details of calls, dispatches, and messages and maintains logs and files, using computer.
  • Receives incoming calls by telephone or alarm system.
  • Tests and adjusts communication and alarm systems and reports malfunctions to maintenance units.
  • Contacts officers to verify assignment locations.
  • Monitors alarm system to detect fires, illegal entry into establishments, or other emergencies.
  • Operates telecommunication equipment to relay information and messages to and from emergency site, and between law enforcement agencies.
  • Questions caller to determine nature of problem and type and number of personnel and equipment needed.
National Average Salary
$27,670.00/year

Average Salary in Maryland
$30,340.00/year

Important Abilities
   1. Oral Comprehension
   2. Speed of Closure
   3. Speech Clarity
   4. Oral Expression
   5. Speech Recognition

General Work Activities
   1. Communicating With Persons Outside Organization
   2. Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
   3. Monitor Processes, Material, Surroundings
   4. Assisting and Caring for Others
   5. Communicating With Other Workers

Important Skills
   1. Active Listening
   2. Problem Identification
   3. Service Orientation
   4. Speaking
   5. Information Gathering

Frequent Work Context
   1. Job-Required Social Interaction
   2. Objective or Subjective Information
   3. Consequence of Error
   4. Deal With External Customers
   5. Frustrating Circumstances

Related Careers
Related Majors (A) Associate (B) Bachelors (C) Certificate (D) Doctor (M) Master
   No Related Major Found

MarylandMentor Institutions Offering Related Majors
   No Institution Found
The majors and institutions listed here are based on the current information in our database. Please be aware this information may be subject to change. We strongly encourage you to consult with your career counselor.




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