Occupation

Public Safety Telecommunicators

Human Advantage 76%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
3 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.

Also Known As: 911 Dispatcher, 911 Emergency Dispatcher, 911 Emergency Services Dispatcher, 911 Operator, 911 Telecommunicator, Alarm Operator, Ambulance Dispatcher, Call Person +36 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.
  2. Question callers to determine their locations and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
  3. Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
  4. 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.
  5. Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
  6. Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
  7. Monitor various radio frequencies, such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense, to stay apprised of developing situations.
  8. Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.
  9. Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials.
  10. 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.
  11. Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.
  12. Answer routine inquiries, and refer calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies.
  13. Learn material and pass required tests for certification.
  14. Observe alarm registers and scan maps to determine whether a specific emergency is in the dispatch service area.
  15. Maintain files of information relating to emergency calls, such as personnel rosters and emergency call-out and pager files.
  16. Test and adjust communication and alarm systems, and report malfunctions to maintenance units.

Supplemental Tasks (2)

  1. Operate and maintain mobile dispatch vehicles and equipment.
  2. Monitor alarm systems to detect emergencies, such as fires and illegal entry into establishments.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
63%
Some College Courses
11%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
11%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
10%
Bachelor's Degree
5%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software

Software (18)

  • 911 system information databases
  • Computer aided dispatch software
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Intrado SchoolMessenger
  • Law enforcement information databases
  • National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
  • National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System NLETS
  • Spillman Technologies Spillman Computer-Aided Dispatch
  • Web browser software

Tools & Equipment (15)

  • Automatic call distributing ACD consoles
  • Base station radios
  • Desktop computers
  • Digital recording equipment
  • Intercom systems
  • Mainframe computers
  • Mainframe terminals
  • Mobile data computers
  • Multi-line telephone systems
  • Personal computers
  • Radio scanners
  • Switchboards
  • Telecommunication devices TDD
  • Teletype terminals
  • Two way radios

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Public Safety Financial Services

Zone 2
Public Safety Telecommunicators You are here
Zone 3
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 95% match
Zone 4
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists 79% match

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Real Talk

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