Public Safety Telecommunicators

Also Called: Communications Officer, Communications Operator, Dispatcher, Public Safety Dispatcher

What Public Safety Telecommunicators do

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.

  • Question callers to determine their locations, and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
  • Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
  • Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
Industry Areas:

Finance and Business Homeland Security Transportation

Training Program Areas:

OCT-Only Finance & Business • OCT-Only Homeland Security • OCT-Only Transportation • Office Administration • Security & Protective Services • Transportation Office Support

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Work Context

  • Telephone
  • Contact With Others
  • Deal With External Customers
  • Spend Time Sitting
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Tools

  • Two way radios
  • Mainframe console or dumb terminals
  • Teletype input devices
  • Automatic call distributor ACD
  • Special purpose telephones

Technology

Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
Microsoft Office
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
National Crime Information Center NCIC database
National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System NLETS

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Critical Thinking
  • Coordination

Knowledge

Business
customer service
administrative services
Safety and Government
public safety and security
law and government
Communications
telecommunications
multimedia
Arts and Humanities
English language

Education

  • 75% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 10% Associate's degree
  • 9% Some college, no degree

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.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Conventional (Organizer)
  • Enterprising (Persuader)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Stress Tolerance
  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Self Control
  • Integrity
  • Concern for Others

Values

  • Relationships
  • Support
  • Achievement

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Attention
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Visual Understanding

This is what Public Safety Telecommunicators across the country typically make.

$16.10 / hour
$33,490 /year

Entry Level

$23.51 / hour
$48,890 /year

Median Level

$36.49 / hour
$75,910 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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