O*NET Career Intelligence

Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers

SOC 43-5031.00

Operate radio, telephone, or computer equipment at emergency response centers. Receive reports from the public of crimes, disturbances, fires, and medical or police emergencies. Relay information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May maintain contact with caller until responders arrive.

Zone 2 Office and Administrative Support

Skills

Knowledge

Job Zone

Green

Top Skills 8

Active Listening

4.2

Speaking

4.2

Social Perceptiveness

3.9

Critical Thinking

3.8

Reading Comprehension

3.6

Coordination

3.6

Service Orientation

3.5

Monitoring

3.4

Knowledge Areas 8

Customer and Personal Service

4.4

Public Safety and Security

4.3

Telecommunications

4.2

Clerical

4.1

English Language

4.0

Law and Government

4.0

Computers and Electronics

3.5

Geography

3.5

Key Tasks

1Question callers to determine their locations, and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.

2Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.

3Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.

4Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.

5Receive 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.

Also Known As

911 Dispatcher 911 Emergency Dispatcher 911 Emergency Services Dispatcher 911 Operator (Nine One One Operator) 911 Telecommunicator Alarm Operator Ambulance Dispatcher Call Person Communications Officer Communications Operator