911 Dispatcher/Shift Supervisor ,
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
CAREER
Public Safety Telecommunicators
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$46,670
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+3.6% (slower than the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
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.
Other Job Titles Public Safety Telecommunicators May Have
Communications Officer, Communications Operator, Dispatcher, Public Safety Dispatcher
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- 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.
- Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.
- 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.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Public Safety Telecommunicators
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (75%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Associate's degree
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
