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Has anyone worked as a police dispatcher before?

Xodus989

Xodus989

Well-Known Member
San Diego Unified School District is looking for one, and I'm thinking of applying, only requirement listed is 30wpm typing, and I type upwards of 70, so I think it would be okay.

So if you have worked as one before, what did you do?
 
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sdsubzero4

Spring Valley, CA
I have not worked as a dispatcher but on the receiving end of it. As a police dispatcher, you take 911 or calls and dispatch patrol to the area. The dispatcher is basically the lifeline for the street cops. They get backup to the officers and call for additional assistance. They look up records and give those information to the officers, call for tow, medical or ambulance, fire. Basically you take care of anything that comes your way. You direct traffic as the officers calls in to tell you where they need additional help or where to divert traffic. In emergency, you are the communication that can essentially the difference between life and death for all involve not just the officers.
Depending on the agency you're working for, its a 10 to 12 hours shift. Bigger agencies you will rotate area, but with SD Unified, you probably won't. Basically behind a computer console and take calls and determine whether you need to dispatch a car to check. But I think with school police, you will mainly be monitoring the schools and for alarm activities. I don't think it will be as stressful as the other municipal police agencies. But you must be able to remain calm and broadcast the info clearly in emergency.
There's a lot here, but this is what I know from experience. Dispatchers can be lifesavers. Hope this will help you. Good Luck.
 
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sdsubzero4

Spring Valley, CA
P.O.S.T. stands for Peace Officer Standard and Training. Its the state mandate training for anyone working in the peace officer (law enforcement) field. You will most likely attend the dispatcher academy after you are hired. The agency pays for that as part of your training. You will probably learn the basic dispatch techniques, but will definitely learn the California Penal Codes, the "10" and "11" codes, these are short codes for radio talk. I'm guessing will most likely be classroom and lab (mock dispatch center) and practical (mock dispatch calls). You will probably listen to tape radio and phone calls and repeat what it said. That's probably what the training will be like. I'm not sure on the length, but I'll try to get that info for you if I can get a hold of the dispatchers I know.
 
Xodus989

Xodus989

Well-Known Member
Does that mean I would have to go through the academy like any other officer? Or is it a special one specifically for dispatchers?
 
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sdsubzero4

Spring Valley, CA
No, its a different academy. I'm thinking its more classroom then anything and definitely not the 4 months academy for regular cops. I'll see if I can get some info from dispatchers I know and I'll let you know.
 
Xodus989

Xodus989

Well-Known Member
sdsubzero4 said:
No, its a different academy. I'm thinking its more classroom then anything and definitely not the 4 months academy for regular cops. I'll see if I can get some info from dispatchers I know and I'll let you know.
Click to expand...

Okay, can you ask them how much PT is involved if any? If there is I need start running some more! :bo:

Thanks man.
 
Roushed2

Roushed2

302 Motorsports
I havent been a police dispatcher but i hve worked the alarm room for the fire dept.

But it is the same thing asa police disptcher just on military bases everything is ran by the fire dpt.


cal me if youhave ques as i am typing o myphone and not on a comp.

813 951 3376
Dennis
 
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