Public Safety Telecommunicators
What is a Public Safety Telecommunicator?
Public Safety Telecommunicators, often referred to as 911 operators or dispatchers, are critical first responders who provide essential communication services during emergency situations. They are responsible for receiving and processing emergency and non-emergency calls, assessing the nature of the situation, and dispatching the appropriate personnel, such as police, fire, or medical services, to the scene. Their role is vital in maintaining public safety and coordinating response efforts efficiently.
Their daily tasks involve operating complex telecommunications equipment, including radio and computer-aided dispatch systems, to ensure clear and timely communication among responders and between the public and response agencies. Telecommunicators must remain calm under pressure, often handling multiple calls simultaneously and providing critical support and guidance to callers who may be experiencing panic or distress.
In addition to their operational responsibilities, Public Safety Telecommunicators play an integral role in community relations by providing information, resources, and reassurance to the public. They are trained to recognize various emergencies, including medical crises, natural disasters, and criminal activities, while employing protocols to gather relevant information and assess the severity of each situation.
Overall, Public Safety Telecommunicators embody the communication backbone of emergency services, ensuring that help arrives promptly and that public safety is upheld through effective coordination and response.
Tasks
- Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.
- 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.
- 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.
- Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software
- Presentation software
- Helpdesk or call center software
- Office suite software
- Spreadsheet software
Tools Used
- Two way radios
- Mainframe console or dumb terminals
- Teletype input devices
- Automatic call distributor ACD
- Special purpose telephones
Knowledge
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Selective Attention
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Detailed Work Activities
- Provide basic health care services.
- Discuss goods or services information with customers or patrons.
- Coordinate operational activities.
- Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
- Maintain call records.
Work Interests
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$33490.0 - $75910.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.