Occupational Employment Statistics
43-5031 Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers
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.
|
Southeast Minnesota
| 120 | 26 | $31.47/hr | $26.62/hr | $28.95/hr | $31.81/hr | $32.81/hr | $37.71/hr |
| Professional and Business Services | N/A | N/A |
| Education and Health Services | 120 | $33.23/hr |
| Public Administration | 1,050 | $31.45/hr |
- Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
- 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.
- 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.
- Answer routine inquiries, and refer calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies.
- Enter, update, and retrieve information from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles.
- Monitor various radio frequencies such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense to keep apprised of developing situations.
- Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
- Observe alarm registers and scan maps to determine whether a specific emergency is in the dispatch service area.