Police Dispatcher: Has anyone worked this job before?

[HawkeyMediaPlus]

I am thinking about applying to become a police Dispatcher. I have a good friend who can help me get my foot in the door. The job is entry level and it pays $19.93 per hour or 41k annually. I know that may not be a lot but I'm only 20 years old.

I'm just curious if anyone on these boards has any experience in the EMS field. Any tips/help is appreciated. Thanks!

[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: Police Dispatcher: Has anyone worked this job before?

If you doing it a major city, you going to be busy non stop. In a small town, it is a piece of cake. OVer all just be prepared to work long hours and rotating shifts in the beginning.

Have some friends and relatives that do it. Also remember, no names over the radio.

[Aggies7]

Re: Police Dispatcher: Has anyone worked this job before?

I work with Police Dispatchers everyday. I will say biggest thing for the job is to be able to be clear and concise on the radio. As a Police Officer nothing is worse then when I cant understand the dispatcher. And honestly it becomes a safety issue.

I cant really tell you if its a job you are going to like, but would be a great job to get into at a young age, because I think the dispatchers in our area are on the same 25 year retirement plan.

[HawkeyMediaPlus]

Re: Police Dispatcher: Has anyone worked this job before?

Well my friend says that it's "entry level". I checked it out and that is true for the area I want to apply in. It's a small to medium town. My friend says it's just "common sense"

Is there any tips when I apply? I went to this site and downloaded the application which I will fill out and hand in tomorrow.
http://www.cencom911.net/employment.html (telecommunicator)

I just really want this job but I'm worried that since I am entry level that I may have disadvantages over others. My friend says there are a few spots open.

I am going to give it a shot and hand in the applicaiton. They said if you return, you take another test. I wonder how hard that is?

I have no problem with long hours and I have my own car and everything. I just was asking about it. Maybe there is some things that may help me get the job?

Thanks for the help guys. My dad was a paramedic in Chicago a long time ago. I've always been interested in being involved somehow.

[Scottdau]

Re: Police Dispatcher: Has anyone worked this job before?

You just have to realize it can get depressing. Especially when someone calls you and someone is trying to kill them or if they are in a scary situation. And you have to be all calm too.

[dickey1331]

While I'm not a Police dispatcher. The job I do in the military is similar to one and if it's anything close to what I do. Expect it to be very stressful, lots of long hours but also very rewarding.


Do you really care where I sent this from?

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Police Dispatcher: Has anyone worked this job before?

$40,000 starting out as a 20 year old in a job that I assume doesn't require any type of degree. You need to be doing whatever you like to do to give yourself good luck and get this damn job. Hell I'd quit school for a year if someone offered me 40k. People are saying long hours, but the pay per hour and annual salary you listed still works out to 40 hours a week, which is normal.

[HawkeyMediaPlus]

Re: Police Dispatcher: Has anyone worked this job before?

I just filled out the application in which I will turn in tomorrow. One of my references is someone who has 25 years of experience in this field so hopefully he will put in a good word.

I will update you guys on what happens. I'm not going to get my hopes up but it would be cool to work this. Thanks for the input guys!

[Brandwin]

I hope you get the job. There are people with college degrees who don't make $40 k a year. Good luck!

[Chrisksaint]

Re: Police Dispatcher: Has anyone worked this job before?

My aunt does this and has been for awhile, sounds like an interesting job but she says it can be pretty stressful and most likely you're gonna get the terrible hours such as the graveyard shift or something.

[cubsfan203]

Re: Police Dispatcher: Has anyone worked this job before?

Definitely a good job at 20. I don't know if there are any in your area, but you could look into railroad dispatcher jobs as well. They can make up to around $75,000 a year. It's a very competitive job because of that though, but if you can get some experience as a police dispatcher I'm sure that would help put you above some others.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Police Dispatcher: Has anyone worked this job before?

My aunt does this and has been for awhile, sounds like an interesting job but she says it can be pretty stressful and most likely you're gonna get the terrible hours such as the graveyard shift or something.

For $20 an hour he can suck it up lol

[TheMatrix31]

Re: Police Dispatcher: Has anyone worked this job before?

Which 20 year old isn't already up ridiculously late all the time anyway?

[Aggies7]

Which 20 year old isn't already up ridiculously late all the time anyway?

That's exactly why I chose midnight shift since I got out of academy 4 years ago.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: Police Dispatcher: Has anyone worked this job before?

I would probably do that too. I'm up until like 7am, 8am every day the last few months.

Terrible, terrible sleeping pattern. Maybe I can find a graveyard shift job.