Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers
Description OES Code: 58002
Receive complaints from public concerning crimes and police emergencies. Broadcast orders to police radio patrol units in vicinity of complaint to investigate. Operate radio and telephone equipment to receive reports of fires and medical emergencies and relay information or orders to proper officials.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $13.54
25th Percentile $15.34
50th Percentile $18.80
75th Percentile $21.58

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Generally, dispatchers work a 40-hour week; however, rotating shifts and compressed work schedules are common. Alternative work schedules are necessary to accommodate evening, weekend, and holiday work, as well as 24 hours-per-day, seven-days-per-week operations.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 7,700
Projected Employment 2008 8,500
Percent Change 1998-2008 10.4%
Separations 1998-2008 1,300

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 130
Projected Employment 2006 140
Percent Change 1999-2006 7.7%
Separations 1999-2006 20

Employment Trends by California County

Advancement
Persons working in dispatching jobs for state or local government may be asked to attend training classes and attain the proper certification in order to qualify for advancement. Public safety dispatchers may become shift or divisional supervisor or chiefs of communications, or move to higher paying administrative jobs. Some go on to become police officers or firefighters.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Information on job opportunities for police, fire, and emergency dispatchers is available from personnel offices of State and local governments or police departments.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
For further information on training and certification for police, fire, and emergency dispatchers, contact:

National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch, 139 East South Temple, Suite 530, Salt Lack City, UT 841111.

Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, 2040 S. Redgewood, South Daytona, FL 32119-2257.

International Municipal Signal Association, 165 East Union St., P.O. Box 539, Newark NY 14513-1526.

Skills & Other Requirements
Public safety dispatchers use the following skills and abilities: Apply Active Listening Techniques, Apply Emergency Medical Procedures, Apply Intervention Techniques, Apply Mapreading Techniques in Wilderness Areas, Communicate Details Concisely and Consistently, Follow Police & Emergency Regulations, Follow/Give Instructions, Make Decisions, Manage Detailed Records / Files in Law Enforcement Setting, Keep Records & Maintain Files, Operate Mobile 2-Way Radio, Operate Two-Way Radio, Apply Local/Regional Geographical Knowledge To Transportation, Read Maps, Recognize Public Safety Hazards, Use computer, Use Correct Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation, Use Rescue Procedures, Work As A Team Member.

References
US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Air Traffic Controllers, Telephone Operators

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)