Police, Fire and Ambulance Dispatchers are part of The Strong Interest inventory® Conventional Theme Career Code Category. For the last century, the Strong Interest Inventory® Assessment has been used to help individuals find careers that are both a good fit for them and one that they find fulfilling. The Strong Interest Inventory® helps individuals match careers based on their personal and occupational interests and preferences. The Conventional Category centers on problem solving and attracts individuals who have an inclination for analytical and execution preferences.

Police, Fire and Ambulance Dispatchers work at emergency response centers and communicate with emergency response personnel. They receive reports of crimes, disturbances, fires, medical or other emergencies, and immediately contact the relevant emergency response departments, conveying the relevant information, to ensure that the person calling receives the help they need. Dispatchers may use radios, telephones, or computers to communicate, and need to be able to quickly make decisions under pressure. For example, while callers are on the line, the dispatcher needs to ensure that they know their location, status, and the nature of the emergency. After a response has been made, Police, Fire and Ambulance Dispatchers need to record the details and messages associated with their dispatch. Even when they are not directly responding to calls, Police, Fire and Ambulance Dispatchers are always on duty. They might be observing alarm registers and scanning maps, maintaining the security of highly-sensitive materials, monitoring radio frequencies of public institutions, or testing alarms and response protocols.

Police, Fire and Ambulance Dispatchers need to be familiar with database user interface and query software, such as the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), as well as helpdesk or call center software, like Spillman Computer-Aided Dispatch. In addition, they should also be comfortable with standard office software, including various internet browsers and e-mail providers, as well as Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Furthermore, Police, Fire and Ambulance Dispatchers should have a foundational knowledge of customer and personal service, public safety, and telecommunications, as well as standard clerical and communication skills. Three out of four Police, Fire and Ambulance Dispatchers (75%) hold a High School Diploma, while 10% hold an Associate’s Degree and 9% have completed some college without earning a degree.

Police, Fire and Ambulance Dispatchers salary is on average $39,640 nation-wide, though in larger or faster-growing states, such as Florida, state averages can be as high as $60,030 per year, or over $62,000 in California. The most highly-paid Police, Fire and Ambulance Dispatchers can have salaries over $80,000 per year, depending on their state of residence, expertise, and amount of experience. Employment is slowly but surely growing, with an expected 10,000 new job openings nation wide in the next several years.

Below are some employment trends for Police, Fire and Ambulance Dispatchers:

• Median Salary: $19.06 hourly, $39,640 annual
• Employment: 99,000 employees
• Projected growth (2016-2026): Average (5% to 9%)
• Projected job openings (2014-2024): 10,000

[Information retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2016-2026 employment projections]

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References

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2012-2022 employment projections Onetonline.org