Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers

<ul><li>Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.</li><li>Question callers to determine their locations, and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.</li><li>Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.</li><li>Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.</li><li>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.</li><li>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.</li><li>Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.</li><li>Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials.</li><li>Observe alarm registers and scan maps to determine whether a specific emergency is in the dispatch service area.</li><li>Monitor various radio frequencies such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense to keep apprised of developing situations.</li><li>Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.</li><li>Maintain files of information relating to emergency calls, such as personnel rosters, and emergency call-out and pager files.</li><li>Learn material and pass required tests for certification.</li><li>Answer routine inquiries, and refer calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies.</li></ul>