Typical minimum standards:
- At least eighteen (18) years of age.
- Graduation from high school or equivalent.
- Willing to work day, swing, graveyard and rotating shifts, holidays and weekends.
- Ability to complete a comprehensive background investigation.
- No felony convictions.
- Must successfully complete a prescribed training course or program.
Personality traits of a good dispatcher:
- Ability to be a team player and get along well with others
- Ability to not take things personally (be thick-skinned and realize people in crisis or angry may vent at you)
- Ability to multi-task (do more than one thing simultaneously)
- Ability to think quickly and make a decision
- Ability to take responsibility for your actions, admit when you have made a mistake and learn by it.
Skills and abilities of a good dispatcher:
- Good keyboard skills
Many centers use computer aided dispatching and require typing speed certificates. The manual dexterity to operate computer and radio systems are essential. - Knowledge of primary roads, streets, highways, major buildings and public facilities within the boundaries of the agency you are apply for.
- Ability to hear and comprehend radio traffic and maintain routine interpersonal communications with supervisors and other dispatchers.
Good workplace communication skills are essential--this includes reading, writing and speaking clearly and concisely. Learning to understand radio transmissions takes time. If you can afford it, purchase a scanner and work on developing your 'radio ear.' - Physical, mental and functional ability to work effectively and accurately in a sometimes fast-paced environment and to remain calm and professional when handling potentially stressful incidents.
