Here’s how a good call might go…
Dispatcher: “Mayberry Police, can I help you?”
Potential Applicant: Yes, I was hoping to speak with the Dispatch Supervisor or someone who has a quick minute to answer a few questions about a career as a dispatcher."
Dispatcher: (If they are not busy or in a great mood) “Sure hold on” OR “there is no supervisor on duty, can I help you”?
Once you have someone on the phone that has a few minutes to chat, go for it! It is a GREAT idea to listen to noises in the background. A dispatcher or supervisor that is working a “position” may be directing responders (police, fire, EMS, etc.) and have to put you on hold numerous times. Speak clearly and make a positive first impression by being polite and professional.
Take notes, they may not have time to answer questions twice. I know this all sounds very harsh but it will make sense once you get hired. Most agencies are short-handed or over-worked (in most cases both) so they don’t have much free time. On the up side, they do realize that helping you for a few moments might help them fill an open position!
Questions to ask:
- QUICKLY introduce yourself.
Hi, my name is Jake. I am interested in starting a new career and I’ve been doing some research on becoming a dispatcher. (You may now get an “ugh” or an “okay, what can I tell you”) - Are you currently hiring “entry level” dispatchers or call takers?
- If yes, ask them how to obtain an application.
- If no, ask if you can be put on a list of interested applicants or fill out an interest card.
- If no, ask who IS hiring in the region. Dispatchers usually know what agencies are running short-handed.
- What is the deadline for applications?
- How many people does your dispatch center employ? How short are you right now?
- Is there a chance that I could stop in and visit your center and learn more about your agency?
- If yes, set up a time and date.
- If no (it’s nothing personal, it may be an agency policy for security reasons) ask if they have any suggestions on preparing yourself for the career. They might have a great idea or it might show them you are truly interested in a career in 9-1-1!
Some considerations you should keep in mind--These topics may help you to formulate questions that are important to you. These are just random thoughts that most applicants have “no clue of” and wish they knew before even applying at a certain agency!
- Do your dispatchers only perform emergency communications work or is there records, front counter work, jail duties or other unique tasks that your dispatchers are responsible for?
- How many people work on an average shift?
There are some places that work only one person at a time and others that have more than 40. If you are a social person, you will hate a small staff environment. If you enjoy seclusion, a small agency might be just right. - -Do your dispatchers handle police only, fire only or emergency medical only responsibilities OR are you a “combined center?
Some places have no control on what types of events that the public may call in but they are only responsible for actual law enforcement calls. These are usually housed in Police Departments or State Patrol dispatch centers. Combined centers usually do it all. Again, pick a center that is a perfect fit for you. Some people don’t like providing “Emergency Medical Pre-Arrival Directions” and others thrive on the thrill of providing direction to someone in medical need.
It helps to get yourself known by people--where their dispatch center is located, whether or not they are hiring and where to get an application. You may also wish to check with local Employment Development offices and local training centers, especially criminal justice training centers.
