How Does a Police Communications Operator Spend a Workday?

What is a Police Communications Operator?

A Police Communications Officer (PCO) is a civilian professional who works in a law enforcement agency as a dispatcher. A PCO takes emergency and non-emergency calls, ascertains the need for assistance and sends appropriate help. He stays in contact with officers, assuring their safety and assisting them by obtaining information on vehicles or suspects as requested.

What type of person makes a good PCO?

Being a Police Communications Officer requires an ability to stay calm under pressure and deal appropriately with conflict and stressful situations, as well as a general knowledge of computers and telecommunications. Although there is no specific educational requirement for being a PCO, most agencies prefer (and some require) that a candidate hold a Bachelors degree. Experience in telecommunications, basic computer applications and customer service are helpful, as is any experience or coursework in law enforcement.

What is a workday like?

Because crime does not occur on a convenient schedule, a PCO can expect to work odd hours, possibly including rotating or extended shifts. During a shift, a PCO will answer multiple phone lines, listen to caller's complaints and ascertain if and what type of help is needed. She then dispatches the appropriate personnel to the scene and remains in contact with officers. A PCO will sometimes operate a two way radio, and will be responsible for documenting calls with the assistance of a computer-aided dispatch system. Officers in the field may also request information from the PCO, such as driving records or suspect information, which the Communications Officer can access through the computer.

What is the work environment like?

This job involves sitting for long periods of time and extensive computer use. A PCO works indoors, and may work individually or with partners, dependent upon the size of the law enforcement agency. City, county and state or commonwealth police departments all use the services of Police Communications Officers.