How to Become a Police Dispatcher in Kentucky

Police dispatchers are the first point of contact in an emergency.

Police dispatchers in the state of Kentucky are responsible for receiving and processing emergency calls for citizens in need of assistance. As the first person of contact in time-sensitive situations, a dispatcher must keep the caller calm and accurately assess the emergency situation to prompt the proper emergency response. The Bureau of Labor indicates steady growth in this employment field through 2018, and interested candidates that qualify can receive training on the job.

Instructions

1. Verify that you meet the basic qualifications for a dispatcher position in the state of Kentucky. According to qualifications posted by Hardin County, Kentucky, dispatchers should possess a high school diploma and state-issued driver's license.

2. Obtain work experience in customer service, crisis management or law enforcement-related responsibilities. If you have previous experience handling customer service inquiries or providing assistance via phone, you can transfer these skills to a dispatcher position. Update your resume to demonstrate this experience, if applicable.

3. Visit your local county or municipal government website or office and access current employment listings. Police dispatchers in the state of Kentucky are employed through the emergency management services division of local government.

4. Apply for open dispatcher positions after confirming that you meet the basic qualifications. During the recruitment process, a background check will be conducted. Any criminal history will negatively impact your employment consideration.

5. Inquire about certification and training. The requirements of your local government for police dispatchers may require certification and training in basic telecommunication for emergency service employees. This training is usually conducted post-hire at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training Center. This certification can be attained after employment and typically takes four weeks of training to complete. As this is not a firm requirement for employment, you can discuss this requirement during the interview process.

References

• Bureau of Labor: Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers
• City of Bowling Green, Kentucky: Communication Job Description
• Hardin County: 911 Dispatch Job Description
• Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training: Telecommunications Academy Course Listing