How to Become a Police Dispatcher in Southern Illinois

Police dispatchers must have excellent communication skills.

Police dispatchers are the front line in many emergencies. Dispatchers, or telecommunicators, relay critical information to police officers responding to calls. In some cases, dispatchers provide support to callers by providing instructions in emergencies or comforting them during times of stress. This multi-tasking job requires excellent communication skills as well as computer skills. If you land a police dispatcher job in Southern Illinois, the police department pays for all training.

Instructions

1. Enroll in college-level courses in public safety, communications or a related field. Certification is not required for entry-level dispatchers, but an associate's or bachelor's degree can help your chances of being hired. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, and many departments require dispatchers to type a certain number of words per minute, usually at least 40.

2. Research job openings in Southern Illinois for police dispatchers or 911 telecommunicators and apply for jobs. Many police departments' websites list job openings with requirements and directions about how to apply. Job listings also are published in your local newspaper, including The Southern Illinoisan, Marion Daily Republican and The Morning Sentinel. Other online resources include the Illinois Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials and The Blue Line websites. Police departments in Southern Illinois include Carbondale, Marion, Metropolis, Southern Illinois University and Illinois State Police.

3. Interview with a panel, usually a local police commission. Pass a background test, as well as a polygraph and written test covering general skills such as math and English. You also will take a drug test.

4. Train on the job. Departments will provide training materials, and you will probably participate in at least a six-month training program. Illinois telecommunicators also must be certified in LEADS, or Law Enforcement Agencies Data System, which is a statewide shared computer-based data system. The National Academies of Emergency Dispatch also offers dispatch courses for new telecommunicators.

5. Learn and abide by the state's code of ethics for public safety dispatchers, which can be viewed online at www.911dispatch.com.

References

• Police Dispatcher Training Programs and Education Requirements
• The Blue Line
• National Academies of Emergency Dispatch
• Public Safety Dispatcher Ethics
• Illinois APCO

Resources

• Illinois State Police