September 19, 2008

Police, fire and ambulance dispatchers

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Pay: The 1,590 police, fire and ambulance dispatchers in the state of Washington earned an average $21.07 an hour in 2007, or $43,830 a year, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

At the Seattle Police Department, entry-level dispatchers start at $38,106 per year plus benefits. After an extensive training program, employees can compete for promotional to Dispatcher II (up to $51,469), Dispatcher III (up to $57,816), and then Chief Dispatcher (up to $63,454).

The job: Police, fire and ambulance dispatchers, also called public-safety dispatchers or 911 operators, monitor the location of emergency-services personnel from one or all of a jurisdiction's departments. They dispatch the appropriate units in response to calls for help. They often are the first people the public contacts in emergencies.

The job is particularly stressful because a slow or an improper response can result in serious injury or further harm. Also, callers who are anxious or afraid may become excited and be unable to provide needed information. Dispatchers must remain calm, objective, and in control.

Dispatchers generally work a 40-hour week, though rotating shifts and compressed work schedules are common. This job frequently requires night, weekend and holiday work.

Demand: Population growth and economic expansion are expected to spur employment growth for all types of dispatchers. The growing and aging population will increase demand for emergency services and stimulate employment growth of police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers.

Training: Usually only a high-school diploma or GED is required, but candidates may also have to pass written, oral and performance tests. Many dispatchers also participate in structured training programs sponsored by their employer. The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission provides certification training for currently employed public-dispatch employees through its telecommunicator program in Burien. Info: https://fortress.wa.gov/

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.stats.bls.gov/oco

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