Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Hello. First off let me say that I would like to one day be a LEO. I am interested in becoming a 911 dispatcher to get there. Just before I submit all my applications tell me what you think about my chances.

-I was heavy into Computer Aided Design in High School.
-I went to one college for 30 hours majoring in Computers. (Web design, excel, powerpoint, flash, etc...)
-I went to another college for 30 hours majoring in Criminal Justice where I also took a First Responder course and obtained my CPR certification.
-I type around 86 WPM
-I've had 4 jobs since I was 16. (I'm 21) 2 of those have been around the 2 year mark. Both had to be left due to me moving to different states. I would still be at each if I didn't move and then moved back.
-I worked just under 2 years as a waiter. (Some jobs require some customer service experience... I think that would qualify)
-No tickets, warrants, misdemeanors, fealonies. I have never been stopped or talked to a Police officer reguarding me breaking the law.
-I do consider myself to be mature. I know when it's time to be serious and work. :p


Does that sound acceptable enough what an entry position would be for a dispatcher? Do you think I'm not right for it? Ask me other questions you think are necessary to gauge weather I'm right for the job as a 911 dispatcher...


If this is in the wrong forum then I do apologize.

I think you're a good candidate. The job thing might raise some eyebrows initially, but I'm sure that when you explain you had to move (I'm assuming the parents moved and you went with?), they'll understand. What's the deal with the other two jobs? Did you leave them on good terms as well?

Some agencies are really hurting for dispatchers, have a hard time recruiting and retaining, etc. I know of people that were hired with basically no education or experience (but your mileage may vary). So, I think you should at least get a call for an interview. Good luck. :D

I think you're a good candidate. The job thing might raise some eyebrows initially, but I'm sure that when you explain you had to move (I'm assuming the parents moved and you went with?), they'll understand. What's the deal with the other two jobs? Did you leave them on good terms as well?

Some agencies are really hurting for dispatchers, have a hard time recruiting and retaining, etc. I know of people that were hired with basically no education or experience (but your mileage may vary). So, I think you should at least get a call for an interview. Good luck. :D


Thanks for your reply! I have left all jobs under good terms. The other two jobs were when I moved to the new state. I left one for a better paying job and the other for 16 hours of school.


I am done with school now and am ready to begin a career. I feel good about my applications and hope for a call back. I will be dropping off my apps in person rather than sending/faxing them as I want them to know that I took the time to drop them off personally and want them to see my face.

I appreciate your input!

Thanks again!

I will be dropping off my apps in person rather than sending/faxing them as I want them to know that I took the time to drop them off personally and want them to see my face.

Don't be surprised if you're dropping them off to a HR place, and they do nothing but forward a list of eligibles to the dispatch agency/hiring authority though. Either way, it probably goes without saying that when you do drop the applications off, dress nicely. After all, you want them to remember you for good reasons, right? :D

Your background seems fine.

Remember that 911 is also a career. They may not be interested in hiring someone that views 911 as a short term job oppurtunity. They are looking for career minded people that have long term plans to stay in the profession. While using 911 as a stepping stone can produce well rounded officers that understand the radio side of things, your also causing turnover by not staying in the 911 field.

Depending on the agency that hires you, your looking at several weeks or months of training to start working solo. I'm sure you know your getting into shift work and if they schedule by seniority you'll be working holidays and weekends for quite a while.

You also have to be able to multitask very well, prioritize, etc.... There is a whole list of job skills that are required.

I would suggest doing a sit-a-along at a 911 center on their busy shifts to make sure this is something you CAN and WANT to do.

I know several officers who got their start as dispatchers, and we have several retired deputies that work per diem as calltakers.

I think I have to concur with MrJim, and say that what we really look for are people interested in making a career in dispatch.

We already deal with a 17% turnover rate nationwide, and staffing at about 70%. I would say my department's wash-out rate is about 50% - needless to say, we are constantly training. The situation adds a lot of stress to an already stressful job.

I've always been very happy when some of my coworkers finally get their spot in academy to become sworn. But, I can't help thinking about the time, effort and money that went into training that person. I also wonder about the potential candidate that didn't get hired, that might have stuck around.

Good luck though...both in dispatch and a future in LEO

UPDATE (4/24): Ok, so I got a call from one of my applications I put out. They would like me to go into their call-taking facility and take a 2-3hr test. Does anybody know what this is? They said that you do not need any experience for this test. Any information is greatly appreciated.

Also, I will be wearing Dockers slacks, a dress button down shirt, black belt and black buisness shoes... is that good for taking a test?

Thanks.

UPDATE (4/24): Ok, so I got a call from one of my applications I put out. They would like me to go into their call-taking facility and take a 2-3hr test. Does anybody know what this is? They said that you do not need any experience for this test. Any information is greatly appreciated.

Also, I will be wearing Dockers slacks, a dress button down shirt, black belt and black buisness shoes... is that good for taking a test?

Thanks.

It's probably the Criti-Call test. It's a computer based test with multiple modules designed to test listening/typing/multi-tasking/judgement/map reading skills. It's a timed test - the quicker you're done, the higher your score potential. Every section starts with instructions, so relax, and read the instructions completely.

What it's looking for, is your ability to hear and recall with accuracy, then type the information in with equal accuracy. It will also interrupt you with scenarios you will need to quickly evaluate and respond to, without losing track of what you are in the midst of at the moment.

Speed is good, but accuracy will count higher.

Sounds like your going business casual, which is very appropriate.

Get a good night's sleep, relax, and good luck! :)