Hopeful Dispatcher

[deltben]

Hello everyone. I just joined the site and this is my first post. I am thinking about becoming a police or 9-1-1 dispatcher. I currently work in tv news and would like a complete career change. I would like to do something that helps people. I have always been interested in law enforcement, and figure this would be a good starting point.

If anyone reading this is a dispatcher, please let me know if it's what you expected. I anticipate it's dealing with a lot of upset people, trying to calm them down so you can get an officer to help them. Lots of coordination, requiring a good memory, etc.

I live in San Diego, so anyone who might know anything about the SDPD or nearby agencies who would be willing to share their insight would be a big help. But right now I am just trying to get a general idea of the job. Also, what would be disqualifying factors for employment? Bad credit, lack of physical fitness, family history of depression?

Thank you in advance for your help.