911 Dispatchers will often answer both emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch first responders (either Police, Fire, or EMS), and also handle other tasks that vary from agency to agency.  A good dispatcher is someone who can multi-task and deal with high stress situations and decisions. Mistakes when someone is having a medical issue or in danger can be deadly--so a good dispatcher will also have a solid understanding of the geography in the area they serve and be familiar with technology.  Unlike what is often shown on TV or in the Movies, we don't automatically know where a person is calling from or what they are calling in regards to--so the questions we ask and the order we ask them in can be very important.

At minimum a High School diploma is required, as well as several years of Customer Service.  However, most agencies prefer to have applicants with at least a two year degree. You will find that any additional experience or college degree in Law Enforcement, Medical Services, or Computer/Radio use will be very helpful.  After hiring, most Dispatch Agencies and Centers in MN will then have you take additional training through FEMA, the BCA, and others. 

Wages for Dispatchers in the Metro Area start around 43,000 to 50,000.  Experienced Dispatchers can make around 70-85k a year or more with overtime.

There is a crucial shortage of 911 call takers and dispatchers nationwide, and due to the high stress nature of the job there is a higher than average turnover rate as well.  As a result, there are almost always a couple openings in the Metro Area, and experienced Dispatchers are in high demand at any agency.  Some agencies in the state also have what are often called "Incident Tactical Dispatchers", which is usually a group of experienced dispatchers who will dispatch during large events in their jurisdiction (In Minneapolis one example is during Vikings Games or the Super Bowl), or during crises such as fires, floods, or other disasters.

Every day and every call is different.  I can go from talking to someone who is being chased by a turkey--to someone who is reporting an assault, or someone trapped in a house fire.  Not only that, but each caller is different. You have to be able to have a good understanding of the community you serve, and be able to interact with people across a wide range of emotions and abilities.  What might be a perfectly clear question to an adult, may have to be phrased differently when you are talking to a 5 year old.  I love the challenge and the variety.  I also really enjoy the challenge of dispatching during large incidents when you have to keep track of a moving event with multiple agencies responding and working together.

People call you on their worst days, or during stressful times.  You have to be able to let the stress and negativity go, or find a healthy outlet to deal with it.  Not only that, but 911 calls come in at any time of day, so you may find yourself at the beginning of your career working holidays or night shift.  Finally, multi-tasking can be really challenging to learn.  I can have at anytime up to 9 computer screens that I am monitoring in addition to listening to multiple radio channels and the phone.

A few things: 1) Typing!  Work on both increasing your typing speed as well as being able to type and talk at the same time.  2) The more familiar you are with both geography and technology the easier your time training on the job will be.  If you can read a map, recognize landmarks that callers or responders might mention, or use longitude or latitude you will have a much easier time getting help to where it needs to be.  And finally (And perhaps most importantly) Make certain that you have a good support system in place.  This job can be immensely rewarding and fun as long as you make certain that the stress doesn't eat at you.