Public Safety Telecommunicators

About the Role

Public Safety Telecommunicators are essential first responders who manage emergency calls and coordinate dispatching services to ensure the safety of the public.

Other Common Titles

911 Operator
Emergency Dispatcher
Police Dispatcher
Radio Dispatcher
Telecommunicator

Typical Tasks

Answering inbound emergency calls and determining the nature of the emergency.
Gathering crucial information quickly and accurately from callers.
Dispatching emergency services to incidents, ensuring appropriate resources are sent.
Maintaining communication with responding units and monitoring their safety.
Documenting all interactions and actions taken during calls.
Providing pre-arrival instructions to callers based on the nature of the emergency.
Conducting follow-ups on incidents and managing ongoing communications.
Participating in training and maintaining knowledge of emergency protocols.

Notable People

Nina V. Wright – Known for advocating for better training and resources for public safety telecommunicators, significantly improving emergency response protocols.
John K. Lentz – Pioneered advancements in digital dispatch technology, enhancing communication efficiency in emergency services.

Recommended Resources

Emergency Dispatcher Basics
A comprehensive guide for new public safety telecommunicators on the key skills and knowledge needed in the field.
National 911 Program
Official government site offering resources and information on 911 services across the U.S.
The Dispatcher Podcast
A podcast focused on the experiences of telecommunicators, sharing insights and best practices from industry professionals.
Public Safety Communications Magazine
A publication dedicated to topics related to public safety communications, including articles and features on telecommunicator related issues.