Public Safety Telecommunicators
Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.
44 alternate job titles:
Salary Information
Public Safety Telecommunicators: $50,730 (median) per year.
Starting salary (10th percentile).
Required expreience: Varies by Company
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
| Task Description | Category |
|---|---|
| Coordinate operational activities. | Management |
| Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities. | Management |
| Maintain call records. | Maintenance |
| Maintain security. | Maintenance |
| Monitor alarm systems. | Maintenance |
| Maintain current knowledge related to work activities. | Maintenance |
| Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning. | Maintenance |
| Discuss goods or services information with customers or patrons. | Communication |
| Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information. | General |
| Enter information into databases or software programs. | General |
| Operate communications equipment or systems. | General |
| Relay information between personnel. | General |
| Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information. | General |
| Refer customers to appropriate personnel. | General |
| Provide basic health care services. | General |
| Adjust office equipment to ensure proper operation. | General |
| Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel. | General |
| Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment. | General |
| Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation, development or operation activities. | Development |
Technology Requirements
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software |
| Microsoft SharePoint | Document management software |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software |
| SAP software | Enterprise resource planning ERP software |
| Computer aided dispatch software | Helpdesk or call center software |
| Corel WordPerfect Office Suite | Office suite software |
| Intrado SchoolMessenger | Mobile messaging service software |
| Spillman Technologies Spillman Computer-Aided Dispatch | Helpdesk or call center software |
| Web browser software | Internet browser software |
| Microsoft Access | Data base user interface and query software |
| 911 system information databases | Data base user interface and query software |
| Law enforcement information databases | Data base user interface and query software |
| National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database | Data base user interface and query software |
| National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System NLETS | Data base user interface and query software |
| Geographic information system GIS systems | Geographic information system |
Relevant Certifications
Industry certifications that may be valuable for this career role:
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Practice Test |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Public-Safety Executive | Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials | Not Available |
| Emergency Fire Dispatch - Q Certification | International Academies of Emergency Dispatch | Not Available |
| Emergency Fire Dispatcher Certification | International Academies of Emergency Dispatch | Not Available |
| Emergency Fire Dispatcher Instructor Certification | International Academies of Emergency Dispatch | Not Available |
| Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification | International Academies of Emergency Dispatch | Not Available |
| Emergency Medical Dispatcher Instructor Certification | International Academies of Emergency Dispatch | Not Available |
| Emergency Number Professional | National Emergency Number Association | Not Available |
| Emergency Police Dispatcher - Q Certification | International Academies of Emergency Dispatch | Not Available |
| Emergency Police Dispatcher Certification | International Academies of Emergency Dispatch | Not Available |
| Emergency Police Dispatcher Instructor Certification | International Academies of Emergency Dispatch | Not Available |
| Emergency Telecommunicator Certification | International Academies of Emergency Dispatch | Not Available |
| Emergency Telecommunicator Instructor Certification | International Academies of Emergency Dispatch | Not Available |
| Executive Certification | International Academies of Emergency Dispatch | Not Available |
| Registered Public-Safety Leader | Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials | Not Available |
| STCW - GMDSS Radio Operator | United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center | Not Available |