9-11 Dispatch

[Gravity16]

I have applied to be a 9-11 dispatcher with the local police, it is a long process but the end is near and I can't help but feel nervous, almost as if there is something I am missing or overlooking (I have checked and re-checked, everything I should be doing, I am.)

So I have filled out my paper work, had a hearing test and today I have a 45minute french interview. I did early immersion (12 years of french through my elementary/middle/highschool) and studied a summer in Quebec at Laval university. The interview is oral (thankful for that!) - but I am nervous, I expect that is normal. I have gone over scenario's and different situations they are bound to ask and feel ready for the testing, just nervous as I said earlier in my post.

I went to university and got my degree in Criminology (B.A) - I have worked as a correction officer in the jail for 9 months and a nuclear security officer for 6months after that. Both jobs were physically demanding and I feel it will be nice to get a desk job! Still a very mentally demanding line of work no doubt.

I guess i'll say what I think the role of a dispatcher is, and if anyone knows better or has input I would greatly appreciate it.

Once I get a call, I believe it is important to get as much information as possible :

Guns in the house, kids in the house, alcohol/drugs involved, state of the emergency, keep the caller calm as possible, remaining calm myself, enterring the information I gather into a system that is sent to the police on duty, sending the nearest officer to the location of the caller.

Not to toot my own horn, but I do feel qualified and ready for this position. I think it is more excited than nervous, hard to differentiate sometimes.

thanks guys, no police-flaming please

[Sound911]

Good on you - I don't think i could deal with people calling me up and explaining horrifying situations to me all day :P

[namelessone]

Please don't be that asshole who hung up TWICE on the girl who was assaulted by her father, because she was swearing on the phone.
Don't do that and I believe you will be excellent 911 dispatcher. Kudos for doing important service!

[Robinhoodexe]

First I thought it was related to the 9/11 accident in 2011... I was like Whaaaaat?

Then I read the first reply and found out it was the emergency service

[Nindoriel]

First I thought it was related to the 9/11 accident in 2011... I was like Whaaaaat?

Then I read the first reply and found out it was the emergency service

Thought the same thing

[Lilfrier]

I'll try to give you a bit of confidence in this:

My sister's a Criminal Justice minor. She got a job as a dispatcher without any issue that I know. It was in a small town, and the place is pretty much a mess of incompetence. If you have a degree for this stuff, you'll have no issue getting the job, as long as you come off as a semi-comepetent human being.

[Ariselia]

I think the key is to try your best to remain calm in the more serious calls.

[Porcell]

Please don't be that asshole who hung up TWICE on the girl who was assaulted by her father, because she was swearing on the phone.

That's what I thought of too, that happened in Detroit, I'm surprised anyone else really heard about it.

[vizzle]

Good luck, hope everything works out best for you. You sound more than qualified.

[raechuul]

Bonne chance, and thank you for helping out in such a mentally demanding job!

[poser765]

Good luck, op. I don't think that is a job i would like to have. To much pressure. I don't think I could handle being the direct middle man between a wife who's husband is dying from a heart attack and the emt/fire.

[tommypilgrim]

Nuclear Safety Officer is one of the top three job titles of all time, behind Beer Taster and Pornography Expert.

[Gravity16]

Nuclear Safety Officer is one of the top three job titles of all time, behind Beer Taster and Pornography Expert.

why is this? did you work nuclear safety?