What are the roles and responsibilities of a dispatcher?

The roles and responsibilities of a dispatcher involve familiarity with police codes, the efficient operation of a police radio dispatch system, and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

A dispatcher receives calls, dispatches emergency vehicles to emergency locations as necessary, advises callers on the best course of action while on the line, prioritizes emergency situations as needed, and transfers any non-emergency calls as necessary.

Common duties and responsibilities of a dispatcher also include:

• Asks caller to describe the nature of the emergency and ask follow-up questions as necessary.

• Takes down the location and personal information of the caller.

• Dispatches available emergency units to the proper location.

• Keeps callers on the line when necessary.

• Advises callers on the proper course of action, calms down, and documents their condition until emergency units arrive.

• Maintains logs of all calls and dispatched units.

• Enters call information and records into the database.

• Prioritizes simultaneous emergency scenarios.

• Stays up to date on the location and activity of emergency units in the area.

• Monitors activity of emergency vehicles and on-duty personnel during shift.

• Receives non-emergency calls.

• Advises callers on how to handle non-emergency situations and transfers callers to the proper department.

• Submits call logs and caller information to law enforcement and legal officials when necessary.

• Testifies in court when called to do so.

• Reports any fraudulent or prank emergency calls to the supervisor.