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Police communications dispatcher education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, police communications dispatchers don't need a college education. The most common degree for police communications dispatchers is bachelor's degree with 35% graduates, with only 30% police communications dispatcher graduates earning associate degree. Police communications dispatchers who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Phoenix or San Diego Mesa College. Some good skills to have in this position include computer aided dispatch, cad and good judgment.

What education do you need to become a police communications dispatcher?

What degree do you need to be a police communications dispatcher?

The most common degree for police communications dispatchers is bachelor's degree, with 35% of police communications dispatchers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 30% and associate degree degree at 18%.
  • Bachelor's, 35%
  • Associate, 30%
  • High School Diploma, 18%
  • Master's, 7%
  • Other Degrees, 10%

What should I major in to become a police communications dispatcher?

You should major in criminal justice to become a police communications dispatcher. 28% of police communications dispatchers major in criminal justice. Other common majors for a police communications dispatcher include business and communication.

Best majors for police communications dispatchers

RankMajorPercentages
1Criminal Justice27.6%
2Business15.3%
3Communication8.2%
4Accounting6.1%
5General Studies6.1%

20 best online courses for police communications dispatchers

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1. Health in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies

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The Center for Humanitarian Emergencies is a partnership between CDC's Emergency Response and Recovery Branch and the Rollins School of Public Health that drives global collaboration, research and evidence based training to improve the lives and well-being of populations impacted by humanitarian emergencies. - Center for Humanitarian Emergencies: http://www.che.emory.edu/ - CDC's Emergency Response and Recovery Branch: http://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/healthprotection/errb/index.html This course...

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4. Modulation in Communication System for RF Engineers RAHRF152

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5. Emergence of Life

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How did life emerge on Earth? How have life and Earth co-evolved through geological time? Is life elsewhere in the universe? Take a look through the 4-billion-year history of life on Earth through the lens of the modern Tree of Life! This course will evaluate the entire history of life on Earth within the context of our cutting-edge understanding of the Tree of Life. This includes the pioneering work of Professor Carl Woese on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus which...

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7. Communication Skills Masterclass - Your Communication Guide

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8. Winning Communication Skills for Telephone, Conference Calls

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9. The Physics of Emergence: Introduction to Condensed Matter

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We know the fundamental equations governing the motion of every atom in our brain and every electron in our computers - the motion of each and every atomic and subatomic particle on planet Earth can, in principle, be calculated from well understood physical laws. And yet, the natural world (and the behavior of humans and computers alike) continues to surprise us. This is because when large numbers of objects interact together, they can exhibit qualitatively new emergent phenomena, which are not...

10. Exploring Emerging Technologies for Lifelong Learning and Success

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This learning opportunity is an open-access resource for lifelong learning. The aim is to identify the value and implications of using established and emerging technology tools for personal and professional growth and acquire strategies to develop lifelong learning habits to keep pace with technology change. This course is targeted to the needs of ALL learners, including college students, faculty, current and career-seeking professionals, and anyone from across the globe with a desire to learn...

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12. Public Speaking: A tactical approach

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13. CertNexus Certified Ethical Emerging Technologist

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14. Communicating with the Public

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Rooted in theater, journalism and humanities practices, this course presents tools and techniques that help you improve your public-facing communication skills, particularly when describing your work to a lay audience. Whether it’s a 30-second elevator pitch or speaking to a large organization, “Communicating with the Public” will boost your confidence in any speech-communication scenario...

15. RF Basic Concepts & Components Radio Frequency- Entry Level

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RAHRF101 is a quick start to the basic RF topic and the prerequisite for Rahsoft RF Certificate...

16. Communication Fundamentals: How To Communicate Better

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Become an Effective Communicator And Learn How to Get Your Message Across By Learning Communication Fundamentals...

17. Trauma Emergencies and Care

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18. Getting Started with Call Center Training

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19. Winning With Communication - Master Communication Skills

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20. Communication Skills - 7 Communication Courses In 1

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Average police communications dispatcher salary by education level

Police communications dispatchers with a Bachelor's degree earn more than those without, at $42,175 annually. With a Associate degree, police communications dispatchers earn a median annual income of $41,801 compared to $40,525 for police communications dispatchers with an High School Diploma degree.
Police communications dispatcher education levelPolice communications dispatcher salary
High School Diploma or Less$40,525
Bachelor's Degree$42,175
Some College/ Associate Degree$41,801

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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