your city. your future. be 911
The profession of Public Safety Dispatching is challenging and rewarding. As a dispatcher, you will be required to receive and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls for law enforcement, fire protection, and medical services, sometimes under very stressful conditions. The biggest reward, however, is that dispatchers provide the important link between the public and safety agencies that may save a life or property, or assist in apprehending criminals. 
Public Safety Dispatchers perform a full range of radio and telephone operational duties in this 24-hour facility. Dispatchers are required to process and prioritize incoming calls for police, fire and EMS assistance. Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures (i.e. typing), CAD (Computer Aided Dispatching) equipment operation; proper English usage, diction, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and demonstrated proficiency, alphabetic, chronological and numeric filing systems, techniques, procedures and methods used on the operation of a highly technical communications center; community resources; emergency response procedures; department procedures and activities; effective communication techniques; specialized police network computer operations; the law enforcement culture and its nuances; the rank structure within a police agency; automated systems dedicated to law enforcement; maintenance of SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) integrity while working under emotional conditions; various penal, vehicle, health and safety codes as well as alpha numeric, map reading, listening and interrogation techniques to control direction and length of telephone calls; personal computer operating systems and software applications; these are skills essential to the public safety dispatcher.
Duties
A Public Safety Dispatcher must speak and hear clearly; demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills including communicating effectively with those contacted in the course of work; analyze situations quickly and make sound decisions in emergency and routine situations; perform two or more tasks concurrently; input and retrieve computer data quickly; learn the techniques, procedures and methods used in the operation of a highly technical communications center; quickly read and retain information; quickly interpret maps and floor layouts; relate effectively to co-workers; recognize and discern various emotional states when dealing with citizens in person and while on 911, emergency and business lines; recognize the voices of field units; use patience and tact in dealing with the public; quickly operate electronic data processing equipment and radio consoles; perform a number of tasks simultaneously; listen and interrogate callers to control the direction and length of telephone calls; read and disseminate court orders and warrant information; utilize personal computers and computer software to perform word processing and spreadsheet functions.
How Can I Become a 911 Dispatcher?
Complete:
- Online job application
- Job Interview
- Physical
- Drug screening
- Aptitude Testing
- Background check
- Maintain principal residence within 20 mile radius from Galesburg City Hall within 1 year of employment.