Occupation
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.
O*NET 31.0 · 43-5031.00
A typical week, in the words of people in the job
- 01Monitor alarm systems to detect emergencies, such as fires and illegal entry into establishments.
- 02Question callers to determine their locations and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
- 03Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
- 04Learn material and pass required tests for certification.
- 05Observe alarm registers and scan maps to determine whether a specific emergency is in the dispatch service area.
- 06Maintain files of information relating to emergency calls, such as personnel rosters and emergency call-out and pager files.
- 07Test and adjust communication and alarm systems, and report malfunctions to maintenance units.
- 08Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
- 09Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
- 10Monitor various radio frequencies, such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense, to stay apprised of developing situations.
- 11Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.
- 12Enter, update, and retrieve information from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles.
Task statements ranked by how many workers report them · O*NET 31.0
What the posting will be called
Titles reported by employers for this occupation. Search job boards with these, not the O*NET name.
Knowledge the job leans on
Skills that carry over from service