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Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers
Description
Operate radio, telephone, or computer equipment at emergency response centers. Receive reports from the public of crimes, disturbances, fires, and medical or police emergencies. Relay information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May maintain contact with caller until responders arrive.
Common Tasks
- Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
- Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
- Question callers to determine their locations, and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
- Enter, update, and retrieve information from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles.
- Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.
Required Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Wages
In 2016 the mean hourly wage in the Greater Sacramento area was $27.97 . The hourly rate for this occupation typically paid between $21.21 and $36.15 .
In 2016 the mean annual salary in the Greater Sacramento area was $58,187.65 . The annual salary for this occupation typically paid between $44,126.83 and $75,195.72 .
Occupation Outlook
This occupation employed 580 people in the Greater Sacramento area during 2014.
By 2024, there is expected to be a decrease of 1.7% in the number of jobs in the Greater Sacramento area for this occupation, bringing the total number to 570.
By 2024, in the Greater Sacramento area, the median hourly rate for this occupation is expected to be $28.00 with the median annual salary reaching $58,505.
