How do Police communicate with dispatchers?

Primarily via radio. Often the computer in the cars are used. The officer can type a message and send it to the dispatcher or any particular persons’ computer working in dispatch. Frequently cell phones and text messages are used between the officer and the dispatcher.

How do 911 dispatchers deal with difficult calls?

In some dispatch centers the questions asked of callers are scripted or there may be prompts to help dispatchers gather the essential facts. Callers are often distraught when calling 9-1-1 and the dispatchers have the difficult task of both calming the caller and extracting quality information from them.

What is the role of dispatchers in emergency management?

Dispatchers can play a critical role in managing emergency incident communications. A well-trained, experienced dispatcher should be viewed as a critical component of the command management team.

What happens when a dispatch center becomes unresponsive to other agencies?

The dispatcher is going to give deference to the agency that signs their paycheck. A problem can arise when a dispatch center becomes unresponsive to the needs of other agencies they dispatch for.

What is the first signal you learn as a dispatcher?

As a dispatcher, the first signal you learn — 10-24 — is also the last one you ever want to use: officer down/officer needs assistance. As a dispatcher, I sometimes think that field units don’t realize we are with them every second of their shift.

What’s the difference between an officer and a dispatcher?

Officers speak in perceptible tones and dispatchers return information with lightning speed and accuracy. But things don’t always run as smoothly as both sides would hope.

What does an emergency dispatcher do?

The emergency dispatcher is the police officer’s lifeline out in the field: coordinating resources, making notifications, running checks, and getting you help when and where you need it. When your butt is on the line, so is theirs.