911 Operator Application is in

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 911 Operator Application is in

Posted: 5/23/2011 12:43:02 PM EDT

Hi everyone I have a question, I’m looking at becoming an emergency dispatch operator in the state of Virginia. I really want to work in the Harrisonburg area or surrounding area.

My question is, how do I go about doing this and who do I contact?

I have done a google search on this and I get a wide range of info and I have no clue who or what is right. So I thought while I’m sifting through the madness of the internet I should just ask the people on ARFcom, because if anyone has an answer it would be you guys.

If I have a chance to do this I would even volunteer my time in doing this and try to work my way into a job.

Thanks everyone for your help and time.

Posted: 5/23/2011 1:27:12 PM EDT

[#1]

They can't seem to keep dispatchers up my way. I'm not sure if it is the pay or the stress/working conditions, but they are constantly hiring.

Get in contact with the LE agency in the area you want to work, check their web page, I am sure they will have listings there.

Good luck!

Posted: 5/23/2011 1:39:44 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
They can't seem to keep dispatchers up my way. I'm not sure if it is the pay or the stress/working conditions, but they are constantly hiring.

Get in contact with the LE agency in the area you want to work, check their web page, I am sure they will have listings there.

Good luck!

Hey tackleberry1145 thank you and I will do that. I thought about calling the Police department but wasnt sure if I should yet or not. What area are you in? I would do the surrounding areas, but I live in Harrisonburg and the cost of gas makes me want to stay in the area.

Thanks Tackleberry and anyone with info please post.

Posted: 5/23/2011 5:31:58 PM EDT

[#3]

It seems like all the local area dispatch centers have high turn over rates. I'm nowhere near your area, but I'm sure it's probably the same by you.

Find out if the county shares a center with the town or not. This may give you more options.

Posted: 5/23/2011 5:32:03 PM EDT

[#4]

From a quick internet search your local center is Rockingham-Harrisonburg Emergency Communications Center (540) 434-4436. Give them a call and ask. You don't need any specific experience to work as a dispatcher, agencies will train you.

ETA I didn't see any jobs listed on Rockingham or Harrisonburg webpages but it never hurts to ask. You'll be expected to have a clean record, they'll probably want you to type 35 or 40 words a minute and you'll probably need to pass a polygraph. I dispatched for a county sheriff's office in NC for 3 years before taking my current job here in VA. Harrisonburg does have a part time transit dispatcher opening if you need something to hold you over in the meantime.

You can also apply here at the Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle County Emergency Communications Center.

Posted: 5/23/2011 6:58:04 PM EDT

[#5]

I work in Prince William County and it seems we can't keep enough of them. Low pay, long hours and a suck new Va State retirement have kept them away. Enjoy!
PWC Jobs

Posted: 5/23/2011 6:58:54 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
From a quick internet search your local center is Rockingham-Harrisonburg Emergency Communications Center (540) 434-4436. Give them a call and ask. You don't need any specific experience to work as a dispatcher, agencies will train you.

ETA I didn't see any jobs listed on Rockingham or Harrisonburg webpages but it never hurts to ask. You'll be expected to have a clean record, they'll probably want you to type 35 or 40 words a minute and you'll probably need to pass a polygraph. I dispatched for a county sheriff's office in NC for 3 years before taking my current job here in VA. Harrisonburg does have a part time transit dispatcher opening if you need something to hold you over in the meantime.

You can also apply here at the Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle County Emergency Communications Center.

I can handle the typing no problem, but I would think under stress it would add to it more. I'm not worried about passing anything and I have a clean record. The only problems I have when buying a firearm is my name (first and last) is the same as two other guys. The one has a record and the other guy works in law enforcement.

I wonder what it would be like to take a polygraph, if I would find a job it would be interesting to take one and I have nothing to hide.

Thanks for the info and I will call that number tomorrow, thats a big help and again thank you alot and thanks to everyone who has posted and will post.

Posted: 5/24/2011 8:14:24 PM EDT

[#7]

I did it for almost four years (back in Chicago) and left that to become an air traffic controller.

The job is stressful, the hours are long, and the pay is low. As previous posters have stated, most folks don't stick

around very long. Although, a couple of years ago, I did chat with a woman who was

still working at my old job as a Telecommunicator (the official job title) since I left in 1988.

High turnover rates are a major sign that the job has "issues."

It has it's moments of excitement, but, as with everything, that wears off and it just becomes another job.

Posted: 5/24/2011 8:37:02 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
I did it for almost four years (back in Chicago) and left that to become an air traffic controller.

The job is stressful, the hours are long, and the pay is low. As previous posters have stated, most folks don't stick

around very long. Although, a couple of years ago, I did chat with a woman who was

still working at my old job as a Telecommunicator (the official job title) since I left in 1988.

High turnover rates are a major sign that the job has "issues."

It has it's moments of excitement, but, as with everything, that wears off and it just becomes another job.

Telecommunicator is the official title in some places. I know NENA (one of our professional organizations) is trying to get that accepted across the board but many places still refer to us as dispatchers both officially and colloquially.

Posted: 5/25/2011 7:26:59 AM EDT

[#9]

Thanks everyone for the info. I really want to do this and I can imagine how stressful it could be.

Posted: 5/25/2011 10:18:09 AM EDT

[#10]

There's an arfcommer here whose girlfriend is a dispatcher in your general area. I'll let him dime himself out.

Posted: 5/25/2011 2:47:43 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
There's an arfcommer here whose girlfriend is a dispatcher in your general area. I'll let him dime himself out.

Thanks Bonk2029 that would be great, I hope he chimes in and if there is an inside word on how to get hired that would great as well.

Posted: 5/26/2011 3:36:10 PM EDT

[#12]

I work for the agency you were looking at so let me know anything you need. I have been at it going on 4 years now. The job has its ups and downs, I personally hate sitting on my ass for 12 hours and waiting on something to happen I would rather be more productive that and dealing with the internal politics( I dont play well with others )

The training process is about 1 year long for most people. It involves CPR, AED, EMS First Resonder, EMD, VCIN, NIMS, ICS NCIC, Certifiactions. Going to the local Police Academy for several classes. It is all for the most part on the job training.

The hiring process consists of several steps, a hiring test to see if you have the various skills needed to do the job, a typing test, several interviiews, pyschology exam ... If you have questions about it PM me.

The pay isnt as good as it should be for what you have to deal with. The shifts are 12 on a panama type schedule. The time off is nice.

If you have any other questions let me know

Posted: 5/27/2011 1:11:11 AM EDT

[#13]

A huge number of the cops I know worked in one of three places before getting on the road - dispatch, the jail, or DOC.

Good luck!

Posted: 5/27/2011 7:16:08 AM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
I work for the agency you were looking at so let me know anything you need. I have been at it going on 4 years now. The job has its ups and downs, I personally hate sitting on my ass for 12 hours and waiting on something to happen I would rather be more productive that and dealing with the internal politics( I dont play well with others )

The training process is about 1 year long for most people. It involves CPR, AED, EMS First Resonder, EMD, VCIN, NIMS, ICS NCIC, Certifiactions. Going to the local Police Academy for several classes. It is all for the most part on the job training.

The hiring process consists of several steps, a hiring test to see if you have the various skills needed to do the job, a typing test, several interviiews, pyschology exam ... If you have questions about it PM me.

The pay isnt as good as it should be for what you have to deal with. The shifts are 12 on a panama type schedule. The time off is nice.

If you have any other questions let me know

Thats thats a lot of info right there that I've been looking for. I will sit down and write up a list of questions I have and send a pm. I have been on the other end of needing help and would like to find a way to help others. This is something I have thought about doing for awhile now. I will be in touch with you and again thank you for that info that is a big help.

Quoted:
A huge number of the cops I know worked in one of three places before getting on the road - dispatch, the jail, or DOC.

Good luck!

Thanks and I have thought about the other jobs as well.

Posted: 5/27/2011 9:22:05 AM EDT

[#15]

I am good friends with several of our dispatchers (and professionally tolerate the rest

), PM me that question list and an email address when you get done with it and I will pass it on to them.

Posted: 5/27/2011 12:49:00 PM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
I am good friends with several of our dispatchers (and professionally tolerate the rest

), PM me that question list and an email address when you get done with it and I will pass it on to them.

Roger that Bonk2029, I will get that done over the weekend and sent out to you guys.

Posted: 5/30/2011 9:54:59 AM EDT

[#17]

I will be sending a pm to you guys today, thanks again for the help and info.

Posted: 5/30/2011 4:44:58 PM EDT

[#18]

no problem glad to help

PM replied to

Posted: 5/30/2011 5:58:07 PM EDT

[#19]

I'm sitting right next to Tacweapon, and I'll be the first to say, that you can have my job....I've been in public safety since I was 18, doing the same job. If you can multitask, put up with less than desireable working conditions, and have a thirst for knowning just how stupid the general public really can be, then good on ya brother. There's good days and bad days, hate to say it, but the bad tend to outweigh and out number the good. I'ts not something most people wake up and say, I want to do that, but hell, you might be just the type. I know for our AO, the application process is long and arduous consisting of a long and drawn out personal history statement,background check, pre employment testing, panel interview, 1 on 1 interview, typing test, personality screening, psychological screening, and drug/alcohol screening. Assuming you make it through all of that, there is a year probationary period, where you'll be given 1 year to complete training on all specialties. Specialties include call taking, police radio, and fire rescue radio. After that youll recieve a pay raise and a promotion.

Posted: 5/31/2011 7:08:31 AM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:
I'm sitting right next to Tacweapon, and I'll be the first to say, that you can have my job....I've been in public safety since I was 18, doing the same job. If you can multitask, put up with less than desireable working conditions, and have a thirst for knowning just how stupid the general public really can be, then good on ya brother. There's good days and bad days, hate to say it, but the bad tend to outweigh and out number the good. I'ts not something most people wake up and say, I want to do that, but hell, you might be just the type. I know for our AO, the application process is long and arduous consisting of a long and drawn out personal history statement,background check, pre employment testing, panel interview, 1 on 1 interview, typing test, personality screening, psychological screening, and drug/alcohol screening. Assuming you make it through all of that, there is a year probationary period, where you'll be given 1 year to complete training on all specialties. Specialties include call taking, police radio, and fire rescue radio. After that youll recieve a pay raise and a promotion.

Thank you for the information and this is something that I have thought about for awhile and I do want to do. I dont know if it was something I woke up and said I want to do or that it was more on my mind for awhile. Thanks again.

Posted: 6/1/2011 4:42:27 PM EDT

[#21]

After Bonk's slap upside the noggin I have arrived to dime myself out.

I'll shoot ya a PM with further.

Posted: 6/1/2011 4:42:56 PM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:
I'm sitting right next to Tacweapon, and I'll be the first to say, that you can have my job....I've been in public safety since I was 18, doing the same job. If you can multitask, put up with less than desireable working conditions, and have a thirst for knowning just how stupid the general public really can be, then good on ya brother. There's good days and bad days, hate to say it, but the bad tend to outweigh and out number the good. I'ts not something most people wake up and say, I want to do that, but hell, you might be just the type. I know for our AO, the application process is long and arduous consisting of a long and drawn out personal history statement,background check, pre employment testing, panel interview, 1 on 1 interview, typing test, personality screening, psychological screening, and drug/alcohol screening. Assuming you make it through all of that, there is a year probationary period, where you'll be given 1 year to complete training on all specialties. Specialties include call taking, police radio, and fire rescue radio. After that youll recieve a pay raise and a promotion.

Ten bucks this was posted from Dennis' shop.

Posted: 6/1/2011 5:30:08 PM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I'm sitting right next to Tacweapon, and I'll be the first to say, that you can have my job....I've been in public safety since I was 18, doing the same job. If you can multitask, put up with less than desireable working conditions, and have a thirst for knowning just how stupid the general public really can be, then good on ya brother. There's good days and bad days, hate to say it, but the bad tend to outweigh and out number the good. I'ts not something most people wake up and say, I want to do that, but hell, you might be just the type. I know for our AO, the application process is long and arduous consisting of a long and drawn out personal history statement,background check, pre employment testing, panel interview, 1 on 1 interview, typing test, personality screening, psychological screening, and drug/alcohol screening. Assuming you make it through all of that, there is a year probationary period, where you'll be given 1 year to complete training on all specialties. Specialties include call taking, police radio, and fire rescue radio. After that youll recieve a pay raise and a promotion.

Ten bucks this was posted from Dennis' shop.

If so I wonder if I was in the shop, I need to look at the day it was posted. I was the guy getting a 1911.

Posted: 6/3/2011 3:26:18 PM EDT

[#24]

Good guess, but negative. Tacweapon and myself were both at work....at the 911 center.

Posted: 6/3/2011 7:22:55 PM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:
Good guess, but negative. Tacweapon and myself were both at work....at the 911 center.

Well I guess you guys were not there then. That day in the shop was very crazy and packed full of people. I really love that place and Dennis is full of knowledge on weapons and what ever you need it's just a great place to go.

Well guys I go this week to get some things taken care of and I hope to be in the process of applying to be among you guys. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this and I really hope to be among you guys soon.

I'm also going to look into learning Spanish, this has been on my want to do list for a long time and now I see how important it is for our area and really any where now.

I wanted to ask, I see a job for dispatching but its part time for the Bus system. I would like to know would this be getting my foot in the door? If it's not tell me if I should stay clear of it.

Thanks everyone for the info, help, pm's and all the emails. I know when I need answers on something ARFcom is my first place to come too. Thanks again everyone you all have been a big help.

Posted: 6/3/2011 8:12:18 PM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Good guess, but negative. Tacweapon and myself were both at work....at the 911 center.

Well I guess you guys were not there then. That day in the shop was very crazy and packed full of people. I really love that place and Dennis is full of knowledge on weapons and what ever you need it's just a great place to go.

Well guys I go this week to get some things taken care of and I hope to be in the process of applying to be among you guys. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this and I really hope to be among you guys soon.

I'm also going to look into learning Spanish, this has been on my want to do list for a long time and now I see how important it is for our area and really any where now.

I wanted to ask, I see a job for dispatching but its part time for the Bus system. I would like to know would this be getting my foot in the door? If it's not tell me if I should stay clear of it.

Thanks everyone for the info, help, pm's and all the emails. I know when I need answers on something ARFcom is my first place to come too. Thanks again everyone you all have been a big help.

PM sent

Posted: 6/3/2011 8:37:01 PM EDT

[#27]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Good guess, but negative. Tacweapon and myself were both at work....at the 911 center.

Well I guess you guys were not there then. That day in the shop was very crazy and packed full of people. I really love that place and Dennis is full of knowledge on weapons and what ever you need it's just a great place to go.

Well guys I go this week to get some things taken care of and I hope to be in the process of applying to be among you guys. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this and I really hope to be among you guys soon.

I'm also going to look into learning Spanish, this has been on my want to do list for a long time and now I see how important it is for our area and really any where now.

I wanted to ask, I see a job for dispatching but its part time for the Bus system. I would like to know would this be getting my foot in the door? If it's not tell me if I should stay clear of it.

Thanks everyone for the info, help, pm's and all the emails. I know when I need answers on something ARFcom is my first place to come too. Thanks again everyone you all have been a big help.

PM sent

***THIS***

Posted: 6/3/2011 8:54:52 PM EDT

[#28]

Thanks guys PMs sent back great info and will let you guys know on what I hear if anything. Thank you.

Posted: 6/5/2011 3:53:46 PM EDT

[#29]

from the way I hear it, it can be an interesting job..... or it can completely suck.

you make it what it is. keep to yourself (hard to do) and its fine.

some people that get into it actually crave more action than what you'll get in our AO. others would rather have less action. again, how well the job works out is mostly up to you.

now quit slacking off and get back to work. no calls? go clean something!

Posted: 6/5/2011 4:41:18 PM EDT

[#30]

Quoted:

from the way I hear it, it can be an interesting job..... or it can completely suck.

you make it what it is. keep to yourself (hard to do) and its fine.

some people that get into it actually crave more action than what you'll get in our AO. others would rather have less action. again, how well the job works out is mostly up to you.

now quit slacking off and get back to work. no calls? go clean something!

Its definatly interesting at times, there are some times that its great and others its so slow you think time is moving backwards.

Posted: 6/5/2011 7:24:57 PM EDT

[#31]

Quoted:

from the way I hear it, it can be an interesting job..... or it can completely suck.

you make it what it is. keep to yourself (hard to do) and its fine.

some people that get into it actually crave more action than what you'll get in our AO. others would rather have less action. again, how well the job works out is mostly up to you.

now quit slacking off and get back to work. no calls? go clean something!

Thanks man I wanted to ask you the other day when I was in if you could give me info but I saw how busy it was and I knew it wasnt the time or place. This is a job I have had in mind for a long time and I do remember when I was in my twenties ( at least 15-17 years ago) having a chance to get on and I didnt do it. I should have but I was young and I don't know if I was grown up enough at that time to do the job.

Thanks D.

Posted: 6/5/2011 7:29:54 PM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:

Quoted:

from the way I hear it, it can be an interesting job..... or it can completely suck.

you make it what it is. keep to yourself (hard to do) and its fine.

some people that get into it actually crave more action than what you'll get in our AO. others would rather have less action. again, how well the job works out is mostly up to you.

now quit slacking off and get back to work. no calls? go clean something!

Its definatly interesting at times, there are some times that its great and others its so slow you think time is moving backwards.

I can see it being that way and I'm prepared for that. My old job was like that it would be busy and then slow for hours. I would go in at 3:30pm and leave any were from 6am-2pm the next day. I worked crazy hours and I can remember times of getting home not knowing what day it was and if I had just got home or was going back to work.

Thanks for the info Tacweapon and to everyone keep the info coming.

Posted: 6/7/2011 8:48:00 AM EDT

[#33]

I called about one job today to see if it was still open and the full time position has been filled but they do have part time open. I will keep working on this and keep my eyes and ears open.

I would really like to stay in the Harrisonburg area, but I may have to look outside the area to get my foot in some where.

Thanks everyone for the info and help and keep it coming if you hear anything.

Posted: 6/15/2011 11:43:20 AM EDT

[#34]

Application is in with the City of Harrisonburg I hope to hear something back.

Thanks everyone for all the help and advice.

Posted: 6/15/2011 2:38:30 PM EDT

[#35]

Good luck!

Posted: 6/15/2011 2:42:07 PM EDT

[#36]

Quoted:
Good luck!

Thanks tackleberr1145 I'm going to need it.

I'm going to call tomorrow to make sure it did go through their site kept giving me an error code and then it said it went through and that was after five tries over a half our time. I always like paper applications the online stuff worries me a bit.

Fingers crossed and I hope to hear something. I will keep everyone posted. Also again everyone thanks for the info it was and is a great help.

Posted: 6/16/2011 12:36:28 PM EDT

[#37]

I checked in with them today to make sure my application when through okay due to site probelm error code. The lady told me they did and she had just sent me an email looking for more information.

I didn't get the email so I called back and they doubled checked everything and it was correct so she told what paper work they needed and that they would also mail a letter out stating what they needed and the next process.

So I am now printing off the next phase of paper work to start on, good thing I bought ink and paper.

Posted: 6/17/2011 2:32:40 PM EDT

[#38]

Good luck!

Posted: 6/17/2011 3:14:15 PM EDT

[#39]

Quoted:
Good luck!

Thanks sharps54.

I have all my stuff in order other then my birth certificate. I can't find it any where. I can find the one with my foot prints on it but its not what they would want, I don't think. The certificate doesnt say who my parents are, I always knew I was born to a rich family and ended up with a poor one

but great parents.

I called and ordered it today and its crazy what they charge for a copy, do the search and then mail it out. They told me standard mail would take three weeks and express would take three working days so I should have it by Wednesday and then my second part of the application will be in.

Posted: 6/23/2011 1:30:41 PM EDT

[#40]

I have the second part done and in. I signd the papers in front of them today and the one lady said I'm going to send it over now and while I was standing there finishing up she looked up at me and said it has been sent they will let me know something in a few days.

I like knowing this process and the application was really kind of long. I had to look back over the places I lived and my driving record. I think I need to thank my parents one more time for rasing me and keep me straight.

I will let everyone know what happens next good.

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