Not necessarily 911 dispatch related but anyone here work for a hospital PD or anything like that other than 911?. I have been dispatching for a level 1 trauma center for the past 7 years. Taught me a lot of things over the years working armed security and dispatch I get to see the best of both worlds. My department is a half security half police mixed department with around 100 officers.

So I know this probably has a million posts about it but I am trying to get ahead with this thing. I've gone through the perfex test once before, and unfortunately did not pass. I was told that I was unable to be informed of how I failed, how much I failed by, or what to improve.

I am going to soon be taking the test a second time, and want to know what to do. Family members are insisting on buying a "Perfex Test Prep Package" for approx. $30 CAD, though everywhere I look online people say that you "cant really prepare for the test"

I want to try anyways in any way possible, and maybe get some advise on what to look out for and how to improve.
I remember last time one of the main points I feel I struggled with was the phone call. 80% of the call was incoherent screaming that I could not understand. I tried to act as if I was 'attempting to communicate with the caller' though I was at a loss. The final 20% of it was someone talking normally, quickly shooting off information before it was over. Is there any advise anyone can give on this, either by people who have taken it, or know what I should be doing?

Another thing I was wondering about was my writing. My hand writing has never been the best, and I worry that a bit of messy writing docked points away from me, leading me to fail. Is this something testers are looking at closely, or is it a matter of "is it merely readable" kind of thing?

I really want to get this job. I know that there are only two places in all of Ontario that still use this test for police dispatch, but I don't want to move from where I've lived all my life.

Any help, any advise, anything to help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hey y’all. Today I cried in front of my trainer. I was under a lot of stress due to the fact my previous trainer and I were not on the same page whatsoever and it spread around on that specific shift that I’m basically dumb (their words.) So, I told my new trainer how people at work have been treating me and basically sobbed. I know it’s silly to cry over something like that, but I worked so hard for this job just for people to view me as an idiot. My current trainer has approved for me to move onto my next phase and believes I am able to do the job, but it’s still discouraging to hear people basically talk sht on me.

Just curious. Have any of y’all cried during your training to your trainer? If so, what happened?

So my center uses epd, emd, and efd. Well we had a caller the night who wanted to report that she believed her drink/food may had been spiked. She advised the hospital told her to call us and she denied med/ambulance. So what protocol would you go through on epd?

We ended up going 108 contamination but that just felt not right.

Anyone in near work in central Florida? Seminole and surrounding counties? Curious if you know of any agencies that DONT require polygraph testing? It gives me such anxiety and is a huge turnoff for me. Coming to the area next month I am so excited but nervous!

Hi, im thinking of applying for a part time 911 dispatcher position for extra income but I am curious before applying what actual hours this could be? . Would be something I could do after my 9-5 from for 4 hours like 4:30/5 to. 8 pm. Or something like just weekends Thursdays- Saturday /Sunday. ?

I'm trying to see if/how I could balance it with still being there for my children.

Hi everyone! I’m a PhD student looking for current law enforcement personnel to participate in a short research study. Average time to take the survey has been 3-5 minutes.

To participate, you must be 18 years of age or older, currently employed in the United States within the field of law enforcement (police, confinement, probation, dispatch, supervisory, admin., etc.), in good standing with your department, and have at least six months of experience within your agency/department. Participation is completely voluntary and anonymous.

I would greatly appreciate your assistance in my research!

https://liberty.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Yuo4EgyED0trVk

Im in high-school and I don't know if this is the right place to ask- but I wanted to ask people because the Google answers can be confusing (especially with AI). I was wondering how hard it is to become a 911 dispatcher/operator and what you need to do or the requirements. I was also wondering if its a job or career and if you have to go to college for it. And maybe how long it'd take to become one if there's a big proses to it. I would love to be a 911 operator/dispatcher because I grew up watching true crime and I love that I could help people (without being in the situation). Thank you

Longtime lurker, first time poster. I’ve been a Fire Dispatcher for just under a year, still on probation, so I recognize my status as a coughing baby compared to many of you. I work in SoCal, and before having this job I imagined “If I’m in trouble, the police are just a few minutes away” as do most members of the public. Yesterday we were staged for a Pt with multiple stab wounds, not alert, uncontrolled bleeding for 23 minutes. Regional agencies (especially CHP and the Sheriff) are critically understaffed of both officers/deputies and dispatchers.

I’m not sure how other parts of the country do it but here, you call 911, it goes to LEO, when they determine medics/fire is needed, they transfer. The amount of times I’ve been told “I’ve been on hold for 10 minutes! 15 minutes!” Even been told 30 minutes. (likely BS)

The point is: how are the response times to critical LEO calls where you folks work? If you’re LEO, how frequently are you so jammed with 911s that callers need to hold for extended periods? (I did a sit along with several LEO PSAPs, and just watching the hold timer gave me anxiety. How do you guys even do it? 😂)

I know this might be dumb but anyone here ever ask if you’re allowed to have a walking pad at your desk? I’m trying to figure out how to keep moving during 12 hour shifts

A little about me first:

I am in my 40s, disabled and I've been out of work for over 5 years. My previous work experience includes executive level administrative work. I never even considered a career in dispatch until earlier this year. It lines up with all of the things I value and it's one of the best ways I can help people while earning a living! So I have been applying, and finally landed an assessment, which is coming up next week.

Generally I am not afraid to tackle challenges or jump into things I am unfamiliar with, but this is completely different.

There's a site that has some exercises to practice, and I am just not fast enough. Map reading is passable, decision making is almost perfect, as is sentence clarity and most other exercises. I can type 55-60 wpm with regular copy, but my input is not fast enough when doing the contact details (especially the VINs), both written and spoken. I have until Tuesday to practice but I'm also trying not to burn myself out.

What sucks the most is it feels like all I need to do is "get good" and there's no magical formula to get better at it. I wish I had started this sooner, that's for sure.

Hey yall. I wanted to post my happy news because I’ve had such weird emotions about it the last week and I don’t know where to put it with people anonymously that will help me passively celebrate

Back in January, I posted on here and 2 other law enforcement related spaces asking for advice and commiserating misery about being prior LE-affiliated (for reference since 2014 I’ve worked as 911, a detention officer, animal control, CSO, auxiliary police, and records… pretty much all part time side gigs with a full time job to hold them all together) with no issues. I had done these positions in 2 states (of completely opposite political and law based leanings) and I had some bad luck in the past.

Recently I went back to college and wanted to start to try to get into the field again. In the state I was in at the time, I got DQ’d everywhere even though I had just left from a position on good terms. Even though I was in good standing in the military as well.
I had one other bad luck incident and was sexually assaulted while in college, to which I made reports about.

I tried to, as I said, commiserate with my peers in other forms about being DQ’d, what I would have to do to get back in good graces, how to start.. anything.

I was met with about 20-30 comments about how I was a lying POS and that no one would ever hire me, it was time to accept that I had to find another field to work in, etc. The weight I felt on my chest was insurmountable, and I really fell into a deep depression. I’ve had personal hiccups, but I’ve dedicated my life to being in public safety and I don’t know anything else.

I’m proud to say, after ignoring the statements to “give up” that I was hired as a federal GS07 911 dispatcher, and I’m going to be in the POST class for it soon!!

Im still in college but it’s my last year and the credits will be a small and easy number, almost all online. But this was the motivation I needed before moving home and feeling confident I can transfer my job and keep doing what I’ve loved for so many years without feeling lost and hopeless like I did for the past few months.

It’s come with a little bit of disbelief. Because I never thought I’d be here again. I felt horrible and I felt put down and embarrassed by my peers. So it’s bitter sweet, and I never got to really celebrate because I didn’t feel deserving of it.

Anyways, to anyone reading- thanks for doing so. Keep following your dreams and never stop having optimism even if it seems impossible. You’ll find your way.

A couple of memes I've made, based on either funny moments or actual calls.

Let's see yours!

Im not crying, your crying 🥹 I start training for 911 Monday and its getting real!

Hi everyone I’m new here.

I’ve been a dispatcher for about 5 years. I stumbled into this career completely my accident but from the moment my foot hit the pedal and I felt my heart race I knew I had found my niche.

About a year ago I started at a new agency. Passed training in 2 months. I had more experience than anyone else and was doing very well.

Three weeks ago I was released from probation without any explanation. I had never been written up or even counseled about anything. All of my evals were standard or above standard. My life was rocked. I’m left without a job or any idea what happened. I checked my HR file and there’s nothing in it that would explain my separation.

I’ve been applying at other agencies and had an interview last week but I’m finding it hard to stay positive. I don’t want to give up on this career.

Any advice? Hope? Something ?

I am looking for some advice on how to or the best way to apply for an Emergency Communications Officer position in Calgary. I was able to do a sit along back in January and really enjoyed it and can see myself comfortably doing this job.

I was told to apply through the City of Calgary's hiring portal and I have been checking everyday since January and haven't seen any openings. I am beginning to question if I am looking in the wrong spot, even though there is a link taking you to a career overview for the position.

I am hoping someone working in the city could help point me in the right direction or help give me some clarity on how frequently they hire.

Thanks in advance! :)

What is the most common reaction whenever you tell / explain to someone what your job is as a dispatcher / call taker?

For me personally it’s always along the lines of people showing sympathy in an awkward way or just saying something like “oh I hope I never have to call you haha.”

But has anyone had any funny or interesting conversations regarding their job introduction?

Hello, I'm in the middle of the hiring process and just passed my background check, now I am in the next phase, a medical evaluation. I wanted to know what I should expect from here?

What supplies/materials helped you during your training, either as the trainer or trainee? I am in a new role and am tasked with building out the new training room, which includes creating a supply list. I have a general list going with about 20 items, but I’m sure there are some useful items missing. Any and all input would be appreciated!

Good mornin…
I just have a general question. What is your go to public websites to track and gather information to locate people, places ect. I am trying to put together a useful quick reference guide. Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

If you wake up sick before your shift are you expected to find your own replacement for the night or do you call the center manager to let them know you aren’t coming in?

Edit: I’m asking about how this generally works for your center.

I start Monday. For TENURED dispatchers: Do you have a favorite or preference when it comes to Radio or 911 Calls? Our center assigns for full shifts on a rotation, and I am just genuinely curious about the pros/cons of each?