A Police Dispatcher must know the region in which they operate. How strong is your geographic knowledge?

"I have a strong ability to recall information that I set out to learn. I am also adept in directions, having grown up in the country on a farm. I believe this background will be a significant bonus when training as a Police Dispatcher."

The interviewer wants assurance that you are confident in your knowledge of the surrounding areas. As a Police Dispatcher, you must have strong geographical knowledge and excellent recall skills. Talk about the time that you have spent becoming familiar with the region. The hiring authority may also have geographic testing available, so it's great to offer your participation in any trial they may want to conduct.

"I have lived here for the past 13 years and have dispatched in this region for the past five years. My geographical knowledge is advanced. If you would like, I am happy to take any geographic tests you may need."

"I have recently moved to the Portland Metro area, so my current knowledge isn't extremely strong, but I am working on this every day. I go out on drives and look at the map once, and then without the map find my way there. I have great memorization skills and this allows me to quickly learn new areas."

"Having recently moved to the San Bernardino area, my geographical knowledge of the Inland Empire region, at present is not the strongest. However, by way of commuting via car, bus, and even occasional walks I am quickly learning popular landmarks, cross streets, and common commuter routes. By immediately engaging the community around me through shopping, dining, and visiting I have been able to enhance my memorization skills as it pertains to the location and names of businesses and streets. I believe my memorization as well as my continuing to actively learn the area will prove to be an asset to the community that we serve. Moreover, I am appreciative of any further assistance or information that can be given to me to best prepare me for this role."

Talk about one weakness, as it relates to your work as a Police Dispatcher. How will you work to improve this weakness?

"My biggest weakness at this point is my lack of dispatch experience, which may translate to hesitation at first. I am an attentive person, and I like to jump into a situation, but only when I feel competent. I have already begun studying topics such as criminal law and have brushed up on my T-CPR knowledge, another skill I will need to know by heart when working in dispatch. I suspect that this hesitation will dissipate quickly, with further training and exposure to the job."

Everyone has weaknesses! The better you answer this question, the more self-aware you appear. Your self-awareness will show the interviewer that you will come to the job, ready and willing to learn. Choose a weakness that is not a core skill for your success as a Police Dispatcher. For instance, a Police Dispatcher should not say that they struggle with active listening. You can be candid in your answer, recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Be sure to have an action plan in place for improving on this weakness.

"One weakness, as it relates to my work as a Police Dispatcher, is my tendency to speed up my speech when I want to move faster towards a resolution for the caller. My current supervisor presented this feedback to me a few months ago, and I have been consciously working to improve on this by slowing my speech and being more methodical with my questions while on a call. I appreciate receiving this type of feedback as it allows me to grow in my career and better help others."

"One weakness that I have would be that I don't like instructing someone in something unless I am proficient or knowledgeable on the matter. To prevent this from hindering my ability as a dispatcher, I would jump in and learn as much as humanly possible to help gain my confidence in any subject matter that could arise."

"Perfectionism. As a Police Dispatcher perfectionism may produce flawless work on my end when it comes to excellent customer service, detail-oriented record-keeping, and clear notations, but only with continued practice will it produce efficiency. It is my hope to improve my efficiency when responding to calls by following the methodology offered by trainers and experienced dispatchers in order to bring about a speedy resolution."

As a Police Dispatcher, you will be on the phone for the majority of your shift. How do you feel about this?

"I am accustomed to sitting for long periods, from my time in university to the dispatcher training that I just completed. I believe that the fast pace of the job, along with the fact that no day is the same, will keep me excited and motivated."

A Police Dispatcher can take multiple calls in an hour, and work 12 hour + shifts, depending on their region. The hiring authority wants to know that you are up for the challenge of being on the phone for the majority of your day. If you already have exposure to this type of environment, assure the interviewer that you understand the constraints present in the role. If you are new to your career as a Police Dispatcher, discuss what you have done, and will do, to ensure resilience.

"I have worked in incredibly fast-paced dispatch environments when walking away from the phone is not an option, often for hours at a time. I come prepared with a full understanding of the jobs' expectations as well as physical requirements."

"My last two jobs have both been sitting at a computer for long periods of time, and I have no problem doing this. I feel as though the change of pace and never having the same situation twice would motivate me to work through the day."

"In my prior employment doing telephone-compliant processing from home, I found that customers were most satisfied when their calls were answered in a timely manner. I consider it to be a good shift when there is not much ideal time and callers are being served promptly."

How would you handle a call from a panicked person who was speaking unintelligibly?

"If I had a call from a panicked person who was speaking unintelligibly, I would calmly ask them to slow down. Then, I would guide the conversation by asking pointed questions such as 'What is your name?' and 'Are you hurt?' or 'Is this an emergency?' By getting yes and no answers, it will help the caller to catch their breath and provide me with the foundational responses that I need to dispatch assistance correctly."

Police Dispatchers are often in communication with people who are having a very stressful time. This stress can cause people to panic and not think or speak clearly. Some examples could include the caller speaking a language you do not know, or a caller suddenly unable to remember important details such as their location. Walk the interviewer through the steps that you would take if you were on a call with someone speaking in a way that you could not understand.

"I recently had a caller who was speaking very quickly in another language that I could not decipher. After asking them a couple of questions in English, it was clear that they were upset and found it easier to speak in their native tongue while in duress. I asked, 'what language?' a straightforward question that was simple for the caller to answer. Once I was able to distinguish the language they were speaking, I was able to transfer to the call to a dispatcher who spoke their language. When a caller is panicked, it is entirely up to me to break down the barriers of communication and get them the assistance they need."

"I would first attempt to slow the person down by asking a series of very simple but important questions. Yes or no questions would be an example of this. It is necessary to determine if this is an emergency situation and dispatch the help they need as quickly as possible, so by reverting to very easy yes or no questions, it would be easier to come to a solution."

"If I received a call from a panicked person who was speaking unintelligibly my first response would be to use a calm reassuring voice asking them to slow down. I would then proceed to use closed questions to determine whether this is an emergency and if so what kind, in order to dispatch help as quickly as possible. I would also shorten the length of my questions, to where "What is your name?" Would become, "Your name, please?". The caller I believe will see that I am working for them and not attempting to have an extended conversation in order to bring about a solution."

How familiar are you with criminal law in our region?

"As a recent graduate from the Criminology program, I have a strong overview of criminal law. With that said, I have room to grow when it comes to the law in our specific region. Do you have any recommendations regarding training? I want to join in this role with the utmost knowledge."

Depending on the region where you apply, you may be required to have a background in criminal justice and law. Speak openly with the hiring authority regarding your level of knowledge when it comes to the law. Be honest and show a willingness to learn in your role as a Police Dispatcher.

"I have received a great amount of training during my dispatch career; however, there is always more to learn since criminal law is always changing. Most important to me, while growing my dispatch skills, is my ability to handle a range of situations with utmost care and poise. I am eager to take any training you offer and recommend."

"I don't have an extensive knowledge of criminal law, but as I am always eager to learn and be as prepared as possible, I would be willing to learn as much as I possibly could in order to be prepared for this position."

"I do not have a background in criminal justice, but I have an insatiable desire to learn new things. I am eager to learn as much as I need and more to be prepared to serve San Bernardino as a Police Dispatcher."

What has been your greatest accomplishment as a Police Dispatcher, so far?

"The greatest accomplishment I have had so far is graduating with my degree in criminal justice as an honors student while still working part-time as a volunteer dispatcher. This achievement showed me that I could dedicate myself to my career and reach the goals that I set for myself. It felt great to accomplish so much and earn recognition for my educational dedication."

Accomplishing something at work, big or small, is a highly motivating subject. Talk to the interviewer about what your proudest career accomplishment has been so far, and why. Be sure to take pride in your answer, showing the hiring authority that you take your work seriously.

"I have many career accomplishments that make me proud. Overall, I would say that my greatest work accomplishment is the positive reputation that I have in this industry. My biggest accomplishment as a Police Dispatcher would be summed up by all of the children that I have been able to help. I have a deep level of compassion for children who are in scary situations, so every time I can assist a minor, I feel an even deeper sense of accomplishment."

"My greatest professional accomplishment so far would be at a previous job where I started as a receptionist and was promoted to a position that I had no experience for because I was able to prove through my work ethic and dedication to learning that I had what I took to take on the new challenge."

"My greatest accomplishment is in a previous job working with adjudicated delinquents. Though I did not have the seniority to make the call in challenging situations, my coworkers relied upon my judgment to resolve the matter. Obtaining and keeping the trust of my coworkers and those in authority over me, and applying critical thinking strategy, to bring about compliance is my greatest accomplishment. One which I believe can easily translate over to work as a Police Dispatcher."

While on shift, how often do you create alternate scenarios to help you adjust to changing situations?

"I feel that it is crucial to create alternative scenarios in all situations. One cannot guess what will happen in the end, so it is great to prepare for all possible outcomes. With a background in competitive sports, this approach rings very true for me. For instance, as the team captain of my soccer team, I would have to anticipate what my competitors' next move would be. I will apply these same methodologies in my career as a Police Dispatcher."

Police Dispatchers must be able to problem-solve and think outside the box when it comes to changing situations. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to create a variety of potential scenarios. Show that you are willing and able to pivot wisely, being fully prepared to react calmly and professionally to any changing situation.

"It's important in emergencies to have premeditated contingency plans. It removes uncertainty in the heat of the moment and will better prepare everyone to adapt if a problem should arise. As a Police Dispatcher, I am ready to adapt at all times. This adaption is a necessary skill in our line of work. I must be ready to pivot when the demand comes."

"I feel as though it is always necessary to create alternate scenarios for any situation. Being able to have a solution for any outcome that could happen helps you to think quicker when on your feet. Preparedness is a necessary skill, and as I always feel the need to be prepared for everything, I would be able to use that skill to help me with coming up with alternate scenarios with a changing situation."

"Alternate scenarios are needed both on the job and off the job. As a former stay-at-home mom, I was always on duty. Small children thrive off of a routine. Providing a schedule and having a plan within that schedule is more than beneficial. As a mom of small children, it is your calling to be overprepared for "just in case." As a Police Dispatcher, information seems to be how one overprepares, and I am ready to do my due diligence in learning as much as I can to be an asset to the team and to protect and save lives."

What do you believe to be the most essential quality of a Police Dispatcher?

"I feel that the most important skill of a Police Dispatcher is to be able to remain calm through a stressful situation. Remaining calm and level headed are of utmost necessity when someone has called in an emergency. I have a strong track record of being able to do this during practice calls, and have often been recognized by my trainers and peers for being very collected under pressure."

There are many essential qualities in a skilled Police Dispatcher; however, the interviewer would like to know what qualities you value the most. Be sure to support your response by including information as to why you feel your listed quality is the most essential. Lastly, be sure to express to the interviewer that you possess, or are working on building up that particular quality. Some critical skills include: - Strong level of integrity - Computer savvy - Ability to follow instructions and process - A remarkable memory - Exceptional listening skills - Steady typing skills/speed - Ability to filter through multiple sound sources - Clear verbal communicator/easy to understand - Emotional control - Trustworthy judgment - High level of compassion - Ability to multi-task

"My years of experience as a Police Dispatcher has revealed to me that the most important skill a dispatcher should possess is the ability to decipher multiple sounds and events at one time. It's cognitive multi-tasking, in a sense. This skill is one that I have worked on building up over the past four years, and has helped me to be much better in my work every day."

"I believe that the most essential quality of a dispatcher is the ability to listen and remain calm. Being able to stay level-headed through an emergency situation and continue to listen is essential. I possess both of these skills as they are ingrained in who I am, but am always looking to develop other skills as well."

"Being calm under pressure is an essential quality of a Police Dispatcher. A person's inability to remain calm could affect their ability to listen. This skill has developed in me through adversity. Therefore I am confident that I can be that voice of reassurance in all sincerity."

After each call, how do you evaluate your performance?

"I believe that feedback from more experienced dispatchers is the key to ensuring strong performance every time. After each day for my first 30 days, I will request feedback. I want to learn all that I can to become the best Police Dispatcher that I can be."

As a Police Dispatcher, being able to look critically at your performance is a critical skill to have. How do you keep yourself in check for strong performance? Perhaps you are open to self-development and improvement, or maybe you ask for feedback from your leader regularly.

"I evaluate myself after every emergency call, especially after handling unique situations or high-stress calls. After hanging up, I will check with myself on how I feel about my performance. If there is a situation where I felt rusty or unsure, I will write it down and revisit it at the end of the day. Even after 12 years in this industry, I am open to feedback and will often ask other dispatchers how they would have handled a call differently. In unusual or high-stress calls, it is incredibly important to debrief very soon after the call. This debriefing helps keep me in check and absorb any methods for improvement."

"I have yet to take a call as a dispatcher, but I always evaluate my performance after everything that I do. try to come up with ways to do it better the next time, or seek help or guidance from someone that has more experience than I do."

"I evaluate my performance by reviewing to see whether I overlooked any expectations, guidelines, or corrections stated before the call. Then after receiving any additional tips that experienced Dispatchers/Trainers can offer me, I take that feedback and prior knowledge into the next call."

Describe a job where you've provided service to a wide variety of people from diverse racial, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.

"Before I attended University, I worked as a part-time volunteer with our local homeless shelter. In that role, I encountered a diverse range of individuals. I embrace diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds."

In the United States, the 911 system receives about 240 million calls per year. As a Police Dispatcher, you must be able to collaborate with a significant number of people in a day. Call volumes are high, and everyone on the other end of the call has their own unique story. Be sure to give specific examples and talk about your overall dispatch experience. Let the hiring manager know that you, in no way, discriminate on the job.

"I have worked as a Police Dispatcher for many years, facing a huge range of situations. Every call is different, and I am well accustomed to adapting to each situation. The level of help or service that I offer has never wavered depending on race, culture, or social standing. The diverse range of people that I come across every day certainly keeps me sharp, and aware of the varying needs of others."

"I used to work at a high-end interior design company and the people I would interact with on a daily basis were from very diverse backgrounds. Whether it was building rapport with our delivery drivers and sub-contractors, and providing customer service to a customer building their dream home, I always approach the situations the same. I am a personable person, and that allows me to interact with and help all people."

"I worked at a long-term care facility in Northern Wisconsin for two years. This boys' ranch brought adjudicated youth from all across Wisconsin to its facility for treatment. Though there were diverse racial and socio-economic backgrounds among the youth admitted and among the staff that worked with them, they were all brought there to get help. As an employee, despite differences, I was hired to help and have always desired to do so to the best of my ability."

Can you stand above pressure and make calm, rational decisions in the wake of an emergency?

"I can rise above intense pressure in the wake of stress or an emergency, and continue to make rational decisions. I have always been a level headed person, and I recently started to practice stoicism, an ancient philosophy based on facing hardship without altering behavior. While a full-time student, I also worked part-time and spent time volunteering. My workload was intense; however, I never allow myself to feel overwhelmed to the point of impacting others or the outcome of my goals."

As a Police Dispatcher, many of the calls you take will be non-emergency situations, simply helping people in confusing but not life-threatening situations. When you do receive an emergency call, you must be ready to take action and dispatch the appropriate police teams quickly and without hesitation. The hiring authority needs to know that you can stand up to the pressure, and make rational decisions for others when they are unable to do so for themselves. If you have an example of a time when you stood up to this type of pressure, be sure to tell the story.

"As a Police Dispatcher for the past eleven years, I have come across a significant variety of situations and people who handle stress differently. I have never lost my cool on a call and always remain the one in control. The more controlled I am, the more impact I can have on getting people through challenging situations as quickly as possible. I have complete confidence in my ability to make calm, rational decisions at all times."

"My mom always jokes about how I am the epitome of a "libra." I always like balance and calmness and channel it into everything that I do. In the wake of stress or an emergency, I always remain level-headed and work my way through the situation. I do this by breaking things up into smaller "tasks" that I need to complete in order to work through the situation/stress, as I said, being able to organize all aspects of my life allows me to remain calm in all situations."

"I do believe I am able to make calm, rational decisions in the wake of an emergency. I desire to learn and retain as much information as one can provide me with so that the decisions that I make will not only be made calmly and rationally, but quickly in the case of an emergency."

Why are you the best Police Dispatcher for us?

"I feel that I am the best Police Dispatcher for you because, in addition to my recent background as a former EMT, I also have a diploma in Criminal Justice. I have many transferable skills to bring to this role and, as a former first responder, will bring a full and unique perspective to the job."

Speaking highly about yourself in an interview can be tough to do, but this is your time to shine! Which characteristics and career accomplishments have made you a stand-out Police Dispatcher? Perhaps you have received some merit awards or have been received specialized training in your most recent position. There is nobody like you, and now you need to express that to the interviewer.

"I am the best candidate for your Police Dispatcher role because I have the right background, education, and experience. I know that I can jump right in and get going with very little training time. I have received accolades for my quick-thinking and also bring recent Diversity and Inclusion training, ensuring that my approach compliments your departments' most recent diversity efforts."

"I would be the best police dispatcher because of the perfect set of skills and experiences that make me right for the job. My attention to detail, ability to multitask, compassion, and communication skills are just the tip of the iceberg in regards to what I can offer as a dispatcher; not to mention my eagerness to learn and develop the skillset to make myself one of the very best."

"I would be the best police dispatcher because I will exceed the minimum qualification requirements that you look for when considering an applicant for hire. I adapt well to any work environment; I am results-oriented and ready to learn and master anything put in front of me. I enjoy a challenge and come prepared to work, and I will commit to being the best I can be for those in need."

When have you shown great integrity at work?

"I show integrity every day by being my true self. The 'me' that you see in this interview is the same version that my family and friends get. I am an honest and genuine person, and I am eager to take this integrity to work as a Police Dispatcher."

The interviewer would like to know about a time when you have shown high levels of integrity on the job. We display integrity through honesty and consistent moral values. Talk to the interviewer about the ways that you show your integrity in the workplace.

"In my last position, I was responsible for the cash deposit daily. There was never a discrepancy, in the four years that I worked there. I best show my integrity by being a consistently reliable employee. In my current role as a Police Dispatcher, I am sure always to do the right thing, giving my best to every call that I take."

"Through my honesty and reliability. At my previous job, I had to write checks, pay bills on time, create work orders, etc., and being able to do this in a reliable and honest fashion shows my integrity."

"Through discipline and diligence in study and prayer, to become knowledgeable and efficient in job responsibilities shows integrity. I feel that human life is valuable, and what I do in private to better prepare for the care of human beings in public to me shows a great measure of integrity."

Do you have any diversity training experience? Talk about the ways that you embrace diversity in the workplace.

"Although I do not have formal diversity training experience, while in university, I was part of the school's community's Diversity and Inclusion Club. Our group held a variety of celebrations for unrepresented parties and helped the student body to learn about people outside of their own culture. Rest assured, I would come to this role with total openness to others and their unique needs."

As a Police Dispatcher, you will come across a broad range of people and needs every day. There is training available to you, ensuring that you bring the utmost compassion and understanding with you to your job every day. If you do not have diversity training, but you do have exposure to a lot of diverse environments, you can mention this as well.

"Recently, our department granted us the opportunity to take a First Responders Sensitivity and Diversity Training. I was thrilled to be included. In this two-day training, I learned a lot about other cultures, backgrounds, and religions. My eyes opened to factors that greatly impact how a person would respond in an emergency. This training was valuable, and I am eager to apply my new knowledge to this Police Dispatcher role."

"I do not have any official diversity training experience, but I would love to participate if the opportunity was presented to me. Being able to learn about different races, cultures, religions, etc., is extremely important as those factors can play into how a person could respond during an emergency situation."

"I do not have any formal diversity training experience, but I am very interested in participating if made available. I have been exposed to many diverse environments servicing a broad range of needs from preteens to adults. Seeing and hearing of many struggles regardless of age, gender, color, or living environment has made me more compassionate and understanding."

Do you consider yourself a persuasive person?

"As a university student, persuasion was in everything that I did. For instance, I needed to gain buy-in from my fellow students when it came to pitching the angle of a group project. I spent much of my days making statements of persuasion while writing term papers, as well."

Part of being an excellent communicator is also having the power of persuasion when necessary. There is a difference between persuasion and debating - or even convincing. Persuasion is used when you want to influence someone rather than tell them that they are wrong, and you are right. The power of persuasion is essential when working in an emotionally driven environment, such as being a Police Dispatcher. It is also a valuable skill when you want to gain momentum with your coworkers. It is not a negative thing to be persuasive. Talk to the interviewer about whether or not you consider yourself to be a persuasive individual, and why.

"Persuasion is a key skill of an effective leader and communicator, in my opinion. Have you ever read the book, 'Pre-Suasion' by Robert Cialdini? He speaks of the science in persuasion and that there are significant moves to be made before ever asking someone to do something on your behalf. This book has greatly influenced how I use persuasion when taking high-stakes dispatch calls."

"I think that my patient and understanding demeanor makes me a persuasive person. People always look to me for advice and help because of my personality and possessing this trait enables me to be able to persuade people in one direction or another. I am able to accomplish this as I am there to help them and give advice, not to convince them of something and I think that is an important factor."

"I consider myself very analytical and sincere in conversation, wanting to bring the correct understanding and best results to every situation. This can be very persuasive for those looking to do the right things, which is not always the easiest."

Are you willing to learn the rules of the FCC in regards to frequency use?

"I am familiar with the FCC and fully understand why we must have regulations and policies surrounding police communication and radio use. I have already started to dive into some of the information provided on the FCC website and will continue to keep myself educated."

Depending on the region where you work, you may be required to comply with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) when it comes to the frequency on which police radios operate. The interviewer wants to see a willingness to learn, and comply with, the rules surrounding radio use. Of course, you want to sound agreeable and eager in your response. If you are familiar with policy around the FCC, be sure to express this.

"I have worked in police dispatch for eight years and am very familiar with FCC requirements and compliance. I am more than willing to continue abiding by these regulations and will commit to staying up to date on FCC changes."

"I would be more than willing to learn the rules of the FCC in regards to frequency use. I am always eager to learn as much as I possibly can so that I can be knowledgeable in all aspects of my career and life."

"Through the FCC website, I have begun familiarizing myself with the rules of the FCC regarding frequency use. I am eager to be in a setting that allows me to ask questions regarding these policies to gain further understanding and clarity."

What advice would you give to a fellow dispatcher who was stressed out?

"I would tell my colleague that talking it out can help a lot. I think that if something is bothering you, you should talk to a manager or supervisor as soon as possible. Stress can become elevated when a situation is allowed to brew and grow."

Being able to handle stress is a fantastic skill, but being able to talk your colleagues off the ledge during their peak times of stress is an entirely different skill. Discuss with the interviewer what you would say or do to help a coworker cope with the stress of dispatch work. Be sure to show smarts, empathy, and a transparent methodology for stress-management.

"I track my stressors and then visit them regularly. I will write them down on a note in my phone and then at the end of the day, or the week; I will try to track the regular offenders. Once I can pinpoint the stressors that occur too regularly, I make a plan to eliminate or at least alleviate them. If I had a colleague who was stressed out, I would share that method with them and help them to implement it if they were interested."

"For me, I handle stress in a way that keeps me organized. I am a big "list person," and so keeping lists of anything and everything helps to keep me calm and collected. Whether that be a list of things that are stressing me out or a list of things I need to get done. I know not everyone is a list person, so I would suggest the co-worker try and identify what is causing them stress and writing it down so that they can challenge themselves to focus on it at a later time."

"When becoming stressed, It helps me to step back and see the situation as an opportunity to be thankful. I remind fellow dispatchers of why they are here. They are here to learn, help, and be a part of a team. The difficult calls teach us the most, prepare us the best for the next, and garner the support of our team. I would then thank them for taking their share of calls."

A Police Dispatcher must react appropriately under pressure. Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision.

"As a university student, split-second decisions happen often! I make split-second decisions when resolving matters during group projects, when project deadlines are changed, or when I need to make strategic moves related to my course load. I believe I have become a much stronger problem solver because of these situations and look forward to applying these skills to my role as a Police Dispatcher."

Being able to make quick decisions and think fast on your feet using sound logic sets top-notch dispatchers out from the crowd. We all make a lot of choices every day, so start by telling the interviewer that you make a lot of quick decisions each day. Next, be prepared with a solid example that will be sure to impress. Be sure to outline the situation, the task, the actions that you took, and then speak about the result.

"Last month, my senior dispatcher quit on the spot leaving all responsibility on me during the middle of a busy shift. It was uncomfortable, but I knew I had to get my head in the game. I took charge of the floor, reassuring the other fifteen dispatchers that things would go on as usual. I delegated tasks as needed. We finished our shift under a lot of pressure, but everyone willingly did what they needed to reach the finish line until the next shift of dispatchers arrived. Shortly after this incident, I took a promotion as a senior dispatcher."

"In my previous job I had to make decisions all of the time, as the owner of my company would frequently travel and left me in charge when she did. At the job I held before that, I managed a coffee shop and the owner had a family emergency that pulled her away from the company for two years. I took over without a bit of hesitation. Managing employees, ordering and shopping, day-to-day operations, I took it all on with confidence."

"As a single mom of toddlers, more often than not split-second decisions are made due to limited time, lack of cooperation, and lack of rest. When having to shorten or abandon plans quickly, the outcome always maintained order and sustained peace."

A Police Dispatcher must pay exceptional attention to the small details. How would your co-workers describe your attention to detail?

"I can't speak for my colleagues as I am new to my career; however, my professors would say that I have above average attention to detail. I make mistakes, but I usually catch them before passing my work on to the intended recipient. I fully understand the importance of 100% accuracy in a Police Dispatch career and am prepared to meet those expectations."

Delivering strong attention to detail is incredibly important as a Police Dispatcher. Especially when you are operating under potentially high-stress scenarios. It is always best to support your reply with a real-life example. Talk to the interviewer about your level of attentiveness when it comes to details on the job. If you are new to your career, you can lean on your experiences in school, in competitive sports, or during your volunteer work.

"My co-workers would describe my attention to detail as very strong. I can very easily point out spelling discrepancies in communication and will notice the small things. I think big-picture as well but have always had a knack for details."

"I would definitely say that I have "above-average" attention to detail skills. In my previous job, I would check in inventory, which would be pallets of many different styles of tile, and it was my responsibility to ensure everything little detail was accurate. In addition to this, my interest in accounting shows how specific my attention to detail can be. I'm definitely a numbers person, and working everything out to balance takes an enormous amount of attention to detail."

"My coworkers would undoubtedly say that I pay exceptional attention to small details. In my previous job, I was required to update behavioral logs for each youth under our direct supervision. It was suggested that my logging provided more details than was desired. I believe these skills will transfer over in a police dispatch role, as I fully understand the importance of accuracy and honesty and how they can benefit the person coming behind me."

When entering a new job, describe how you build relationships with your new coworkers and supervisors.

"I understand that some relationships come quickly, and others take time to nurture. When starting a new job, all that I can do is be my true self and let my personality, integrity, and reliability speak for itself."

The interviewer would like to know how you plan to start relationships with your new co-workers. Due to a wide variety of personalities, coworker connections can take time to form. How do you ensure that you have an active line of communication with your co-workers and supervisors, right from the start?Here are some ideas for getting started on the right foot:- Be willing to accept feedback and help - Avoid all company gossip, at all cost - Be early on your first day (and every day after that!) - Be a good conversationalist - ask your coworkers questions about themselves!

"I will show up on time and dressed appropriately. I spend as much time as I can getting to know my new coworkers and telling them about myself and my family, and asking them about theirs. It is important to understand people on a bit of a personal level to know how to approach them."

"Having good relationships with coworkers and supervisors is extremely important to me. To build those relationships, I always like learning about the interests and hobbies of others, as those speak a lot to who a person is. In a professional manner, I like to show them how dedicated and reliable I am; this helps to build those relationships further."

"I maintain a humble attitude. If I see that they are skilled in an area I must grow in, I compliment them and may seek their advice. This demonstrates humility, opens the door to vulnerability, and could create camaraderie. Then I take time to get to know their interest beyond what I see them doing on the job."

Describe your communication style. Why will your approach to communication be helpful as a Police Dispatcher?

"I have strong written and verbal communication skills which have been well-honed through my time in University. I spend a lot of time working on team projects and have to be able to communicate clearly with all parties. I would describe my communication style as consistent, which is of vast importance while working in a Police Dispatch role."

As a Police Dispatcher, it isn't just your verbal communication skills that need to be reliable. Being a clear communicator, in written form, is also an essential skill to master. Are you confident in your communication style, overall? Perhaps you have taken courses in communication for first-responders. Talk to the interviewer about your communication abilities and support your answer with a brief example or story.

"My written communication style is strong. I am clear in my goals and often utilize written communication as a follow up to verbal communications. These written follow-ups provide a great resource for my fellow dispatchers to go back to and reference when I am not on shift. Over the years, I have attended a variety of training sessions for communicating as a first-responder. I am eager to continue to apply my knowledge as a Police Dispatcher for your department."

"I feel as though I excel in both verbal and written communication, and the style that I use will be very helpful as a police dispatcher. Verbal communication is very important, and then I always follow up with written communication afterwards. This will be helpful because not only do you have the initial verbal communication, but when following up with written communication, co-workers and other departments will be reminded of what initially took place."

"The communication style that I believe I am strongest in is written. I often use written communication to expand on the conditions of a situation where verbally communicating these things would only lead to confusion and sometimes even undue frustration. What I believe to be equally beneficial in the role of a Police Dispatcher are strong verbal communication skills. It has been said that the sound of my voice offers reassurance in a way that my written communication cannot."

Have you spoken with other Police Dispatchers regarding what this career is like?

"During one of my internships, I met someone who worked as a dispatcher in this department. He mentioned that even though the stress levels are high, the feeling of camaraderie is even greater. It made me feel very confident in the culture here, which is why I applied for the Police Dispatcher position."

Researching the opportunity, the career overall, and the department you will be joining is a critical first step before going to an interview. Tell the hiring manager the extent of your research, how you feel about the opportunity to work as a Police Dispatcher, and why you would like to work in this position.

"I have spoken with one of your other dispatchers about this position, and she had so many wonderful things to say about working here. After researching online and speaking with her, I am even more excited about the opportunity. I would love to have this job and am eager to compete for the role."

"My husband's family has a family friend they call Grandma Pat, and she spent 30 years as a 911 dispatcher, so I have listened to numerous stories about her processional career. I think the main thing that I have always taken away from any of these stories was how rewarding she always said the job was. Being able to help other people was always worth the stress."

"Not having family or friends who are familiar with this type of work I did result to looking up videos online. Much of what I viewed was absolutely breathtaking. Police Dispatchers in my opinion are unseen heroes, and I would be honored to be a part of this team."

What has been your greatest accomplishment as a 911 dispatcher, so far?

"The greatest accomplishment I have had so far is graduating University as an honors student while still working part-time as a volunteer dispatcher. This accomplishment showed me that I could dedicate myself to my career and reach the educational goals that I set for myself. It felt great to accomplish so much and earn recognition for my educational dedication."

Accomplishing something, big or small, is a motivating subject. Talk to the interviewer about what your proudest career accomplishment has been so far, and why. Be sure to show excitement and enthusiasm for what you have accomplished so far. If you are new to your dispatch career, discuss an accomplishment you have earned along the way, whether that be from school or a rewarding volunteer opportunity.

"As a seasoned Police Dispatcher, I have many accomplishments that make me beam with pride. Overall, I would say that my greatest work accomplishment is the positive reputation that I have in this industry. I could also sum up my accomplishments by how proud I feel, knowing I have helped may children along the way. I have a deep level of compassion for children who are in scary situations, so every time I can assist, I feel a deep sense of accomplishment."

"I have never been a 911 dispatcher, but my greatest professional accomplishment so far would probably be at my previous job where I started as a receptionist and put in the time and work to learn as much as I possibly could. I was promoted to accounts payable without the needed experience because of how much hard work and dedication I had shown to my boss."

"My greatest accomplishment before applying for the position of 911 dispatcher is the opportunity to author and publish my first Children's book. A publishing company that only accepts a third of the unsolicited manuscripts received has selected my book. One can imagine my excitement for the impact that it will have on bringing reassurance to so many young people and families in times of trouble."

Proper filing of reports is critical. Talk about your documentation skills and how you keep your records organized.

"I learned a lot about the importance of organization, proper note-taking, and clear documentation while obtaining my degree. I must be able to easily track my work but also ensure that others can do the same. If hired as your next Police Dispatcher, you have the assurance that I would follow all documentation protocols."

Depending on where you will be working, you may have a variety of systems and programs to learn, allowing for proper documentation, processing, and filing. When working as a Police Dispatcher, you must remain organized and accurate in the information that you are sharing. Walk the hiring authority through your process when it comes to keeping your records organized. If you are new to your career, you can discuss the fact that you are careful and organized in general.

"As an experienced Police Dispatcher, I fully understand the repercussions of being disorganized or filing paperwork improperly. I am careful with my documentation, I use accurate wording, and ensure that the job can go on long after my shift is over. In every administrative action that I take, I make sure that my coworkers understand what occurred and what needs doing."

"I have loads of experience with documentation through my time in accounts payable. I worked at a high-end interior design company, so the invoices that came across my desk were very high dollar amounts. It was always extremely important to record everything with clarity and accuracy so that the business could run smoothly. In regards to organization, I have always been a folder and label person. Whether that be sticky notes, brief instructions, or just writing down as much information as possible for the next person, I am always ensuring that whoever needs to assist with the matter at hand next has everything that they need ready to roll."

"In prior employment as a teleservice agent, it was beneficial to have any prior caller accounts off the screen before the next call came in. It was equally important for me to have all call logging completed for that particular customer/caller before their call was completed. This practice helped me to remain organized, concise, and steadily moving through calls."

If there were a domestic dispute phone call and a potential suicide call at the same time, but only one available officer, where would you send the officer?

"This is a challenging question to answer definitively, but first, I would check to see which resources were available to me, such as other first-responders such as EMS or the fire department. My initial reaction would be to respond to the domestic call, especially if the situation were violent or involving a weapon."

The way you approach this question will depend on the level of emergency response training you have received. When working in dispatch, there are levels of emergencies. You may learn priority dispatch codes, which consist of hundreds of categories and sub-categories ranging from non-emergency to health conditions, to violent crimes, and more. Every call is different, with each day bringing a range of decisions that need to be made, often in the blink of an eye.

"My response will change depending on the smaller details of each situation. For instance, if the domestic involves a weapon, or if the suicidal person has already taken self-harm action. As a Police Dispatcher, I have yet to come across a situation where only one officer is available; however, I can see how this would happen in a smaller town or rural area. One decision would be to dispatch the officer to the domestic while dispatching the fire department or ambulance to the potential suicide where the responders are cross-trained to handle situations such as self-harm."

"Having to answer this without more detail is a little difficult, but if this is the only information provided and I had to make a call on where to send the officer, I would first try and see what other emergency services were currently available to me. If I had the fire department or EMS that I could send to the suicide call, then I would be able to send the officer to the domestic dispute where there is the potential for a weapon or violence to be involved."

"As I learn more about the work of a dispatcher, dispatching the correct responders to the appropriate locations is very important. If only one officer is available, I would have to quickly decide which of the other units is trained in the least of the two emergencies. I believe having more details about these calls would help me determine the level of emergency."

Our Police Dispatchers are very busy. What kind of work volume are you capable of handling?

"I am a fast learner; I work quickly and like daily challenges. Although I am new to my career in dispatch, I am confident that I will enjoy working in an environment with a high volume of work and critical responsibilities."

In the United States, the 911 system receives around 240 million calls per year. Now, that's a LOT of work volume. Not every call will be the same. Some calls are misdialed, some will be true emergencies, and some calls will be non-emergency calls from people who need guidance on who to turn to for their situation. The schedule and requirements of a Police Dispatcher are not easy, so you must come prepared to speak to the interviewer about your ability to manage a significant volume of work, for hours at a time.

"Currently, I handle anywhere from three to thirty calls per hour, on a twelve-hour shift. This volume means that I can take upwards of 350 calls per shift, as a Police Dispatcher. I love working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment not only because I enjoy the challenge but also because the days go by so fast. Rest assured, I am ready to meet the needs and volume of your department."

"I love being very busy the entire time that I am at work. In my previous jobs, there were very busy periods followed by lots of down time. Being able to handle an extreme work volume as well as slower periods where you need to keep yourself busy is very important. I have great time-management skills that I have developed because of this, so being able to handle busy/stressful situations will come with ease."

"In my previous job, the shift was always most enjoyable when there was a high call volume. When fewer calls came into our department, I would utilize that time to research specs on new equipment, service plan updates, and special offers. In either case, I learned to be ready to service our customers in their times of need."

Talk about your written communication skills.

"I have strong written communication skills which have been well-honed through my time in university. I spend a lot of time working on team projects and have to be able to communicate clearly with all stakeholders."

As a Police Dispatcher, it isn't just your verbal communication skills that need to be healthy. Being a clear communicator, in written form, is also an essential skill to master. Are you confident in your written communication skills? Perhaps you have taken courses in communication and writing. Talk to the interviewer about your written communication abilities and support your answer with a brief example or story.

"I would describe my written communication skills as very strong and would rate myself as a 9/10. I have always had a penchant for writing and have taken university courses related to communication, writing, and journalism."

"In the last four years, most of my communication professionally has been either over the phone or through email, and because of this, I am very proficient in my written communication skills. Accuracy and timeliness is always important, in addition to being able to convey your message, and I feel as though I have both of those qualities."

"I do possess strong written communication skills. While pursuing my undergraduate degree, my senior thesis paper was published in a review journal. Since then, I have created and edited newsletters, maintained a Christian website and blog, and this year I will see the publication of my first children's book hit the market."

The need for police assistance never ends. Are you willing to work holidays and weekends?

"Being new to my career in dispatch, I fully expect that I will be taking the majority of holiday shifts. I am willing to put in my time before being offered premium shifts."

Working in the emergency services and dispatch industry, you must be flexible and open when it comes to your schedule. Of course, you do not want to agree with a schedule that you cannot keep. Be sure to mention any restrictions on your availability.

"I am happy to do my part by being available for my share of holidays and weekends. I do have children to care for, so I should have some notice if possible."

"I have had a 9-5, Monday-Friday job most of my professional career, so having a change of pace on this is actually exciting. Working holidays and weekends will never be a concern for me."

"I am more than willing to do my part whenever needed, which includes holidays and weekends. I do have small children to care for, so advanced notice would be helpful if possible."

Do you have current certification in CPR and First Aid? Are you comfortable giving CPR instructions on a call?

"I recently obtained a traditional CPR and First Aid certification. Recently, I learned about the T-CPR certification which I want to have before beginning as a Police Dispatcher. Do you offer this training, or is this coursework that I should enroll in independently?"

As a Police Dispatcher, you may be trained and certified in T-CPR, which is Telephone Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. As a dispatcher, you will often be the first communicator on cardiac arrest, choking, or other calls requiring firm knowledge and fast recall of CPR techniques. T-CPR training will train you to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest over the phone. Discuss your related training. If you do not have this type of training, be sure to express your desire and willingness to earn these credentials.

"I have taken six courses on CPR, T-CPR, and First Aid. I am fully certified and brought my certifications for you today. You're welcome to make a copy of these certifications for my candidate file. CPR training saves many lives every year. I recently read some staggering numbers, including the fact that an estimated 350,000 sudden cardiac arrest events occur in the United States outside of a hospital environment. This statistic means that many of these calls are coming to a dispatch environment. As a first-responder, I cannot afford to be out of touch when it comes to life-saving techniques and information."

"I do not currently hold a certification in CPR and first aid, but as I have mentioned previously, I am always eager to learn and will be able to obtain this in a timely fashion. Once I have the knowledge and certification to back it up, I will be more than comfortable providing CPR instructions on a call."

"CPR and first aid are not certifications that I have at this time. Although, I have been trained in CPR and First Aid through previous employment and will have no problem becoming recertified to deliver CPR instruction confidently as needed."

Talk about your clerical skills, and how they will help you succeed as a Police Dispatcher.

"I have a diploma in office administration and plan to use the skills that I learned in my new role as a Police Dispatcher. I am confident in tasks such as typing, documenting, and communicating over email or team messaging apps."

As a Police Dispatcher, much of your work will be surrounding clerical tasks. These tasks could include typing, documenting, answering phones, sending emails, reading and writing memos, creating and communicating schedules, and more. Assure the hiring authority that you can keep up with the demand and expectations associated with the role.

"Before becoming a Police Dispatcher, I worked as an administrator in a hospital's emergency department. There, I learned many valuable transferable skills such as accurate documentation, rapid typing, note-taking, and clear communication by email and memo. I can confidently say that my clerical skills are top-notch."

"In one of my previous jobs, I worked in Accounts Payable, and in that position it was pertinent that I accurately type, record, and transfer all information with extreme accuracy. On top of the invoices and checks, I also answered the multi-line phone system, where I had to rapidly take notes as the customer was speaking and relay all important information to the correct person. I also oversaw the operations of the office as a whole. Whether helping co-workers with technical questions, or troubleshooting issues on their computers, I have always been the go-to person. I believe that the experience I have described represents that I am very experienced when it comes to clerical skills, and this set of experiences will help me succeed as a dispatcher. In the short term, I will be able to focus a lot more energy on learning other aspects of the job."

"My previous experience as a teleservice agent has aided in preparing me for this role as a police dispatcher. The ability to obtain personal information to access customer accounts, rapidly take notes as the customer is speaking, provide technical services to devices while the customer is on the phone, offer additional information upon request, and communicate to other departments account details upon transferring a call. I am confident that I will in some way use these clerical skills and more in my work as a 911 dispatcher."

Police Dispatcher Interview Questions

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1. A Police Dispatcher must know the region in which they operate. How strong is your geographic knowledge?
2. Talk about one weakness, as it relates to your work as a Police Dispatcher. How will you work to improve this weakness?
3. As a Police Dispatcher, you will be on the phone for the majority of your shift. How do you feel about this?
4. How would you handle a call from a panicked person who was speaking unintelligibly?
5. How familiar are you with criminal law in our region?
6. What has been your greatest accomplishment as a Police Dispatcher, so far?
7. While on shift, how often do you create alternate scenarios to help you adjust to changing situations?
8. What do you believe to be the most essential quality of a Police Dispatcher?
9. After each call, how do you evaluate your performance?
10. Describe a job where you've provided service to a wide variety of people from diverse racial, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
11. Can you stand above pressure and make calm, rational decisions in the wake of an emergency?
12. Why are you the best Police Dispatcher for us?
13. When have you shown great integrity at work?
14. Do you have any diversity training experience? Talk about the ways that you embrace diversity in the workplace.
15. Do you consider yourself a persuasive person?
16. Are you willing to learn the rules of the FCC in regards to frequency use?
17. What advice would you give to a fellow dispatcher who was stressed out?
18. A Police Dispatcher must react appropriately under pressure. Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision.
19. A Police Dispatcher must pay exceptional attention to the small details. How would your co-workers describe your attention to detail?
20. When entering a new job, describe how you build relationships with your new coworkers and supervisors.
21. Describe your communication style. Why will your approach to communication be helpful as a Police Dispatcher?
22. Have you spoken with other Police Dispatchers regarding what this career is like?
23. What has been your greatest accomplishment as a 911 dispatcher, so far?
24. Proper filing of reports is critical. Talk about your documentation skills and how you keep your records organized.
25. If there were a domestic dispute phone call and a potential suicide call at the same time, but only one available officer, where would you send the officer?
26. Our Police Dispatchers are very busy. What kind of work volume are you capable of handling?
27. Talk about your written communication skills.
28. The need for police assistance never ends. Are you willing to work holidays and weekends?
29. Do you have current certification in CPR and First Aid? Are you comfortable giving CPR instructions on a call?
30. Talk about your clerical skills, and how they will help you succeed as a Police Dispatcher.

Police Dispatcher Interview Questions

1. A Police Dispatcher must know the region in which they operate. How strong is your geographic knowledge?

2. Talk about one weakness, as it relates to your work as a Police Dispatcher. How will you work to improve this weakness?

3. As a Police Dispatcher, you will be on the phone for the majority of your shift. How do you feel about this?

4. How would you handle a call from a panicked person who was speaking unintelligibly?

5. How familiar are you with criminal law in our region?

6. What has been your greatest accomplishment as a Police Dispatcher, so far?

7. While on shift, how often do you create alternate scenarios to help you adjust to changing situations?

8. What do you believe to be the most essential quality of a Police Dispatcher?

9. After each call, how do you evaluate your performance?

10. Describe a job where you've provided service to a wide variety of people from diverse racial, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.

11. Can you stand above pressure and make calm, rational decisions in the wake of an emergency?

12. Why are you the best Police Dispatcher for us?

13. When have you shown great integrity at work?

14. Do you have any diversity training experience? Talk about the ways that you embrace diversity in the workplace.

15. Do you consider yourself a persuasive person?

16. Are you willing to learn the rules of the FCC in regards to frequency use?

17. What advice would you give to a fellow dispatcher who was stressed out?

18. A Police Dispatcher must react appropriately under pressure. Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision.

19. A Police Dispatcher must pay exceptional attention to the small details. How would your co-workers describe your attention to detail?

20. When entering a new job, describe how you build relationships with your new coworkers and supervisors.

21. Describe your communication style. Why will your approach to communication be helpful as a Police Dispatcher?

22. Have you spoken with other Police Dispatchers regarding what this career is like?

23. What has been your greatest accomplishment as a 911 dispatcher, so far?

24. Proper filing of reports is critical. Talk about your documentation skills and how you keep your records organized.

25. If there were a domestic dispute phone call and a potential suicide call at the same time, but only one available officer, where would you send the officer?

26. Our Police Dispatchers are very busy. What kind of work volume are you capable of handling?

27. Talk about your written communication skills.

28. The need for police assistance never ends. Are you willing to work holidays and weekends?

29. Do you have current certification in CPR and First Aid? Are you comfortable giving CPR instructions on a call?

30. Talk about your clerical skills, and how they will help you succeed as a Police Dispatcher.