Public Safety Telecommunicators
Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.
- Tasks
- 18 tasks16 core, 2 supplemental
- Family
- Office & Administrative SupportOne of its 55 occupations
- Code
- 43-5031.00SOC 2018: 43-5031
What the work is made of
16 core tasks and 2 supplemental, each quoted as published, with the survey it came from.
Core: central to the jobSupplemental: done by some, not all
- Task 1. Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.Core taskTask 2719Rated by 75 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 2. Question callers to determine their locations and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.Core taskTask 2707Rated by 76 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 3. Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.Core taskTask 2705Rated by 76 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 4. Receive incoming telephone or alarm system calls regarding emergency and non-emergency police and fire service, emergency ambulance service, information, and after-hours calls for departments within a city.Core taskTask 2711Rated by 75 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 5. Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.Core taskTask 2710Rated by 76 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 6. Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.Core taskTask 2706Rated by 76 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 7. Monitor various radio frequencies, such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense, to stay apprised of developing situations.Core taskTask 2715Rated by 76 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 8. Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.Core taskTask 2717Rated by 76 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 9. Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials.Core taskTask 2712Rated by 75 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 10. Enter, update, and retrieve information from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles.Core taskTask 2708Rated by 76 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 11. Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.Core taskTask 2709Rated by 76 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 12. Answer routine inquiries, and refer calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies.Core taskTask 2718Rated by 76 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 13. Learn material and pass required tests for certification.Core taskTask 2716Rated by 76 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 14. Observe alarm registers and scan maps to determine whether a specific emergency is in the dispatch service area.Core taskTask 2713Rated by 76 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 15. Maintain files of information relating to emergency calls, such as personnel rosters and emergency call-out and pager files.Core taskTask 2714Rated by 76 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 16. Test and adjust communication and alarm systems, and report malfunctions to maintenance units.Core taskTask 2721Rated by 76 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 17. Operate and maintain mobile dispatch vehicles and equipment.Supplemental taskTask 2722Rated by 75 people who do the job, August 2023
- Task 18. Monitor alarm systems to detect emergencies, such as fires and illegal entry into establishments.Supplemental taskTask 2720Rated by 76 people who do the job, August 2023
Where this comes from
Quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor, and credited. Nothing on this page is written by us.
How we copy and credit sources- Published byO*NET 29.0, U.S. Department of LaborEmployment and Training Administration
- ClassificationStandard Occupational Classification 2018, 43-5031
- LicenseCC BY 4.0Free to copy and reuse, with credit
- Changed by usNothing.
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