In the city of Little Rock, 911 dispatchers are hired by the city to provide residents with 911 communications, dispatching the proper personnel and providing information services. The 911 dispatchers are hired by the Office of Emergency Services and work under a supervisor who reports to the Assistant Chief of Police Administrative Bureau.
The city of Little Rock always has openings in the area of 911 dispatchers. Here are some reasons why the city is looking for skilled and dedicated dispatchers.
- Little Rock is the 6th most dangerous city in the United States.
- Violent crimes and property crimes in Little Rock are higher than the United States average.
- Annually, there are 97 crimes committed in the city for every 1,000 residents.
- Rapes and burglaries increased from 2006 to 2011.
There are a few steps that you need to take in order to become a 911 dispatcher in Little Rock. These steps are:
 | Meet Education and Job Skills Qualifications |
 | Apply for a Position in Little Rock |
 | On-the-Job Training and Skills Development |
 | Seek Additional Certifications |
Step 1. Meet Education and Job Skills Qualifications
The city of Little Rock states that in order to become a 911 dispatcher, you must have a high school diploma as a minimum requirement. In addition, you also need to have at least one year of experience in the field of radio dispatching which includes operating computer equipment. Equivalent education and experience will be considered. There are a few colleges and universities in the Little Rock area that offer degree programs that are related to the field.
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration with a Concentration in Security. A Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice will give you the knowledge and skills in Criminal Justice field. You will learn core instruction in the field of police, corrections and courts.
- Bachelor of Science in Health Administration with a Concentration in Emergency Management. This program will teach you the business side of healthcare such as how to manage and plan emergency response operations. The program focuses on courses in human resources, management, information systems and finance.
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology. This program will teach you about human development and behavior. Courses in this program include Human Motivation and Theories of Personality. Courses will also teach you the needed skills to be a 911 dispatcher including communication, problem solving, critical thinking and collaborating.
In Little Rock, 911 operators are paid a yearly salary of $39,445 with a starting annual salary of $32,484. In order to get a job as a 911 dispatcher, there are some job qualifications you need to have first. Some of these job qualifications include:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be able to work any schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays
- Must pass a psychological background screening
- Must pass a criminal background check
Step 2. Apply for a Position in Little Rock
There are a few ways which you can apply for a position as a 911 dispatcher in Little Rock. One way is to apply online at the city’s website www.littlerock.org. While at the website, you can also search for jobs, create a candidate profile and get notifications when new jobs are posted. You can also call the job hotline at 501-371-4504 or you can go to the human resources office at the City Hall located at 500 West Markham Street, Suite 130W.
Step 3. On-the-Job Training and Skills Development
Before you start your career as a 911 operator, there are some needed skills you will have to have first. These particular skills will be enhanced while you are on the job. These skills include:
- Ability to work in an environment with high call volume
- Ability to work in a high stress environment
- Knowledge of operating a computer as well as a two-way radio
- Knowledge of standard office procedures
- Knowledge of data entry techniques
- Knowledge of government regulations regarding radio operation
In addition, there are numerous skills that you will have to learn as part of your job as a 911 dispatcher. These will be needed in order for you to efficiently perform the duties of the job. Some of these skills include:
- Ability to accurately record information from phone conversations
- Ability to answer questions and concerns as well as provide relevant information
- Ability to read and record data into the computer system quickly and accurately
- Knowledge of priority codes and procedures
Step 4. Seek Additional Certifications
The city of Little Rock hires the best people for the job of a 911 dispatcher. With that said, it is recommended that you seek additional certification so that you can have better skills and that you are current with the most recent developments in the field.
- The Emergency Police Dispatch certification program teaches you about how to prepare for the necessary police dispatch position by learning about the systems and technology that will be needed on the job.
- The American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification helps you to get ready to learn CPR as well as learning how to talk someone through a CPR routine on the phone.
- The Criminal Justice Information Services certification will teach you how to use the numerous databases for criminals that you may find useful on the job.