Without the dispatcher, prioritization of incoming calls would be less organized and could result in tragedy. Moreover, the dispatcher has to be on the ball about prank calls or false alarms, which can impede public safety and drain essential resources.
Dispatchers also often play a key role in directly assisting the public by providing advice and assistance. For example, the dispatcher might need to keep a caller on the line to offer important first aid procedures in a situation in which it is needed. In these situations, the role of the dispatcher is as important as the role of the emergency technician, for some simple advice given over the phone can help save lives. Similarly, the dispatcher will sometimes need to help keep the caller calm in a frightening situation like an armed burglary. Helping someone to refrain from panicking can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.
At the same time the dispatcher keeps a close watch on the field officers, noting...
Dispatchers can fill in the squad cars on the progress of an emergency situation so that they can decide whether backup or ancillary services are required. A dispatcher also relays important information to hospitals and between different public safety departments, as the lines between fire and police departments is sometimes blurred in emergency situations.
The dispatcher's role is often overlooked or underestimated. Because dispatchers work the phones rather than police the streets, their job is not viewed to be as important to ensuring public safety as that of the officer. However, dispatchers have direct contact with not only the public in need but with the officers who assist them. The role of the dispatcher is to ensure the smooth flow of communications between the public and law enforcement, fire safety, and emergency services.
Role of the Dispatcher
