Questions about getting a job as a security dispatcher?

	Questions about getting a job as a security dispatcher? I am looking at a getting a job as a dispatcher. It is on the campus of a university. I have a couple questions? The dispatcher job is in context to the campus safety or security. What does it take to get a CPR/First Aid certificate? Is it hard? How much does it cost? How long does it take? How about a Public Safety Dispatcher certificate (same questions)? What is involved? What would I be doing as a dispatcher? and what would I need to know? and how can I prep to show that I can do it in an interview? It sounds like a chill job am I right? The campus is a very secure campus and if a dispatcher just sits around and talk on radios or something? also where would i get those certificates? a jc or some intensive? and it mentioned being on call and needing to have a phone 24 does this mean i wouldnt always have to be on campus? prob not right Asked By: dt - 7/29/2009

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It takes a few weeks to get a CPR/First Aid certificate. The class itself can be completed in one day, and can be taken through your local Red Cross agency. Prices vary, the highest I've seen being about $150 (but I live in an expensive city). The certificate then has to be processed and sent to you via mail. The Public Safety Dispatcher certificate is going to depend on what state you are in. Here, it's done via the CA government and you need to pass a background check and medical exam, along with two evaluations of your oral and written communication skills. Some companies will hire you and put you through the course; others require you have the certification prior to being hired. Your duties as a dispatcher will vary depending on the site. Basically, you would be responsible for handling incoming calls and radio reports, and dispatching officers or medical personnel to various locations on campus as needed. You would likely also be responsible for coordinating emergency response efforts by contacting the local authorities when needed. Some dispatchers also have other duties, such as monitoring cameras, filing reports, conducting investigations, etc. It's a good idea to check with the hiring company to determine the scope of work. Again, the amount of work varies; the campus might be very busy (most places that are "secure" are secure because the security team actually keeps quite busy) or there may be little to do. If there is little to do, you will basically sit around and talk on the radios. If it's a busy site...well, let's just say that busy for security is BUSY. Being on call does not mean you will not always have to be on campus. Rather, it means that in addition to the hours you are required to be on campus, you must always carry a phone with you in your personal life (to the gym, out with friends, wherever). If work calls, you must take the call and either assist with incidents over the phone or report to work as instructed. Best of luck! Answered By: AJ - 7/29/2009

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Protects the public by receiving telephone and radio calls for service, including police, fire, paramedics, ambulance, utilities, public works, and animal control services; dispatching emergency and non-emergency equipment and personnel; providing information.

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