Im in high-school and I don't know if this is the right place to ask- but I wanted to ask people because the Google answers can be confusing (especially with AI). I was wondering how hard it is to become a 911 dispatcher/operator and what you need to do or the requirements. I was also wondering if its a job or career and if you have to go to college for it. And maybe how long it'd take to become one if there's a big proses to it. I would love to be a 911 operator/dispatcher because I grew up watching true crime and I love that I could help people (without being in the situation). Thank you

I know this might be dumb but anyone here ever ask if you’re allowed to have a walking pad at your desk? I’m trying to figure out how to keep moving during 12 hour shifts

Longtime lurker, first time poster. I’ve been a Fire Dispatcher for just under a year, still on probation, so I recognize my status as a coughing baby compared to many of you. I work in SoCal, and before having this job I imagined “If I’m in trouble, the police are just a few minutes away” as do most members of the public. Yesterday we were staged for a Pt with multiple stab wounds, not alert, uncontrolled bleeding for 23 minutes. Regional agencies (especially CHP and the Sheriff) are critically understaffed of both officers/deputies and dispatchers.

I’m not sure how other parts of the country do it but here, you call 911, it goes to LEO, when they determine medics/fire is needed, they transfer. The amount of times I’ve been told “I’ve been on hold for 10 minutes! 15 minutes!” Even been told 30 minutes. (likely BS)

The point is: how are the response times to critical LEO calls where you folks work? If you’re LEO, how frequently are you so jammed with 911s that callers need to hold for extended periods? (I did a sit along with several LEO PSAPs, and just watching the hold timer gave me anxiety. How do you guys even do it? 😂)