Help! Police officer or 911 dispatcher?

Question

I've taken the police foundations course, but am also interested in the communications course (dispatching). I don't know if I should bother taking it, or just go through with police... Help I am so confused, any help would be greatly appreciated!

What would you do?

Is anyone in either professions that would love to help me decide! haha

Answer 1

Being a dispatcher helps a lot when in the process of becoming a police officer. It gives you a "leg up" when it comes to terminology and codes and stuff. It also lets you get familiar with the dept's policies and will also help you when it comes time to become an officer (b/c you will already know the department's people and procedures.) And, it will let you know what its like to be on the other side when your an officer. Good Luck!

Answer 2

well... you know that is only a question that you can answer.  i suggest going on a couple ride alongs with your local department to find out what they really do and see if you are still interested.  dispatch is a whole nother world.  when i was pregnant i worked in dispatch for the last 4 1/2 months (obviously i couldn't stay on patrol).

anyway... there is no way i could do that full time.  it was crazy.  i didn't have the patience for all of the stupidity.  i give our dispatchers credit for doing what they do... cause i wouldn't want to do it.  and they wouldn't want to do my job.  it takes a certain type of person for both jobs and you'll figure out what one you are.  sometimes when a dispatcher is alone and it is busy we will stop in and help them answer a few phones... but i couldn't do it all the time.