Experience: Requires 4+ years of progressively responsible experience in public safety emergency communications, including supervisory roles.
Certifications: Often requires or prefers certifications such as Public Safety Telecommunicator (PCO), CLEAN, or JNET, depending on the state (e.g., in Pennsylvania, similar dispatcher roles require these specific state certifications).
Skills: Strong crisis-management abilities, independent decision-making skills in high-stress environments, and technical proficiency
Staff Management: Recruits, trains, supervises, and evaluates public safety telecommunicators and dispatchers.
Quality Assurance: Ensures emergency calls and radio communications strictly adhere to standard operating procedures and industry protocols.
Technology Oversight: Manages upgrades and maintenance for Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, radios, and emergency phone networks.
Inter-Agency Liaison: Coordinates communication and response strategies with outside agencies like state police, county sheriff's offices, and hospitals.
A Public Safety Communication Manager oversees dispatch and emergency communications center. They are responsible for the daily 24/7 operations, managing staff, handling departmental budgets, and implementing critical technologies. They also ensure seamless inter-agency coordination between security agents, police, fire and emergency personnel.