A college degree is not needed to become a police dispatcher. You do need your high school diploma or GED and a certification. Certification requirements vary by state, and not all states require it. For those states that do require certification, you can find lists of approved schools. The Association of Public Safety Communication Officials is one organization that offers certification. The certification includes classes that prepare you to respond appropriately in high-stress situations. Courses such as crisis negotiations for telephone operators, emergency medical dispatch concepts and fire service communications are included in the curriculum.
After completing certification, you must spend time in the field to train in emergency dispatch. The amount of time required will vary according to your state or county. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, police dispatchers can expect from three to six months of on-the-job training.
To continue working or keep your certificate current, you will need to take continuing education courses. How many courses you need is determined by the state or agency you work for. Continuing education is required to ensure that you have the most up-to-date knowledge of the field and to refresh information you learned initially.
If you would like to advance to a supervisory position, in which you oversee other dispatchers, you will have to take additional training courses. These courses entail how to appropriately supervise other dispatchers. Some dispatchers also move on to teaching positions, for which there are also courses. These courses teach you how to plan lessons and how to teach effectively.