Dispatcher hoping to transfer

[kydisp911]

Hello,

I work for a police department in Kentucky. Its a medium sized department with about 50 police officers. I have currently been a dispatcher for this department for 3 1/2 years and am seriously considering writing a request
(once I get back in shape to pass the POPS test) to become a law enforcement officer for this police department.

The only thing that I'm worried about is that they think that I belong in the dispatch center and they will not give me the opportunity to become a police officer.

I am looking for all advice possible reference to this.

I have plenty of awards/accommodations for being a 911 dispatcher and so on.

Please tell me the best approach that I need to do for this to occur.

Your advice and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[PhilipCal]

Hello,

I work for a police department in Kentucky. Its a medium sized department with about 50 police officers. I have currently been a dispatcher for this department for 3 1/2 years and am seriously considering writing a request
(once I get back in shape to pass the POPS test) to become a law enforcement officer for this police department.

The only thing that I'm worried about is that they think that I belong in the dispatch center and they will not give me the opportunity to become a police officer.

I am looking for all advice possible reference to this.

I have plenty of awards/accommodations for being a 911 dispatcher and so on.

Please tell me the best approach that I need to do for this to occur.

Your advice and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Little bit difficult to answer your question specifically. I can only assume that you'd be required to test/compete for an Officer position in the same manner as any other candidate. Where your dispatch experience will assist you is in the knowledge of department operations/procedures it has given you. If you're hired as an Officer, your time as a Dispatcher would probably count in terms of your overall longevity with the department. This could be helpful if your agency pays longevity bonuses, and certainly in terms of service toward retirement.

[kydisp911]

Hello

Yes I would have to apply and test just like any other person but I feel that I have the upperhand against new recruits because I'm already familiar with department policy so on so fourth.

My only worry is that they say well you do a good job in dispatch we don't want to move you and start fresh with a new training area.

I have began training on Wednesday. Am starting at 24 Setups in about 50 seconds, 12-14 push ups and running is alittle weak but with time and training it will get better.

[nobody33]

I went from being a dispatcher to a cop... had to go through the hiring process like anyone else (though in the end it was just a inner department transfer). It did give me the upper hand in the hiring process, academy, and fto. I would go and talk with the training/backgrounds people, and see what they say.

[kydisp911]

I think that once I know I get into the shape that I can pass the POPS Standard test I will probably do that.

[chktovegas]

If you are able to pass the PT test and the other qualifications, they should give you the opportunity. If they continue to hold you back for whatever reason, and you want to move on, you may want to apply for another agency. More power to you in whatever you choose. I know for a fact that I would go insane being a dispatcher. I can't stand being in one place for a period of time. I get ticked off when I hear officers out there abusing dispatchers over the airwaves. They don't understand how stressful it is to handle inbound calls and send them out while being understaffed and having to follow stupid policies. I hope your dispatch center runs more efficiently than the one we have in my county.

[IMachU]

I have an officer on my shift that just finished FTO. He was a dispatcher for about 10 years, and was our BEST dispatcher by far. Sure, we miss him behind the console, but he is a good officer (easy now, Steve..... :D) and for him it was a 6 month probation because it was a promotion. That's how we in LA County look at it....a promotion. So, if your department is the same way, you will be alright. And, as nobody33 said, you should have a leg-up in the FTO and other areas once you put on the new uniform. BUT, DON'T TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT! You'll be just fine!!

BTW, if you know anyone that wants to be a dispatcher in LA County, lemme know - we have a huge shortage of 'em!!

[PhilipCal]

Hello

Yes I would have to apply and test just like any other person but I feel that I have the upperhand against new recruits because I'm already familiar with department policy so on so fourth.

My only worry is that they say well you do a good job in dispatch we don't want to move you and start fresh with a new training area.

I have began training on Wednesday. Am starting at 24 Setups in about 50 seconds, 12-14 push ups and running is alittle weak but with time and training it will get better.

The ONLY way you're going to find out about becoming an Officer is to apply. I suggest, no, I urge you to do so. Good luck!!

[angela1434]

I agree with the last post. I was a dispatcher for about 2 years before I went to the Police Academy, I left the department I worked for because they wanted me to wait for 2 years before transfering to patrol and I obviously did not want to do that. I think if you become an officer there and they still treat you like a dispatcher then you can leave and go work for another department that would suit you better and you would have lost nothing at all.