What disqualifies you from becoming a 911 dispatcher? There are several things you should know, such as felony convictions, burnout, and repeated serious incidents. Read on to learn more. These are some of the most common things that disqualify people from becoming 911 dispatchers. They will help you determine if you’re up to the challenge. Once you’ve answered these questions, you can proceed to the next step.

Felony convictions

Whether a felony conviction disqualifies you from becoming a 911 dispatcher is up for debate. Some employers don’t allow applicants with criminal convictions to work as emergency dispatchers because of the high level of stress involved. Others are hesitant to hire applicants with past felony convictions due to their lack of experience. Listed below are the most common reasons why a felony conviction disqualifies someone from becoming a 911 dispatcher.

Regardless of the reasons for the disqualification, criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you from being a 911 call taker. Although some jobs require you to be POST certified, criminal records can prevent you from getting a position. A felony conviction is a red flag to employers. In addition to a felony conviction, any personal state or federal tax liability, delinquent student loans, or association with illegal drugs can also disqualify you from being a 911 dispatcher.

Repeated or serious incidents

Dispatchers must be competent in communication. They must know correct spelling, language pairing, punctuation, and syntax. They must have a professional tone and must be prepared to handle any emergency situation. Repeated or serious incidents may disqualify you from becoming a 911 dispatcher. However, some incidents are unavoidable. Repeated or serious incidents do not necessarily disqualify you from becoming a dispatcher.

To become a 911 dispatcher, you must complete a background investigation. Most dispatching agencies require applicants to pass a medical examination and have a legal right to work in the United States. The background investigation includes a search of motor vehicle records and local, state, and federal fingerprint files, as well as a criminal record. A polygraph test may be required.

Public safety professionals have high ethical standards. They have a duty to protect people and ensure their safety, and they are limited in what they can and cannot say. They also must adhere to the rules and regulations of the academy and avoid conducting themselves in a way that may harm the public. Dispatchers must be trustworthy and upstanding in all aspects of their careers, including their personal lives.

Burnout

One of the most important jobs in the country, being a 911 dispatcher, is highly stressful, but there are risks of burnout. Burnout is a result of prolonged stress, leading to emotional and physical exhaustion. Although 911 dispatchers are vital to public safety, their high call volume and lonesome work environment make them vulnerable to burnout. In fact, more than 40 percent of 911 dispatchers report high levels of burnout, and their rate of burnout is higher than the average employee.

While the high rate of employee burnout has many negative effects, there are some things dispatchers can do to combat it. One such strategy is recognizing the signs of burnout. Behavioral insights aren’t enough to eliminate burnout. They can, however, provide low-cost interventions that can help combat burnout in other workplaces. While these interventions won’t eliminate it entirely, they can provide low-cost strategies that can help 911 dispatchers avoid the negative effects of burnout.

Medical screening

You may have been told that a medical screening is required for public safety dispatchers, but it’s not the only way to get into the field. According to Commission Regulation 1960, this medical examination is required to determine a potential employee’s physical condition, including the ability to perform dispatching duties. In some cases, this screening may disqualify a candidate, but it doesn’t have to.

Besides the medical screening, prospective dispatchers must pass a background check. Criminal convictions, including felonies and crimes related to domestic violence, will automatically disqualify applicants. Other crimes, including DUIs and drug offenses, may disqualify you unless your hiring agency requests a waiver. Additionally, candidates should be of good character, and they must not have a medical discharge or a military discharge that is less than honorable.