How to become a police communications operator?

Qualifications to become a police communications operator, also known as a 911 dispatcher or emergency operator, vary by state and department. Most departments require a high school diploma or the equivalent, although some may require a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, computer science, or communications. On the job training, often with experienced operators or police officers, is common. Many states also require a type of certification, given by either the state or through professional agencies, like the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials or the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.