Communications officer (dispatch)

[llucas83]

Do you think that working a dispatch position for the agency you want to become LE for would improve your chances?

[MaineSqueeze]

If it was a small, non civil service agency, I would have to say yes. I work for a small town, and 3 of the guys were dispatchers at one point. With a small department, they'll get to like you, and know you, and you can kinda be "grandfathered" in i guess you could say. Least thats how it is where I work. Im not sure about large departments. Im sure you'll get a responce from someone who works in a huge department. Good luck!

[ask80]

with any agency , big or small, i'd say yes... dispatch ain't an easy job so if you do well then you'll get a good rep. you'll network with many officers/sgts/command staff, etc... so build up a good reputation and you should be picked up easily.

[JDougal]

It's what I am doing now, we'll see how it pays off. My thinking is that any good work history is going to help you out in the process. If that work history is with a police department it helps you even more. You're recommendations etc are going to be coming from officers etc instead of Joe Blow at whatever company. Finally, you'll gain experience in NCIC, familiarize yourself with the radio, and dealing with stressful situations.