How Do I Become a Highway Patrol Dispatcher?

A dispatcher is a communications employee who will use a variety of communication devices to help dispatch vehicles, services, or equipment. You can become a highway patrol dispatcher who has a specific duty: to dispatch vehicles and officers to attend to various situations on highways in a given state, country, or region. In order to become a highway patrol dispatcher, you will first need to complete a high school education, and you will need to undergo training specific to this job. Before you can enter this field, you will likely need to get work experience in a dispatching or communication setting.

Achieving your goal may mean taking a job as a dispatcher for a company or business, or it may even mean working for a phone company in your area. This job experience will be necessary if you want to become a highway patrol dispatcher, as most highway patrols will only hire dispatchers with previous education or experience. Once you gain such experience, you will qualify to take the licensing examination. Before you do so, however, it is a good idea to find out what kind of information will be on the exam and what you can do to prepare for it. You must pass this examination if you want to become a highway patrol dispatcher.

You may also need to undergo a typing test, as part of your job will include typing information, often at a high rate of speed. Your hearing must be normal as well; if it is not, you will be required to wear prescription hearing aid devices, since you will be using phones and other communication devices once you become a highway patrol dispatcher. In some cases, you may be required to complete a basic first aid and CPR course in order to prepare for the rigors of the job. Regular drug testing and a criminal history check may also be required of you.

Once you pass the certification exam to become a highway patrol dispatcher, you will very likely undergo a lengthy apprenticeship or traineeship. During this time, you will work under the guidance and supervision of a more experienced dispatcher who can teach you the skills and techniques necessary to be successful in the position. You probably won't spend much time doing actual dispatch work at the beginning of your apprenticeship, but as the trainee period progresses, you will do less observing and more participating in actual dispatcher duties.