Find Out More About Communications Dispatch

Role of a Dispatcher

The Communications Division is one of the most vital services for both our Police and Fire departments and also serve as the critical link between the citizens in need and responding personnel. The dispatchers who work in the Communications Division provide emergency and non-emergency dispatching service to the citizens of Allen on a 24 hour basis.

Dispatchers rotate consoles to ensure that they remain proficient in each area and are able to work any console when needed. These roles include 911 Call Taker, Police Dispatcher, Fire Rescue Dispatcher, and NCIC/TCIC Operator.

911 Emergency Call Taker

Call-Takers are required to answer emergency (911) and non-emergency calls in a calm and supportive voice while attempting to obtain as much essential information as possible. Police Officers and Firefighters responding to an emergency call rely on detailed information provided by the Communications Division. The Call-Taker is responsible for entering the information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System as the information is received while verifying the location of the caller. Information is continually updated as additional information is received or the call is terminated.

Police & Fire Dispatchers

The Police/Fire Dispatchers are responsible for operating the Police or Fire radio to dispatch emergency personnel to the appropriate location. A dispatcher must learn to utilize the Police and Fire radios, the CAD System and learn many signals and codes that serve as the primary language to communicate. The dispatcher must update the status of each officer in the CAD system while managing radio traffic and pending calls for service, all at the same time.

NCIC/TCIC Operator

The NCIC/TCIC Operator checks persons for warrants and criminal histories, and determines if property or vehicles are stolen by utilizing the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) database.