Security dispatchers have to dispatch work crews, workers or equipment. Dispatchers may use telephones, radios or computers to transmit assignments and to compile statistics and report on work progress. Dispatchers are responsible for dispatching and scheduling workers and work crews to certain locations in accordance with requests from customers, specification or needs within the company.

Duties

The duties required to become a security dispatcher include recording and maintaining files and records of expenses, work services performed, charges, inventory, customer requests and other dispatch information. They are also responsible for overseeing all communications within specified areas, preparing daily work and run schedules, monitoring personnel or equipment locations, advising about traffic problems like accidents, weather conditions, construction areas and other types of hazards.

Skills

Security dispatchers need to be able to actively listen to various types of communication messages transmitted. They need to be able to orally express themselves in an appropriate and professional manner, and they should have good judgment and decision-making skills in order to guide workers and work crew to correct locations. Being able to manage time correctly can save a security dispatcher a lot of trouble guiding coworkers. Information-ordering skills, problem-sensitivity skills, speech clarity and reading comprehension skills are also helpful skills for a security dispatcher to have, as well as excellent communication skills.

Knowledge

Security dispatchers should have knowledge of local or regional geographical information relevant to the job. They should also be familiar with telephone communication techniques. Security dispatchers need to be familiar with basic computer software, since entering, accessing or retrieving data will be a significant part of the job. They must also be able to fill out business or government forms, prepare reports, relay information to the appropriate officials, order supplies, equipment or materials, and provide great customer service.

Working Conditions

Security dispatchers have to deal with hectic working conditions when call volumes are heavy. They may also have to deal with anxious or afraid callers. Security dispatchers usually work a 40-hour workweek and may have to work rotating shifts. They may even have to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Security dispatchers have to sit for long periods of time and have to spend most of their work day watching security cameras, which can often lead to back discomfort and eye strain.

Requirements

Security dispatchers are required to have at least a high school diploma, and most employers prefer it if they have some familiarity with operations. Having some work-related knowledge, experience or skills would be helpful when trying to get a job as a security dispatcher.

Salary

As of 2010, the U.S. national average annual salary of a security dispatcher is $39,686, according to CBSalary.com.