After completing the application process, qualified candidates will be contacted and asked to begin the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications being processed and the anticipated hire date, the selection process could take up to two months to complete. Applicants are encouraged to keep in contact with the CDA during this process, as inconsistent communication may slow the process. All applications remain valid for one year from the date of receipt.
Applicants must complete the selection process before they can join the team. This process includes:
- Application Review
- Preliminary Criminal History Check
- CritiCall Exam to Test Applicant’s Skillset
- Observe and Experience the Communications Center
- Oral Board Interview
- Polygraph Examination
- Psychological Evaluation
- Background Investigation
- Drug Screening
- Fingerprints
- Director Review and Approval
CDA 9-1-1 dispatchers (Emergency Communications/ Public Safety Communications) are well trained professionals. A newly hired dispatch trainees must complete a rigorous, challenging training program and score well on all exams to progress.
The initial classroom training includes the following:
- IAED (International Academies of Emergency Dispatch)**
- FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
- CJIS (US Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Justice Information Services)**
- FCIC (Florida Crime Information Center)**
- NCIC (National Crime Information Center)**
- DHS (US Department of Homeland Security)**
- CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, American Heart Association)**
- Amber Alerts (America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response)
- NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children)
- Motorola CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch)
- 10 Codes and Radio Communications
- Agency Policies and Procedures
- 232 Classroom Training Hours: State of Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator Course
- 232 Final Exam for State Certification**
- (**Recertifications Required Every Two Years.**)
Specialized training to include: Special Victims, Bomb Squad Response, Mental Health Awareness, etc.
Once classroom and exams are successfully completed, the trainee is assigned to CTOs (Certified Training Officers) who will begin the “on the job” training, similar to an apprenticeship during which the new trainee must successfully accomplish each of the disciplines: phones (9-1-1 and Administrative), law radio/ dispatch, FCIC/ NCIC Teletype, and fire radio/ dispatch.
CDA dispatchers are required to complete continuing education and ongoing training yearly to include critical incident training.
No previous experience required! All training provided.