Public Safety Dispatcher Job Analysis--Component 3: KSAT Linage Analysis

• NCJ Number: 218535
• Author(s): John Weiner; Anna Solorio; Vickie Pruden
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 149 pages
• Corporate Author: California Cmssn on Peace Officer Standards and Training
• Sale Source: POST Media Distribution Ctr
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Guideline
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This California Public Safety Dispatcher Job Analysis addresses one component, that is, the extent to which various knowledge, skills, abilities, and traits (KSATs) are necessary for the effective performance of duties by the majority of dispatchers in California law enforcement agencies.

Abstract

Overall, the KSATs assessed were found to be important for the effective performance of a wide range of dispatcher duties. All KSATs were linked to at least one work element. The number of linkages is an index of the importance of the skill, knowledge, ability, or trait in performing dispatcher duties. Figures show which specific knowledge, skills, abilities, and traits are linked to the effective performance of each of 13 dispatcher job tasks. The knowledge areas found to be essential for dispatchers pertain to the work environment and conduct, communications center operations, law, complaint-taking, information dissemination, radio dispatching, law enforcement information systems, agencies related to public safety, communication equipment and resources, and training. Skills necessary for dispatching are related to vocal clarity, listening, recordkeeping, reading, complaint-taking, dispatching, telecommunications, interpersonal relations, and administration. Abilities are listed under the following major categories: verbal, reasoning, memory, perceptual ability, manual speed/dexterity, vision, hearing, and speech. Traits linked to dispatcher tasks are adaptability, tolerance of stress and unpleasant work environment, social concern, positive attitude, assertiveness, teamwork, interpersonal sensitivity, emotional control, maturity, integrity, dependability, motivation, and productivity. Staff of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) developed prototype Linkage Rating Forms, scales, and instructions. A Linkage Rating Form was developed for subject-matter experts (SMEs) to use in recording their judgments regarding the importance of each KSAT for every core job task identified. Additional rating forms were developed for SMEs in identifying linkages between the knowledge/skills and various other selected work elements. Extensive tables and figures and appended instruments, forms, and scales