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    • 3352 | Public Safety Communication – CC 

    Criminal justice and emergency services are essential occupations within every community. The Public Safety Communicator (PSC) plays an integral part in the delivery of these services. PSCs are the “first” first responder in public safety situations. This program prepares students for civilian employment as a dispatcher (police, fire, and emergency medical communicator) by teaching them how to operate telephones, radios, and computer terminals responding to emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance. They obtain vital information regarding the nature and location of requests and dispatch assistance as appropriate. 

    The 232-hour content includes, but is not limited to: ethics and the role of the communicator; standard telecommunication operating procedures; relationship to field personnel; understanding of command levels; typical layouts of message centers; use of performance aids; overview of emergency agencies; functions and terminology; telecommunications equipment; federal, state and local communication rules; employability skills; and health. 

    This program is taught by certified PSCs and meets the educational requirements for Florida Department of Health 911 Emergency Dispatcher Certification. 

    Course Entrance Steps

    Step 1 – Meet eligibility requirements:

    • High school diploma or equivalent
    • At least 18 years of age by the end of the program
    • U.S. citizen
    • Valid driver’s license or valid photo ID
    • Submit to a valid background check with fingerprinting through the SFSC Criminal Justice Academy
    • Never been convicted of any felony offenses
    • Never been convicted of any misdemeanor offenses involved perjury, false statements or domestic violence
    • Be of good moral character
    • Never have received a dishonorable discharge from U.S. Armed Forces
    • Proficient in keyboarding and typing (prospective employers set their own agency standards)
    • Employing agencies will require criminal history and background checks, and may require drug screening and psychological testing

    Step 2 – Complete an online application to South Florida State College. You must apply to the college and be accepted. The Public Safety Communication program application is part of the online application. Only complete Step 3 if you are changing programs since your last admissions application.

    Step 3 – Complete an online application to the Public Safety Communication Academy (Only complete this step if you are changing programs since your last admissions application) and these forms: