Office & AdministrativeO*NET: 43-5031.00
Will AI Replace Public Safety Telecommunicators?
Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.
84out of 100
Critical Risk
AI Risk Score
84/100
Risk Level
Critical
Job Zone
2/5
Entry
Total Tasks Analyzed
16
🤖 What AI Can Do
- ▸Question callers to determine their locations and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
- ▸Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
- ▸Monitor various radio frequencies, such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense, to stay apprised of developing situations.
- ▸Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.
- ▸Enter, update, and retrieve information from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles.
- ▸Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.
👤 What Requires Humans
- ▸Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.
Task Breakdown
🤖AI Can Automate (8)
- Question callers to determine their locations and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
- Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
- Monitor various radio frequencies, such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense, to stay apprised of developing situations.
- Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.
- Enter, update, and retrieve information from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles.
- Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.
- Maintain files of information relating to emergency calls, such as personnel rosters and emergency call-out and pager files.
- Test and adjust communication and alarm systems, and report malfunctions to maintenance units.
👤Requires Humans (1)
- Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.
⚡AI-Assisted (7)
- Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
- Receive incoming telephone or alarm system calls regarding emergency and non-emergency police and fire service, emergency ambulance service, information, and after-hours calls for departments within a city.
- Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
- Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials.
- Answer routine inquiries, and refer calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies.
- Learn material and pass required tests for certification.
- Observe alarm registers and scan maps to determine whether a specific emergency is in the dispatch service area.
Key Skills Analysis
Active Listening
Importance: 4.38/5.00
Speaking
Importance: 4.12/5.00
Social PerceptivenessAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.88/5.00
Critical ThinkingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.75/5.00
CoordinationAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.75/5.00
Service OrientationAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.75/5.00
Reading ComprehensionAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.62/5.00
Judgment and Decision MakingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.38/5.00
Complex Problem SolvingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.25/5.00
Active LearningAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Monitoring
Importance: 3.12/5.00
PersuasionAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.12/5.00
WritingAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.00/5.00
InstructingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
NegotiationAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.88/5.00
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our analysis, Public Safety Telecommunicators have a critical risk of AI replacement with a score of 84/100. Many routine tasks in this role can be automated, but human oversight remains important.
Last updated: 2026-03-28· Data from O*NET 30.2 & Frey/Osborne automation research