Discernment

Besides the ability to multitask, Public safety telecommunicators must have DISCERNMENT. You have to be able to use your common sense, listening skills, and training and apply it to the situation you are dealing with. This is where discernment comes into play. You hear something in the background that doesn’t sound right, what the caller is saying doesn’t add up, the quick key of the officer’s microphone just seems off. Your ability to judge well is vital to being able to provide the needed help. Discernment is the spidey tingle you get when you know something isn’t right and you go into action!