Becoming a 911 Dispatcher: Panel Interview and Polygraph Exam 

I really owe you. I watched every single video of your preparing me for the steps again and I am proud to say I just got an offer to join my local sheriffs department as a 911 dispatcher!! Thank you so much

Took my Criti Call test and passed, got an interview tomorrow. God is good! I am incredibly blessed and have great confidence in myself. Thank you for your video. ❤

Thank you for the informative videos, Laura. Had my panel interview this morning, and while it was COMPLETELY different than what was explained here and even on other videos, yours definitely gave me a calming outlook and a little extra confidence that I was ready for the interview. For those who wonder what my interview entailed, here ya go... Upon entering the room, I was greeted by three interviewers. The lead interviewer explained that they would be giving me a series of six questions and scenarios, each for which they asked me to respond to appropriately. The scenarios generally dealt with multiple calls coming in at once and how I would prioritize them; ie. which one did I think was most important to dispatch first. I was also asked to listen to a very frantic 911 call, write down as much information as I could during the call, and then they quized me on the fine details at the end; ie. what was the callers name? What caliber gun was used(caller stated it was a 9mm)? What was the address?, etc., etc.. I'm sure another reason for playing this call was to gauge my reaction to the unfolding situation. They also circled back to earlier scenarios from the interview and ask me to recall certain details such as "how long has the young boy been reported missing for from the 2nd scenario?" and so forth. The only two questions they asked me were in regards to how I handle stress (before, during and after a situation), and to describe a stressful situation in a previous job and how I overcame it. I can't say that every panel interview is like the one I had, but I would highly recommend anyone getting ready for their interview, to prepare for this possibility. It was very similar to certain sections of the Criticall exam, but live and in person. My last bit of advice would be to get a good night's sleep the night before so you can walk in there confident and with a clear head. Good luck to everyone!

I just want to say THANK YOU for the informative videos of the whole dispatch process!! It’s been a long, tedious 3 months & I got the job today!! From the panel interview, to the polygraph, to just the beginning of taking the critical test... God taught me PATIENCE throughout the whole process & I am SO thankful & excited for this new journey!! Thank you for helping me prepare for the process I had to go through bc it definitely helped me be more cautious of what to expect!!! ❤️

My test is in 2 weeks, your videos are giving me confidence. Thank you!!!

I just recieved An email that I was selected to go take the test for a 911 dispatch 😁

I have an interview this Tuesday. So glad I found you on youtube. Thank you for what are you doing.

The polygraph is the most stressful part of this hiring process. I had a female examiner and she told me the machine was very sensitive and could detect any deception. She also told me she was not there to help me pass the test, but to determine if I was telling the truth. The first question she asked me was "do you intend to answer all questions truthfully?" Throughout the test she would ask, "Are you telling the truth?" The last question was, "Have you answered truthfully to all questions on this test?" As Laura said you have to sit perfectly still. The blood pressure cuff feels so tight on your arm. I was on the machine for about forty five minutes. I had to sign and date the chart. I was not told if I had passed or failed the examination. I was not offered the position and I never learned if I passed the polygraph. I know this is hard to do, but try to stay calm if you go on the polygraph. You will undoubtably feel anxiety, stress and yes, fear. Thank you, Laura, for this information. And good luck to all those who will have to face it

Girrrrll thank you for these videos!!! And for being so open and transparent! I have ADHD as well, you seem so relatable! ❤️

I am so glad I youtubed criticall test and came across your profile. I am not far from the grove at all and am testing for 2 different cities in the metroplex in the next week. These videos are GREAT! I took the criticall test once years ago and all these videos were a great refresher :)

I watched your Criticall video before taking my exam a few weeks ago! I passed & now have my panel interview in just a couple days! I'm so excited and have been researching mock questions and watching videos just like yours! Fingers crossed! I really hope I do well!!

I know this was posted 3 years ago but I still want to thank you! I really want to become a 911 dispatcher and this helped so much.

You have a warm, fun, positive vibe. Wish you continued success in your life

Thank you so much for the encouraging tips, which are so helpful. I’m scheduled to take my test on this coming Tuesday. I’ve been practicing for sure. Happy New Year

Dear Laura, I can’t thank you enough for making these wonderful videos.❤️ You have given me the confidence to apply to be a 911 dispatcher despite my fears of not being good enough. Watching you has encouraged me to have some faith in myself and now I’m all set up for my interview!! Thank you so much Laura. God bless you! ❤️❤️❤️

This made me feel so much better. Thank you. ❤

This is amazing thank you for all you do!

im applying for a dispatch position in the dallas area, its great to hear from a fellow dfw person! thanks for these vids girl!!

Thank you for your videos. I am preparing for I guess an Interview and testing on January 22nd the whole process takes 5 hours. 3 hours will be on testing. Trying not to be nervous of what to expect. You made me feel a litter better. Thanks again.

I took my panel interview test today, it was so scary and intimidating lol I was asked probably a total of 8-10 questions, they were mainly about prioritizing events, ex. A mattress in the middle of a highway, a bank robbery, and a cop requesting info. I was also asked about how I manage stress and examples from previous work experiences. Also, as soon as I sat down they told me 6 random phrases (ex. Cold coffee, round table, blue shirt), and I was asked to repeat the 6 phrases back at the end of the interview lol I passed! I now have to take the criti call exam on Monday 😬

Hi Laura, just wanted to say thanks for the great advice. I watched your videos from start to finish, unfortunately my story had a bad ending. Breezed through the testing and did what I thought was a great, prepared panel interview and was not selected. Was very heartbroken considering it was what I considered an ideal career for me (I have a MA in conflict de-escalation).

I have an interview on the 5th!! I watched your video for the PST as well 😬! And passed these are so helpful ❤️ thank you!!

DON'T MOVE! Thank you for the continued videos. Just your testimony is inspiring. I have officially passed the polygraph! I did the focus on the wall thing. Thank you.

Thank you for this very informative video of what takes place for 911 interview. By the way, you have the most soothing and comforting voice. I was starting to fall asleep 😴 You would be an excellent ASMR artist because of your voice!

Thank you for your information!!!!!!! Iam looking into this career and you give a realistic insight

Glad I found your videos. I got my test next week. Hope it goes good.

You make very useful videos! Thank you so much for that!

Girl your voice alone is calming!! xoxo

This is really helpful, thanks!!!!

I want to thank you so much for making these videos!!! You helped me gain so much insight and prepare for this incredible opportunity! Today I received my first offer!!! I look forward to moving forward in the process! 💛

Hey from another Laura! Am looking at this for a potential hire. So great to meet you and have your help and expertise! Thank you so much!

Thank you!.. Girl I tried the test I was so lost but your video helped... I still was lost.🤦🏾‍♀️❤

Good source. Very helpful. Thank you.

Took my criticall exam today and killllled it, so thank you so much !

Good job, loved your first video on 911 dispatch test. I have applied in my area and am waiting, tick tock tick tock.....lol

Thank you so much for these videos! I am watching these videos because I have to take a criticall test next week and I'm looking for anything that will help me. I'm so nervous

I applied the next day they called and why do most agency you have to wear a police officer uniform when you just answer calls it seems more laid back in the south I'm so happy that u did this in haven't worked in 16 years fighting for my life and raising kids this blog has helped tremendously blessings to you this called paying forward

Hey, since you answered so many of my questions, I thought I’d owe you my results. So I passed the typing test at like 60wpm, then took the criticall (really didn’t think I passed) but I did!!!! Thank you so much for your info and help!!

This is so awesome!

Thank you much for explaining about dispatcher interviews

Thanks Laura!

I took the criticall two weeks ago and I guess I passed because they called me for an interview! You make me feel so much more confident about it. I'll keep you updated!

Thanks for all the info! You're amazing and soo helpful! So during the Poly if I"m a super smiley and gigley person, should I tone that down at all?

Thanks for this video! I have a panel interview tomorrow morning. I did one years ago with a different agency, but was so nervous that I just clammed up. This video was super helpful tho!

my panel interview just had the basic questions: tell me about yourself, tell me a situation where you had to act without a supervisor, what skills do you possess that can be beneficial to this job, etc.

Your personality is EVERYTHING! 😂😂

Thanks for the videos ❤ im going on the 28th for the interview and tests

You’re video has helped me tremendously through the hiring process! ❤️ I took three criticall exams for three different agencies and passed all three! I have gotten 2 interviews and so far I heard back from one stating that I’m moving forward, and now have to do the background investigation (which I’m guessing is the polygraph). I’m going in tomorrow and I’m super nervous but extremely thankful for your videos. You’ve helped me out a lot 💛✨

Thank you for this video. I have an interview on Monday for a 9-1-1 dispatcher Agency in tx. I’m nervous and trying my best to prepare. Although they didn’t say we needed a polygraph bu a psychological exam.

Lmao im cracking up your personality is on point lol

omg you're my fav 911 dispatcher in your county!

Hi Laura I love your videos... they really helped me out during this process. I received my offer letter on Monday and took the drug examination on the same day... they mentioned a physical as well and so have you but I wasn't scheduled for it... I'm supposed to start working at the end of the month. Does the physical happen after you start?

Thanks so much for your videos so helpful

I love your videos! You are extremely helpful. My Criticall test went great! I passed it! Today was my panel interview and I have to say the experience was muchhhhh different than expected! Not really sure how I did...not too confident honestly. I think I was just nervous and talked too much lol

Your personality is irresistible. I will be doing the 911 dispatcher test next Thursday. Your video was informative.

Thank you!!

I passed my criticall test , and I have in interview on ZOOM this week !!! So nervous but, I think I’ll rock it!! I’m very good at handling stress , bilingual and I’m 20 years old and live by myself ! I hope I get the job

I passed my test !!!!😊😊 I’m waiting to receive my links for my interviews

Your personality is everything 😂😂😂

I’m so nervous! They want me for an interview tomorrow morning 😆😁

Thank you

I had my first ever panel interview today for an agency in New Jersey. There were three people in the panel. I’ve watched your video servers times in the last month. It was nerve wracking but I feel the man asking the questions liked me a lot . And they will be taking 12 out of 40 candidates and I should know by mid December.i felt my answers could have maybe been alittle better said but by the end of the interview I felt very comfortable and I feel like the connection was there. I hope they liked me enough to pick me. Thanks

Hi! I know this is late but I just started the process. I’ve got several questions to ask you about where I am in the process. I’ve passed all my tests and had a sit down with my investigator. Tomorrow is my polygraph and fingerprinting Friday my practical and next Tuesday my Psych Eval. He said it’s appx 9hrs!! Anyway can we email my other questions? Your videos are really so helpful!! Stef

Eeeek - I have my panel interview next week! Also dfw area!

thank you for your video

omg you are so prettyy

I live in the pleasant grove/mesquite area! Wow lol. I just received an email to take the Criticall test

Helllo👏 New Sub. I found your channel. I was browsing on how to become a 911 Dispatcher!!!!❤

From pleasant grove hollaaaa! Just applied for 911 dispatch and came across your videos!

Her memory is immaculate!!😉

Thank you for this video! I am going in a couple days to do the interview and I am very nervous. Do you know if the polygraph and the interview are the same day? Do you also know how long the panel interview typically takes? Thank you again and know your videos have helped so many!

I passed my Criticall test today, but now I'm up for an interview in 3 days...I'm nervous. Haven't done the polygraph test yet so...how to call yourself down??

hood is very accurate, i put it to people like this: i live in the hood, but, i, a,m not hood / ghetto, and im trying to get myself out of said hood/ghetto and get myself in a better environment that reflects who i am as a person as well as putting myself in better environments that open the doors to more options and better calibers of people to surround myself with. im in the hood because its all i can afford at the moment, but it is not who i am, and i know i can be way better than that because i want more for myself than those low standards.

Had the panel interview about a month ago. Got a letter in the mail and was not selected for the position. I was hurt by the decision but maybe it was for the best.

I have an interview in 10 days for the Police Dispatcher position for my city and I'm super excited but super nervous. I know the job is demanding and could be highly stressful I hope I pass the panel interview! 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

I've only ever encountered one panel interview and it was so terrifying I walked out after the second question. I'm not worried about the CritiCall testing but this aspect of the hiring process is really intimidating. Thanks for the clarification.

Hey girl. Just got an email stating that I have "passed" the first process for Dallas 911. Going to take the Criticall next Wednesday. Born and raised in "The Grove" as well. LOVE YOUR SMILE.

Hi! Your videos are super helpful! I’m hoping you see this before my test and interview tomorrow! I’m making myself nervous . So my question is, I was told that marijuana would not disqualify me from the dispatcher job as long as I disclose it and I’m honest about it . Is that true ? Second , the panel interview is immediately after my criticall test. I’ve been on hundreds of interviews but I keep picturing 3 officers interrogating me 😭 how intense is it ?

OMFGOSH....I TOTALLY FORGOT ABOUT NCIC 😮...my husband just said "yo ass better run they name and if they ass got a warrant send they ass on where they need to go" (he so damn silly)😂😂😂😂

Any tips on “pre-employment examination” 😁 your videos have been so reassuring! I work as a switchboard operator for a hospital and I feel comfortable with intense calls! Thanks so much for your help!

I saw your Critical Exam video , and took the exam . I just received an email , I passed with 100.0 😁 I’m on pre screen process 😬

Hi! You're so awesome and talented! My friend so is encouraged with your vds and becoming hopefully a dispatcher, not in my career goals lol. Anyhow she would like to know what kind of personal info do they require regarding family? She hardly knew her dad and that side of family.. 😔 It's very difficult for her to get in touch...

She is really pretty.

i live in Chicago and i’m looking forward to becoming a 911 Dispatcher. what exactly do i have to look up to apply?

Just had a quick question do you or did you have to capitalize or put punctuation during the 40 words a minute typing test? that's the one thing that most likely to slow me down.

You are so sweet !

I’ve got my polygraph tomorrow! Eek!!!

I watched your videos before I took the CritiCall test and passed because of your helpful tips. I have my interview next week! Do you have any suggestions?

Is it best to be honest with past drug use?? I did some things in college i’m not proud of and would never do again, but obviously they’ll be able to see if I try to lie...

I’m 29 now.. I use to smoke weed a lot when i was a teen and I’ve only done it maybe 5 times into my 20s... when I was 18 I tried E and when I was 19 I did molly and mushrooms.. Will this effect my outcome? This was in the past.

What do I need to expect at the background investigation interview? In my email it said it’s 1-2 hours. That’s where I bring my forms of ids etc.

I have a question I hope you can answer, I applied for the position and got an email to schedule my exam for the emergency communications test, is that the same as the criticall test? It did not say that but testing says 1-3hrs

I have my interview tomorrow!

Lol. I'm from the Grove too

I just applied to be a dispatcher 2 weeks ago and I have my Criti-Call Test on Wednesday this week, I am super excited for it my only issue is typing numbers on my keyboard. Which did you use for numbers, the number pad or the top row?

How long after your poly graph test were you called for the next step?

What did you do about not knowing the supervisors name and stuff? Thats gonna be me for sure like iv had a lot of jobs and im only 22

Great video I do have a question though. I have me panel interview coming up in a couple weeks. I’m going to have to fill out the background packet, but my question is, after the pack it says a back round detective will contact me for a back round interview. What is a back round interview? Is t the polygraph test or is it different? Thank you

Hi! came across your wonderful videos as I am going thru the hiring process for E-911 Dispatcher and was wondering...do they check your social media within this process? I heard some one say they base decisions off social media as well.

Hello. I have 45 years of clean record except for one misdemeanor verbal threat to my spouse in 2009. Do you think that will stop me from getting a dispatched out with Police? Oh, it was also expunged