Harper College will be closed on Wednesday, February 12 in observance of Lincoln's Day.
Program facts 
Complete this 6-credit-hour certificate program to get an introduction to public safety dispatching roles at local, state and federal levels. You’ll receive a comprehensive overview of the dispatch field, and also develop an understanding of how police and fire departments operate.
Get hands-on experience training in Harper College’s on-site lab, which features a 9-1-1 StarZ III simulator that recreates the real-world environment of an emergency communicator. You’ll walk through realistic emergency scenarios, use communication equipment and practice working in different roles within a chain of command.
This program meets the requirements of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Public Safety Dispatcher minimum standards, the Association of Police Communications Officers (APCO) Project 25 Public Safety Dispatcher minimum standards and the National Fire Protection Association of NFPA 1061 Public Safety Dispatcher job requirements.
This 6 credit-hour certificate program is intended to meet the needs of men and women in public safety dispatching roles at the local, state and federal levels and to prepare others to enter the public safety dispatcher career field. This certificate program meets the requirements of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Public Safety Dispatcher minimum standards, Association of Public Safety Communications Officers (APCO) Project 25 Public Safety Dispatcher minimum standards, and the National Fire Protection Association of NFPA 1061 Public Safety Dispatcher job requirements.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| EMG 131 | Public Safety Dispatcher I | 3 |
Description: Introduces students to the field of emergency services dispatching and provides an overview of its components and responsibilities. As such, it will provide the foundation for statewide competency as a public safety telecommunicator as outlined by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) in its Public Safety Telecommunicator Training and Standards document, Basic Level Training Curriculum (September 1996). Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| EMG 231 | Public Safety Dispatcher II | 3 |
Description: Builds upon the foundation laid through EMG 131 and provides student with specific knowledge required to professionally handle emergency as well as non-emergency calls for service in the public safety environment. At the conclusion of this course, students will possess a basic understanding of the role, responsibility and equipment utilized by telecommunicators to accomplish their mission. Prerequisite: EMG 131 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Students interested in emergency and disaster management may also be interested in:
For more information about public safety dispatcher courses at Harper, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.
Please note: This program is not financial aid eligible.