There was an ad in the paper today for 911 operators...

[southerngirlwriter]

You know, the people who say "911, What is the location of your emergency?" when you call 911.

The ad worries me. Why would they want a polygraph, background check, and physical? The job description says you answer the phone and dispatch Emergency responders and use a computer to do so.

Well, the background check I can sort of see, but polygraph and physical? I could pass either one, but something about it made me squirmy. Thoughts?

[CanuckAmok]

1. I can see the physical...

...to make sure you don't have haert failure during a stressful call, or miss too much work due to illness/stress.

I have a friend who's sister answers 911 calls, and it's a very stressful environment. She handles around 200 calls per shift.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

2. Very common, you will have access to a very complex system

of telecomunications, and if someone were to get in there they could wreak much havoc if they knew how it worked. Also, your word has to be good, if you heard something, you have to be trusted to keep it private in many situations.
It is a position of trust, essentially.

[jburton]

3. Because you could do all sorts of naughty things

If you were the wrong person.