Public Safety Telecommunicators need to be able to discern the differences between criminal and civil law.

Public Safety Telecommunicators must indeed understand the differences between criminal and civil law, making the assertion true. Criminal law involves offenses that are considered to harm societal order and public safety, leading to prosecution by the government. Examples include theft, assault, and murder. In contrast, civil law deals with disputes between individuals or organizations, focusing on compensation rather than punishment. Situations such as contracts, property disputes, and family law fall under civil law.

Having this understanding is critical for telecommunicators, as it allows them to accurately assess and prioritize incoming calls, understand the nature of incidents, and provide the appropriate information to responders. Proper discernment can also impact how a situation is documented and represented in reports, aiding in the overall legal process for both criminal cases and civil disputes. Recognizing these distinctions helps ensure that telecommunicators handle calls effectively and provide accurate guidance to the public.