A method and console are provided to create and manage dispatch unit identities on multiple independent communications systems. A console server receives a first dispatch unit list from a first radio system. The first dispatch unit list includes a first plurality of dispatch unit IDs from the first radio system. The console server receives a second dispatch unit list from a second radio system. The second dispatch unit list includes a second plurality of dispatch unit IDs from the second radio system. The console server creates a first role that includes at most one dispatch unit ID from each radio system. Multiple roles can be created by the console server. Upon authenticating a dispatcher at the console server, the console server presents a menu of roles available to the dispatcher. The menu of roles can include all roles on the console server or only the roles that the dispatcher is allowed to choose and that are currently available. Upon receiving a valid selection from the dispatcher, the console server associates the selected role with the dispatcher and makes the selected role unavailable to other dispatchers until released by the dispatcher that selected it. While associated with a dispatcher, the dispatch console uses the relationship of dispatch unit ID and associated communication system defined in the role to enable the single dispatcher to be identified correctly on the associated communications systems being used.