Civilian Dispatcher

Top step salary: $68,198.36, with a 5% COLA in July 2025 and a 3% COLA in July 2026, bringing the top step to $73,756.52.

Benefits

• Monthly health benefits contributions
• Bilingual pay
• Training pay
• Certificate pay
• Longevity pay
• Education pay
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule

• 12.5-hour shifts plus one 10-hour payback shift per month
• Shift rotation every three months (day to night or vice versa, based on seniority)
• Required to work holidays, weekends, evenings, nights, and early mornings

About the role

Under general supervision from the Civilian Dispatch Supervisor, the Civilian Dispatcher receives and transmits routine and emergency telephone and voice radio messages, and dispatches required law enforcement personnel and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Receive incoming emergency and police business telephone and voice radio calls
• Compile data and maintain records of emergencies recorded, equipment, and personnel dispatched
• Send and receive information using a computer data terminal
• Maintain radio contact with units on assignments
• Type a variety of information relating to law enforcement activities as permitted
• Perform clerical tasks such as filing, record-keeping, typing, computer entry, and compilation of data
• Attend training courses as requested during employment

Requirements

• One year of experience involving public contact, preferably requiring the use of radio communications equipment
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Typing proficiency at 35 net words per minute (wpm)
• Typing certificate must be submitted with the application, meeting the following criteria:
  • 5-minute timed test noting a net typing speed of 35 wpm or more
  • Dated within one year of the application date
  • Issued by an accredited school, agency, facility, or institution
  • Must include:
    • Name or official emblem of the entity administering the exam
    • Name of applicant
    • Number of corrected (net) words per minute typed during the test
    • Date of certificate
    • Signature and title of person verifying the typing test
    • Address and telephone number of the entity administering the exam
  • Online typing tests will not be accepted

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of modern practices and techniques of law enforcement, patrol, investigation, public relations, and report writing
• Knowledge of Vehicle and Penal Codes, laws of arrest, rules of evidence, and court procedures
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations
• Ability to make accurate and factual observations, draw logical conclusions, and make proper recommendations
• Ability to deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions
• Possession of a POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate is highly desirable

Selection Process

• Completed applications will be reviewed, and candidates whose qualifications best meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process
• Selection process may include:
  • A written examination (California POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery with a passing T-Score of 45)
  • Candidates with a current POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate or one year of full-time Police Dispatcher experience may be waived from the written exam
  • A panel interview (weighted 100%)
• Candidates who pass the interview will be placed on the employment eligibility list
• Successful completion of a pre-employment physical, background investigation, polygraph examination, and psychological evaluation is required