Dispatcher I (Dispatcher Recruit)

About the role

The position requires passing the Dispatcher CritiCall examination by 11:59 p.m. on July 31, 2026. To take the examination, click here.

To be considered for this position, candidates must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and a drug use history.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public requesting police, fire, and local government service; determine nature and priority; dispatch units as necessary; and/or refer or transfer callers to ensure excellent customer service.
• Maintain radio contact with all units on assignment.
• Cookordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies.
• Query information from law enforcement communication networks relating to wanted persons, criminal history, stolen property, and Department of Motor Vehicle information.
• Query and enter stolen, stored, and repossessed vehicle information.
• Perform a variety of records keeping duties related to the computer aided dispatch system.
• Test and inspect equipment as required.
• Testify in court as needed.
• Prepare written responses or reports related to communication complaints, investigative follow-ups or police reports.
• Write daily work progress reports when training a new Dispatcher.
• Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, empathy, and excellent customer service in accordance with departmental policy and the community-oriented policing concept.

Requirements

• Knowledge of: English grammar, usage, spelling and punctuation.
• Ability To Express themselves in English in a clear, distinct, and understandable manner when speaking to individuals, before diverse populations, various public and community groups, and when testifying in court.
• Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency situations.
• Exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision.
• Use a computer and keyboard to enter data provided verbally and in writing.
• Learn standard broadcasting rules and procedures.
• Learn City street system and physical layout of Sacramento.
• Understand and comply with oral and written directions.
• Learn to operate computer-aided dispatch, telephone, and radio broadcasting equipment.
• Value customers and co-workers through provision of excellent customer service.
• Operate office machines and equipment.
• Type 40 net wpm.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent and completion of twelve (12) units from an accredited college or university.
• One (1) year of customer service experience and successful completion of the Sacramento Police Department's Basic Dispatch Academy within the last twelve (12) months.
• -OR-
• A high school diploma or GED equivalent AND Four (4) years of customer service experience and successful completion of the Sacramento Police Department's Basic Dispatch Academy within the last twelve (12) months.

Skills

Knowledge of: English grammar, usage, spelling and punctuation.

Ability To Express themselves in English in a clear, distinct, and understandable manner when speaking to individuals, before diverse populations, various public and community groups, and when testifying in court.

Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.

Work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency situations.

Exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision.

Use a computer and keyboard to enter data provided verbally and in writing.

Learn standard broadcasting rules and procedures.

Learn City street system and physical layout of Sacramento.

Understand and comply with oral and written directions.

Learn to operate computer-aided dispatch, telephone, and radio broadcasting equipment.

Value customers and co-workers through provision of excellent customer service.

Operate office machines and equipment.

Type 40 net wpm.

Benefits

Employees must complete eighteen (18) months of probation at a satisfactory performance.

Pay

Details on pay are not specified in the job posting.

Schedule

Details on schedule are not specified in the job posting.