Police Radio Dispatcher

Description

POLICE RADIO DISPATCHER Examination (OPEN) CS2026-076
Application Open Date: 06/29/2026
Application Close Date: 07/13/2026
SALARY: $46,515.46 - $66,102.16 per year.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• TYPING TEST: A typing speed of 30 WPM or better is expected (Pass/Fail)
• WRITTEN EXAMINATION: The exam may be computerized, or a traditional pencil and paper designed to test the objectives of the duties and minimum qualifications of the classification.

Job Duties

Critical Public Safety communications position that serves as first point of contact for residents, callers, officers and other public safety partners. Responds to calls received through 911 and non-emergency telephone lines; obtain information to determine nature of the problem and when appropriate, connects or refers the caller to the appropriate agency for handling. Use active listening, empathy, clear questioning, and de-escalation techniques to assist callers in stressful or emergency situations. Operate police radio equipment to dispatch police units in response to calls for service. Monitors district radio channel activity and tracks the arrival, location and status of assigned units. Must have, or be able to learn City streets, and available community and/or public safety resources. Obtains, evaluates, and enters pertinent information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to generate incidents for public safety response. Follow established procedures to assign appropriate incident codes and priority levels, conducts inquiries in CAD or other departmental databases as needed; and contacts or refers callers to Fire, EMS, Utilities, Animal Control, or other appropriate agency when a police response is not required. Performs other related duties as directed by proper authority. Must be organized, able to manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment, assess situations quickly, exercise sound judgment and comply with all applicable organizational directives, policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Valid State of Ohio Driver's License or State ID required.
• Must be able to type at least 30 words per minute.
• Related experience in police dispatch, public safety communications, customer service, call centers, healthcare, security, transportation, crisis response, or other fast-paced communication environments is highly preferred.
• Must be able to pass a detailed criminal background check, drug test and physical.
• Must successfully complete and maintain all required job-specific certifications after appointment, including certifications required to access LEADS/NCIC, LERMS, and required public safety telecommunication training.

Required Training

Required training will be provided as a part of employment.

Organizational Directives, Policies, Procedures, Rules and Regulations

Must be organized, able to manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment, assess situations quickly, and exercise sound judgment.

Strong Verbal and Written Communication Skills

The ability to relay vital information clearly, accurately and efficiently.

Work Schedule Requirements

The Public Safety Communications Center is a 24-7-365 operation. Employees may be assigned to days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime, which is sometimes mandated and/or based on operational need. Employees are restricted to working 16 hours in a 24-hour block of time. 12 Hour Shifts: 0630-1830 / 1830-0630 Working 2 on, 2 off and every other Saturday, Sunday, Monday off. Placement on any given shift is based on operational needs and seniority.

Supplemental Information

• RESIDENCY CREDIT: A person who has had as his/her primary residence in the City of Cleveland for at least one year at the time of filing a Civil Service application, and desires to take an entry-level Civil Service examination, shall, if a passing grade on the written examination is attained, have ten (10) points added to his/her passing score.
• CLEVELAND MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (CMSD) PREFERENCE CREDIT: An applicant who is a graduate of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and is participating in an open competitive entrance-level examination, as determined by the Commission, shall receive an additional five (5) points upon achieving a passing score, as established in the examination announcement.
• VETERANS’ PREFERENCE: Veterans' preference will be awarded, when applicable, to eligible veterans in accordance with Civil Service Rules 4.40E, 4.40F and 4.40G. Proof of active service or a DD Form 214, must be presented to the Commission at the time of filing application for the examination in which credit is sought in order to qualify for veterans' credit.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin/ancestry, military status, disability, age and religion. The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.

City of Cleveland Benefits

In general, benefit options include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription medical and life insurance. Specific information regarding benefit eligibility will be discussed and reviewed at the time of hire.