Police Communications Dispatcher Jobs
Police communications dispatcher jobs are open across municipal governments, county sheriff offices, emergency medical services, and fire departments, at every level from entry-level call-taker to lead dispatcher and shift supervisor, with specializations in 911 emergency call handling, computer-aided dispatch, and multi-agency coordination. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Closing Date: 12/31/2026
Location: District
Pay Information:
https://www.sdccd.edu/docs/HumanResources/employee%20relations/Salary%20Schedules/Classified%20Salary%20Schedule%202024.pdf
- AFT Classified Collective Bargaining Agreement Article 6.21 Initial Salary Placement (effective 07/01/2025): Initial salary placement of newly employed unit members will be on step C of the respective range. If step C is “shaded,” then initial salary placement shall be on the first ·unshaded" step of the appropriate range.
Position Equivalent FTE:
No. Months: 12 months Position Number: 00120674
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (accrues overtime)
Position Type: Classified
Bargaining Unit: AFT - Classified Professionals
Range: 29
Department: College Police
The Position:
As part of our team, you'll help enforce laws, prevent crime, and respond to emergencies — all while supporting a diverse, educational community deeply committed to learning and growth.
You'll also benefit from:
- A well-organized department with specialized divisions (Patrol, Investigations, Bike Patrol, Emergency Response Teams, Campus Service Officers, Dispatch, and more) to support professional development and varied career paths.
- Serving in a dynamic higher-education environment where your work enables students and staff to focus on academic success, knowing their safety is in capable hands.
If you're a motivated, community-oriented professional seeking to make a meaningful impact and grow within a forward-looking public safety team — we'd love to meet you.
Please note that an employee may be transferred to any site at the option of the Chancellor.
Classification Description:
If you would like to open the link in a different tab or window, right click and select the option.
Desired Qualifications:
- Knowledge of English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
- Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment, including computer hardware and software.
- Type/keyboard at 30 words per minute.
- Perform clerical duties of average difficulty.
- Receive, evaluate, prioritize calls; determine nature/priority/location.
- Prioritize emergency situations accurately.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and respond appropriately during emergencies.
- Ability to operate multiple systems and process information rapidly.
- Ability to follow directions and carry out verbal and written instruction.
- Ability to work tactfully with the public and effectively deal with distressed/uncooperative persons.
- Ability to work independently, or alone, and maintain operations.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
Foreign Degree:
NACES Link: https://naces.org/
ACEI Link: https://acei-global.org/evaluation-services/
Commitment to Diversity:
Click link for the EEO / Diversity / Nondiscrimination – Policies and Procedures:https://www.sdccd.edu/departments/human-resources/eeo-diversity/policies-and-procedures.aspx
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Application materials sent via mail, fax, or email will not be accepted. All correspondence, including interview invitations, will be communicated via email.
We are dedicated to maintaining the confidentiality of all inquiries, nominations, and applications in the strictest confidence, and we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
- Complete the online application, including examples and outcomes listed within the Duties section of your Employment History;
- Complete responses to the Supplemental Questions, including examples and outcomes;
- Cover Letter;
- Resume; AND,
- Three (3) Professional References listed within the application.
Tentative Timeline (Subject to Amendments):
Conditions of Employment:
- Submit “official” college transcripts as stated on application (even if a degree is not a requirement for this position);
- Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment);
- Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the District's expense (Clearance must be received prior to first day of employment);
- Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States as required by the I9 Employment Eligibility Verification form; AND,
- Attend a new hire processing appointment in People, Culture, and Technology Services located at the District Administrative Offices.
EMPLOYMENT AFTER RETIREMENT
If you accept a contract (permanent) position with SDCCD and are a retired annuitant with CalPERS or CalSTRS, you must reinstate from your retirement system. Please reference the CalPERS or CalSTRS website for further information.
CalPERS Link: https://www.calpers.ca.gov/retirees/working-after-retirement/reinstatement-from-retirement
CalSTRS Link: https://www.calstrs.com/retirement-after-reinstatement-enhancements-faq
Additional Information:
SDCCD provides a comprehensive fringe benefit package for its full-time classified employees. The District contributes toward the cost of the premium (including dependent coverage) for the medical insurance plan options. Additional benefits include dental, vision, sick leave, vacation and opportunities for professional development. Contract employees become members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) upon appointment.
- Medical, dental, and vision plans are 100% employer paid for you and all dependents
- $100,000 group term life insurance
- 16 vacation days, 12 sick days, 16 holidays, and winter recess paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Educational incentive program (for salary advancement)
- CalPERS employer contribution rate of 26.40% (2026)
Posting Number: CL01967
To apply, visit: https://www.sdccdjobs.com
All applicants must have demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff.
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Find JobsPolice Communications Dispatcher Job Market
Who's Hiring


What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in police communications dispatcher jobs.
- High school diploma or GED with the ability to obtain a 911 dispatcher certification
- Experience operating a computer-aided dispatch system such as Motorola PremierOne or Spillman
- Ability to type a minimum number of words per minute while actively listening
- APCO or NENA Public Safety Telecommunicator certification or willingness to obtain
- Strong multitasking ability to manage multiple radio channels and phone lines simultaneously
- Clear verbal communication skills and composure when handling high-stress emergency calls
Tips for Your Police Communications Dispatcher Job Search
Highlight your CAD system experience
List every computer-aided dispatch system you've used by name on your resume. Hiring managers scan for specific platforms, and a generic mention of 'dispatch software' won't get you past the initial screen the way a named system will.
Certify in CPR and APCO before applying
Many agencies require CPR certification and APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator training before your first day. Having both completed when you apply removes a common hiring delay and signals you're ready to start quickly.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists police communications dispatcher openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Tailor your resume to 911 call metrics
Agencies care about call volume, accuracy, and response time. If you've handled high call loads or maintained low error rates in a previous dispatch or call-center role, state those specifics in your resume rather than describing duties generically.
Prepare for a multi-stage oral board
Most public safety dispatch interviews include a structured oral board with scenario-based questions about simultaneous tasks, radio protocol, and stressful caller situations. Practice narrating your decision process out loud, not just thinking through the answer silently.
Ask about shift structure before accepting an offer
Dispatch centers run 24-hour operations, so shifts often rotate or involve overnight and weekend work. Clarify the rotation schedule, mandatory overtime policies, and how seniority affects shift bidding before you negotiate or accept any offer.
Police Communications Dispatcher Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most police communications dispatchers?
The most active employers for police communications dispatchers right now are CITY OF GREENBELT, City of Homestead, and City of Oakland, CA, and the most openings are in Arizona, California, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Municipal police departments and county sheriff offices consistently post the highest volume of openings.
How do you become a police communications dispatcher?
Start by earning your high school diploma or GED, then complete an APCO or NENA Public Safety Telecommunicator course. Most agencies require a background check, polygraph, and a typing proficiency test before hiring. Once hired, you complete a paid in-house training program where you work alongside a certified trainer before taking solo shifts.
Can you get hired as a police communications dispatcher with little experience?
Yes, many agencies hire entry-level candidates with no prior dispatch experience as long as you meet their minimum qualifications. Customer service, call-center, or any role that required handling high call volumes under pressure translates well. Completing your APCO certification before applying and demonstrating calm composure during the oral board interview strengthens your application significantly.
What does the police communications dispatcher interview process look like?
Most agencies use a multi-stage process that starts with a written exam testing reading comprehension, memory recall, and basic math. A structured oral board follows, where a panel asks scenario-based questions about caller management and multi-tasking. Finalists typically complete a background investigation, polygraph examination, and a psychological evaluation before receiving a conditional offer.
Where can I find and apply to police communications dispatcher jobs?
You can find and apply to police communications dispatcher jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from agencies and employers across the United States. Search for roles that match your experience level and location, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
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