Police Communications Operator Jobs
Police communications operator jobs are open across municipal, county, and state agencies, from entry-level dispatcher to senior lead and training officer, with specializations in emergency dispatch, multi-agency coordination, and 911 call handling. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 26+ Police Communications Operator jobs
THE POSITION
Make a real impact working for the Pennsylvania State Police. As a Police Communications Operator every call you answer and every message you relay helps support law enforcement services across the community. This fast-paced role offers the opportunity to think quickly, stay organized, and help people when it matters most.
Join a team that plays a key role in public safety every day!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position serves as an important communication link between the public, troopers, emergency responders, and partner agencies. Responsibilities include receiving calls, dispatching information, maintaining records, and supporting public safety operations.
As a Police Communications Operator, you will perform the following duties:
- Call Processing: Receive emergency and non-emergency calls, gather important details, and determine response needs
- Incident Dispatch: Relay incident information to troopers through radio, telephone, and computer systems
- Agency Coordination: Contact police, fire, ambulance, towing, and other service providers to request assistance and share information
- Records Management: Access, research, update, and maintain information within public safety databases and record systems
- Public Assistance: Respond to administrative inquiries, provide information about services, and assist station visitors
- Training Support: Participate in communications training and assist with instruction of new operators on procedures and practices
- Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
- Work Hours: Rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays
- Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
- Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
- Two years of experience using two-way radio, multi-line telephone, or computer aided dispatch systems; or
- Two years of experience using computer systems for entering, updating, and retrieving information; or
- Completion of 60 college credits; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training.
- You must possess a clear, firm voice and no major speech, hearing, or visual impairments that would interfere with understanding verbal communication, being understood, or using electronic communications equipment and visual display equipment.
- You must obtain an active Public Safety Telecommunicator certification issued by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
- You must obtain active Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) certifications issued by the Pennsylvania State Police within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
- Six months of experience receiving calls from the general public and county 911 operators regarding emergency and non-emergency police issues.
- Six months of experience in dispatching police, fire, or ambulance services for emergency response
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
- You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.
- This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a report of medications for screening by the State Police Medical Officer.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
- Eligibility rules apply.
THE POSITION
Make a real impact working for the Pennsylvania State Police. As a Police Communications Operator every call you answer and every message you relay helps support law enforcement services across the community. This fast-paced role offers the opportunity to think quickly, stay organized, and help people when it matters most.
Join a team that plays a key role in public safety every day!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position serves as an important communication link between the public, troopers, emergency responders, and partner agencies. Responsibilities include receiving calls, dispatching information, maintaining records, and supporting public safety operations.
As a Police Communications Operator, you will perform the following duties:
- Call Processing: Receive emergency and non-emergency calls, gather important details, and determine response needs
- Incident Dispatch: Relay incident information to troopers through radio, telephone, and computer systems
- Agency Coordination: Contact police, fire, ambulance, towing, and other service providers to request assistance and share information
- Records Management: Access, research, update, and maintain information within public safety databases and record systems
- Public Assistance: Respond to administrative inquiries, provide information about services, and assist station visitors
- Training Support: Participate in communications training and assist with instruction of new operators on procedures and practices
- Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
- Work Hours: Rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays
- Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
- Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
- Two years of experience using two-way radio, multi-line telephone, or computer aided dispatch systems; or
- Two years of experience using computer systems for entering, updating, and retrieving information; or
- Completion of 60 college credits; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training.
- You must possess a clear, firm voice and no major speech, hearing, or visual impairments that would interfere with understanding verbal communication, being understood, or using electronic communications equipment and visual display equipment.
- You must obtain an active Public Safety Telecommunicator certification issued by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
- You must obtain active Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) certifications issued by the Pennsylvania State Police within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
- Six months of experience receiving calls from the general public and county 911 operators regarding emergency and non-emergency police issues.
- Six months of experience in dispatching police, fire, or ambulance services for emergency response
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
- You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.
- This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a report of medications for screening by the State Police Medical Officer.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
- Eligibility rules apply.
See All 26 Police Communications Operator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsPolice Communications Operator Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in police communications operator jobs.
- High school diploma or GED with the ability to obtain POST or state telecommunications certification
- Proficient in computer-aided dispatch systems such as Motorola PremierOne or Tyler New World
- Demonstrated ability to type at least 35 words per minute accurately under pressure
- Clear criminal background with no felony convictions or disqualifying misdemeanors
- Experience answering and processing emergency and non-emergency calls in a public safety setting
- Ability to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
Tips for Your Police Communications Operator Job Search
Highlight your APCO or NENA certification
Certifications from the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials or the National Emergency Number Association signal professional readiness to hiring managers. List the full certification name, date earned, and renewal status so screeners can verify your standing at a glance.
Quantify your call volume experience
Agencies want to know how busy a console you have worked. Note the average daily call volume you handled, the number of active channels you monitored, and whether you dispatched for law enforcement, fire, or EMS, since multi-discipline experience widens your field of eligible openings.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists police communications operator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target agencies using CAD systems you know
Computer-aided dispatch platforms vary widely by jurisdiction. When a posting names a specific system, lead with that system in your skills section. Matching the agency's exact technology reduces screening friction and signals you will need less ramp-up time on the console.
Prepare for a CritiCall or typing pre-screen
Many agencies require a data-entry and multitasking assessment before the interview stage. Practice dual-task exercises: accurately entering addresses while listening to simulated call audio. Knowing the test format lets you approach it without surprises and demonstrate the speed and accuracy dispatching demands.
Address background check sensitivities proactively
Police communications positions carry a thorough background investigation. If your record includes anything that might surface, disclose it accurately and briefly in your cover letter. Undisclosed issues that appear in the investigation are disqualifying far more often than the issue itself.
Police Communications Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most police communications operators?
The companies hiring the most police communications operators right now include SUNY Delhi, BNSF Railway, and Midland Health, with the largest share of openings in Texas, Maryland, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. County consolidated dispatch centers and large municipal police departments consistently post the highest volume of openings.
How many police communications operator jobs are remote?
About 0% of police communications operator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most dispatch roles require on-site presence in a secure communications center. The sub-roles most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements are quality assurance reviewers, training coordinators, and administrative dispatch supervisors rather than front-line call-takers.
How do you become a police communications operator?
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent, then apply to a municipal, county, or state public safety agency that is actively hiring. After a conditional offer you will complete a background investigation, psychological evaluation, and medical screening. Once hired, you go through an agency-specific training academy covering CAD operation, radio protocol, and call-handling procedures, followed by supervised console time before working independently.
Can you get hired as a police communications operator with no experience?
Yes, many agencies hire entry-level candidates and provide full training after a conditional offer. What helps most with no prior dispatch experience is strong typing speed, demonstrated ability to stay calm under pressure, and customer-facing work history that shows active listening. Some agencies also accept completion of a recognized public safety telecommunications course as a substitute for direct console experience.
What does the police communications operator interview process look like?
Most agencies begin with an online application and a data-entry or multitasking pre-screen, often a CritiCall or similar assessment. Candidates who pass move to a panel interview with dispatch supervisors and sometimes sworn personnel, covering scenario-based questions on priority judgment and stress management. A conditional offer triggers a thorough background investigation, polygraph in some jurisdictions, psychological evaluation, and a medical and hearing exam before a final offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to police communications operator jobs?
You can find and apply to police communications operator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from agencies across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, shift preferences, and location, then apply directly to each opening that fits.
See All 26 Police Communications Operator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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