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911 Police Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sfcollege

Police Dispatcher

Campus, IL · On-site

$35K/yr

The SFPD Police Dispatcher will work as part of a cohesive team and facilitate essential ... Must currently possess or successfully acquire the 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification ...

Santa Fe College

Police Dispatcher

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$35K/yr

The SFPD Police Dispatcher will work as part of a cohesive team and facilitate essential ... Must currently possess or successfully acquire the 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification ...

City of Azusa

Police Dispatcher (PT/FT)

Azusa, CA · On-site

$5.6K - $6.9K/mo

Answers 911 calls Screens incoming calls to determine necessity, priority, and type of response ... Police dispatching procedures and the laws and regulations governing the use of dispatching ...

City of Azusa, CA

Police Dispatcher (PT/FT)

Azusa, CA · On-site

$5.6K - $6.9K/mo

Answers 911 calls * Screens incoming calls to determine necessity, priority, and type of response ... Police dispatching procedures and the laws and regulations governing the use of dispatching ...

City of Montclair

Senior Police Dispatcher

Montclair, CA · On-site

$64K - $78K/yr

Essential Job Duties Receive requests for Police and emergency services over the phone; answer 911 ... Dispatch, as necessary, Police and other emergency units in response to calls for service or ...

BARTCA

Lateral Police Dispatcher

CA · On-site

$96K - $104K/yr

Receives and prioritizes incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency telephone calls. * Operates radio ... Experience EITHER Completion of the Police Dispatcher Trainee program for the San Francisco Bay ...

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911 Police Dispatcher information

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How much do 911 police dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for 911 police dispatcher in the United States is $22.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a 911 police dispatcher do?

A 911 Police Dispatcher is responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls, gathering important information, and dispatching police officers or other emergency services to the scene. They must remain calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and quickly assess the situation to prioritize calls appropriately. Dispatchers also provide instructions to callers, monitor the status of units in the field, and keep detailed records of all communications. Their work is crucial in ensuring public safety and effective emergency response.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 911 police dispatcher?

To thrive as a 911 Police Dispatcher, you need excellent multitasking abilities, strong verbal communication, and quick decision-making skills, usually supported by a high school diploma and successful completion of a dispatcher training program. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and emergency call protocols is essential. Outstanding composure under pressure, empathy, and active listening help dispatchers effectively manage stressful situations and reassure callers. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure timely, accurate responses that can save lives and support public safety operations.

What are some common challenges faced by 911 police dispatchers, and how can new hires prepare for them?

911 Police Dispatchers often encounter high-pressure situations that require quick thinking, clear communication, and emotional resilience. Managing multiple calls, prioritizing emergencies, and staying calm under stress are frequent challenges. New hires can prepare by practicing active listening skills, familiarizing themselves with local geography, and seeking out stress management techniques. Support from experienced team members and ongoing training also play a crucial role in helping dispatchers handle the demands of the job.

What is the difference between 911 Police Dispatcher vs Emergency Medical Dispatcher?

Aspect911 Police DispatcherEmergency Medical Dispatcher
Required CertificationsCPR certification, dispatcher certificationCPR certification, dispatcher certification
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, emergency call centersMedical call centers, emergency dispatch centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agenciesHealthcare and emergency services
Primary ResponsibilitiesCoordinate police response, dispatch officersProvide pre-arrival medical instructions, dispatch EMS

While both roles involve emergency call handling and require similar certifications, 911 Police Dispatchers focus on law enforcement coordination, whereas Emergency Medical Dispatchers specialize in medical emergencies and guiding callers through first aid procedures.

How long does it take to become a 911 police dispatcher?

Becoming a 911 police dispatcher typically requires completing a training program that lasts from a few weeks to several months, depending on the department. Candidates usually need to pass a background check, obtain emergency communication certifications, and develop skills in communication and multitasking during training. The entire process from application to certification can take several months to a year.

How much do 911 police dispatchers make?

911 police dispatchers typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on location and experience. Salaries can increase with additional certifications, specialized training, and years of service, and some may work overnight or on shift schedules that affect pay rates.

Is it hard to be hired as a 911 police dispatcher?

Becoming a 911 police dispatcher can be competitive, as it requires passing written exams, background checks, and sometimes psychological evaluations. Candidates often need strong communication skills, the ability to handle stressful situations, and relevant training or certifications to increase their chances of being hired.
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911 Police Dispatcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various 911 Police Dispatcher job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,823 per year, or $22 per hour.

Police Dispatcher

Desert Hot Springs, CA • On-site

City of Desert Hot Springs, CA
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about City of Desert Hot Springs, CAexternal

$67K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Salary : $67,246.40 - $81,723.20 Annually
Location : Police Department, 65950 Pierson Blvd., Desert Hot Springs, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 0827-2026
Department: Police Department
Division: Non-Sworn
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Definition:
Receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches Police as required; enters, retrieves, and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; adheres to applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties.
Supervision received:
Immediate and/or general direction from the Police Communications & Records Manager
Examples of Duties
Essential functions:
Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Independently receives and evaluates 911, police emergency and business calls; transfers calls to appropriate parties; dispatches police units to emergency or non-emergency locations; handles inquiries and complaints regarding services from the public
  • Obtain complete and accurate information from individuals in emergency situations, including those who are emotionally distraught, angry, or difficult to understand; remain calm and make rapid and sound independent judgments in stressful emergency situations; communicate tactfully and effectively with the public, public safety personnel and others
  • Operates computer consoles for call input, dispatching and continuous update of suspect information and officer locations; enters call information in written or computer-based format; logs and fills out call forms
  • Maintains records of radio calls; operates multi-channel radio systems; monitors other channels while maintaining radio traffic on main channels; maintains radio contact with mobile and portable units; recognized units from other agencies and assists them with City units or supplies requested information
  • Responds to officer-initiated radio traffic and requests and disseminates suspect information from roll call boards, prior calls, and bulletins; assists public safety personnel in the field by relaying information; keeps command staff and field supervisors apprised of emergency situations and dispatches additional personnel and equipment as necessary
  • Maintains and accesses business and premise history and index files for emergency and other necessary contacts; handles in-house and radio paging, crime-stopper, animal control and other after-hours phone lines
  • Receives non-emergency calls for information and directs callers to the proper person, department, or agency
  • During non-business hours, receives emergency and non-emergency calls for non-safety departments such as, Animal Control, street maintenance, public utilities, park maintenance, building maintenance, graffiti control, crime prevention, and City Hall
  • Prepares records and reports, such as stolen vehicle reports, tow truck requests, etc.
  • Makes DOJ entries in a timely, accurate manner as per DOJ mandates, missing persons, stolen vehicles, PPI's repo's, firearms, and all types of stolen property
  • Establishes positive working relationships with co-workers, employees within the department, outside agencies, representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management, and the public; works as part of a team, yet may work independently; mentors and assists other dispatchers in the techniques and procedures of dispatching, operating radio equipment, and operating CAD equipment
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
Occasional functions:
  • Provides court testimony related to calls as required
  • Participates in updating public safety procedures manuals, computer aided dispatch system and service area maps
  • Participates in the Quality Improvement process by evaluating calls and providing feedback to Dispatchers, a variety of training courses, and/or certification sessions
  • May represent the Police Department and the City's dispatching services on various work groups, interview panels and committees
  • May assist other staff as needed and with overflow work as assigned

Typical Qualifications
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent
And
One year of public safety dispatch experience
License/Certification:
Type a minimum of 35 wpm
Possession of POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate
Possession of POST Communications Training Certificate or enrollment in the 40-hour course within 6 months of hire
Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) Certification within one year of hire
Valid California driver's license with a good driving record at time of appointment
Supplemental Information
Knowledge of:
  • Police department and communication center operations, policies, and procedures
  • Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
  • Law enforcement and emergency service procedures for responding to and handling reported incidents
  • Techniques of questioning for both emergency and non-emergency calls
  • Automated law enforcement information systems and procedures, standard law enforcement information, communication, terminology, record keeping methods and techniques
  • Related clerical duties such as typing, filing, and indexing
  • Dispatch reports and documentation
  • Modern office equipment and software including fax machines, closed circuit surveillance systems, computers, copiers, and windows-based applications including Outlook
Ability to:
  • Support the City's goal of providing professional, reliable, and consistent customer service by building and maintaining positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service
  • Memorize codes, names, locations, and other detailed information
  • Act quickly and calmly in emergencies
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
  • Exercise sound independent judgement within established guidelines
  • Use computer technology and applications in the performance of daily duties
  • Operate keyboards, including typewriters and computer terminals at a typing speed of 35 words per minute
  • Follow oral and written instructions
  • Read and interpret street maps
  • Learn City dispatching codes, policies, procedures, and equipment
  • Pass pre-employment screening, background investigation, psychological evaluation, physical and drug test
Skills:
  • A detailed oriented approach to tasks
  • Methods and techniques of receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills. Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation
  • Methods and techniques of computer aided dispatch, including associate systems and radio equipment
  • Methods and techniques of telephone etiquette
  • P25 800 MHz two-way radio communication systems and equipment
  • Use of Clips, Coplink, and/or Global to run warrant checks, identity, weapon, and vehicle checks

Work environment, physical demands, and behavior requirements:
Environmental Conditions:
Typical office environment with computer systems, office equipment, phone system and radio equipment.
Physical Conditions:
Essential functions may require, in the performance of daily activities, sitting for prolonged periods of time and intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, twist and reach while performing duties. Manual dexterity to use standard office equipment. Vision to read handwritten, printed materials, and computer screens. Hearing and speech to communicate over the telephone, in person and on radio systems.
Work is done in an office environment with moderate noise levels, and a controlled temperature condition. Incumbent will interact with upset staff and/or public. Incumbent will be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays and participate in after hour on-call assignments and work unusual and prolonged work schedules, as necessary.
Behavior Requirements:
Dependable, prompt, regular attendance. Professional telephone and email etiquette, including returning voicemails and emails promptly. Ability to cooperate with the public and co-workers. Tolerance for the stress of multiple simultaneous, possible conflicting demands. Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks with an attention to detail.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Employees in this classification serve a probationary period of one (1) year.
EMPLOYEE LEAVE: The City offers a generous Vacation and Sick leave program, plus 10 annual holidays and one (1) floating holiday. Employees accrue 80 hours per year of sick leave; employees accrue 80 hours of vacation leave for the first five years; after five years, employees accrue additional vacation leave based on years of service..
BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAM: The City of Desert Hot Springs participates in the Civic Scholars Program and offers its full-time employees the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree at no cost to the employee. Civic Scholars is an employer sponsored college pathway for the employees of Desert Hot Springs that is fully online and self-paced. Built to be mobile friendly, it allows the working adult to start or complete their bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited, non-profit university with no disruption to their work life balance. Details about this program, and how employees can obtain a bachelor's degree at no cost, is available from Human Resources.
RETIREMENT: The City participates in the Social Security system and all employees are covered by the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees pay the Member's contribution depending on their prior PERS eligibility. Membership is mandatory. The retirement formula for new employees is 2% at 60, or 2% at 62, depending on prior PERS eligibility, with highest three-year compensation average.
INSURANCE: The City contributes a maximum amount per month towards the cost of medical, dental and vision coverage available to employees and dependents; life insurance is paid by the City.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Available for interested employees, offered through ICMA.
DRUG FREE WORKPLACE: In compliance with the DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT OF 1988 it is City policy to maintain a drug free workplace.

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