Introduction
Do you have excellent communication skills? If you'd like to work in a fast-paced environment where you can directly contribute to public safety and provide excellent customer service to state employees, then come join the Division of Capitol Police team as a Law Enforcement Dispatcher!
Located in downtown Madison, the State Capitol Police Department (CPD) is responsible for providing police and security services to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, legislators, Supreme Court, visiting dignitaries, state facilities, state employees, and citizens of the State of Wisconsin. CPD has statewide jurisdiction and investigates criminal, domestic, and traffic related incidents throughout the State of Wisconsin.
Located inside the historic WI State Capitol building, our communications center is a 24/7 operation, and our law enforcement dispatchers are the lifeline of our organization. Our dispatchers do so much more than just answer phone calls and dispatch police officers. They are an integral part of an overall safety and security ecosystem, including monitoring hundreds of video cameras, thousands of alarm inputs, access control systems, and they conduct a variety of other important tasks as needed. No two days are alike.
Successful past candidates have come from a variety of backgrounds and experience. For those with prior experience in dispatch positions, call centers, customer service roles, administrative assistant positions, or those looking to begin or continue a career in public safety, this is the opportunity for you! Capitol Police supports the growth and development of our staff, with some prior dispatchers moving into sworn police officer positions, pursuing law school, careers in emergency management, and other opportunities within the State of Wisconsin. Bring a great work ethic, positive attitude, and the desire to serve others and we'll teach you the rest during our paid 8-12 week paid training program.
Join an organization that strives to exceed customer expectations by delivering efficient, high-quality state government services. The Department of Administration (DOA) provides direct services to state agency customers and designs and leads initiatives to make government more innovative and cost-effective. Working at DOA offers you the opportunity to make an impact on the quality of life in Wisconsin.
As the flagship agency of the State of Wisconsin, our core values at Department of Administration are
Adaptability, Collaboration, Stewardship, Equity, Service Excellence, and Integrity. Our values make it possible for us to fulfill our mission, with a set of shared principles and practices, and form the bedrock of how we operate, interact, and are seen by colleagues, partners, and other agencies.
Position Summary
This position works in the Division of State Capitol Police Communication Center. This position is responsible for receiving, processing, and disseminating public safety information to the Wisconsin State Capitol Police officers, Madison College Public Safety personnel, and other law enforcement agencies located throughout the state. This position utilizes basic computer, electronic communication, and map reading skills, and also monitors, evaluates, and responds to statewide emergency alarms and security-related events at state facilities, assists with parking enforcement and performs administrative and clerical tasks for the division. For more information, please view the complete position description .
Salary Information
Starting hourly rate for the Law Enforcement Dispatcher position (schedule/range 36-64) will be $24.00 per hour - $29.54 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. A 12-month probationary period is required.
Pay will increase by $1.00 after 12 months and an additional $1.00 after 24 months in the classification. Additional pay incentives are provided for working evenings, nights, holidays, and weekend hours. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.
In addition, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:
- Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation/personal holiday to start, 9 paid holidays, and 130 hours of sick time that rolls over each year.
- Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits (health plan options start at just $49/month for single plans and $122/month for family plans after two months of employment).
- An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
- Well Wisconsin Wellness Program - a free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
- Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
Job Details
Police Dispatchers are responsible for the daily operation of a 24/7 emergency communications center. This position requires ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, days, nights or swing shifts. This position also requires the ability to work up to 16 hours when operational needs require. This position works in a restricted area with limited access and may often work alone. This position requires the ability to walk and stand or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists, speak and listen to a variety of individuals by telephone and radio with occasional distractions, distortions, and background noise, and the ability to accurately type 25 words per minute, and lift up-to 10 pounds with or without accommodation. Candidates with unpardoned adult felony convictions will not be considered.
Due to the nature of the position, DOA/DCP will conduct background checks on applicants prior to selection. DOA does not sponsor work visas and is not an eligible OPT (Optional Practical Training) employer for F-1 international students. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility form.
This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent and LTE vacancies that occur in the next six months.
Qualifications
Minimally qualified applicants will have experience with each of the following:
- Working in a customer service role (e.g., call center, administrative assistant, directing calls for appropriate action, etc.).
- Using computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, or other computerized databases, etc.).
- Multi-tasking and prioritizing several tasks simultaneously while ensuring accuracy of work.
In addition, well-qualified applicants will have experience with one or more of the following:
- Working in an emergency or service dispatch center.
- Using security cameras or access control systems.
How To Apply
Apply online! To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or create a new account if you don't have one. Once you are logged in, click "Apply for Job." Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job . Please review the instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications. Your cover letter is limited to a maximum of two (2) typed pages, single-spaced, no smaller than 10-point font, with 1-inch margins. Resumes should be limited to no more than two (2) pages (no format requirements). Pages more than the specified limits may not be evaluated.
Submitted materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process for available vacancies.
The State of Wisconsin is committed to providing opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Any applicants and employees with a disability may request reasonable accommodations.
The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.
Questions can be directed to Nathan Draeger at nathan2.draeger@wisconsin.gov .
Deadline to Apply
Application materials are due by 11:59pm on Monday, August 10, 2026.