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Police 911 Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: VUPD 911 Dispatcher / Public Safety Communications Operator Department: Valparaiso University Police Department Location: 813 LaPorte Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383 Employment Type ...

$35K/yr

Coordinates all police, fire, ambulance and other emergency requests by relaying instructions to ... OR High School diploma or GED plus two (2) years experience working as a 911 operator/dispatcher.

911 Dispatcher

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

$31.82 - $46.14/hr

... operating the Village-wide enhanced 911 Emergency Communications System as they receive, evaluate, process, and dispatch incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for Police, Fire, and EMS to ...

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Police 911 Operator information

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$33.5K

$55.1K

$72K

How much do police 911 operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for police 911 operator in the United States is $55,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $62,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police 911 operator?

Police 911 Operators, also known as emergency dispatchers, are professionals responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls, gathering critical information, and dispatching police, fire, or medical services as needed. They act as a vital link between the public and first responders, ensuring timely and accurate communication during crises. Operators must remain calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and provide instructions to callers while coordinating with emergency personnel.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police 911 operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police 911 Operator, you need strong communication skills, quick decision-making abilities, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by specialized dispatcher training. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio equipment, and emergency response protocols is typically required. Exceptional calmness under pressure, empathy, and multitasking skills help operators manage high-stress situations and provide reassurance to callers. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate information transfer, timely emergency response, and public safety.

What are some common challenges faced by police 911 operators, and how can they be managed?

Police 911 Operators frequently encounter high-pressure situations, such as handling multiple emergency calls simultaneously or managing distressing conversations with callers in crisis. Staying calm and focused is essential, as is following established protocols to prioritize and dispatch resources efficiently. Many agencies provide ongoing training, peer support programs, and access to counseling to help operators cope with stress and maintain their well-being. Building strong communication skills and resilience is key to success in this role.

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

AspectPolice 911 OperatorEmergency Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; communication skillsHigh school diploma or equivalent; communication skills
Work EnvironmentCall centers, police stations, emergency response centersCall centers, emergency response centers, public safety agencies
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsPublic safety agencies, emergency services
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for emergency communication rolesRelated role in emergency response coordination

Both Police 911 Operators and Emergency Dispatchers play vital roles in emergency response. While their duties overlap, Police 911 Operators primarily handle incoming calls and initial information gathering, whereas Emergency Dispatchers coordinate and dispatch emergency services. Both positions require strong communication skills and work in similar environments, often within law enforcement or public safety agencies.

How do you get a job as a police 911 operator?

To become a police 911 operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a written exam and background check, and complete specialized dispatch training. Strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and familiarity with emergency call systems are essential for this role.

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

Becoming a police 911 operator typically requires passing a written exam, background check, and sometimes a physical or psychological assessment. Candidates often need strong communication skills, the ability to handle stressful situations, and relevant training or certification, making the hiring process competitive but attainable with proper preparation.

What cities are hiring for Police 911 Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Police 911 Operator job openings:

What states have the most Police 911 Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Police 911 Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Police 911 Operator jobs?

For Police 911 Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Police 911 Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,123 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

911 Emergency Response Operator I

Honolulu, HI • On-site

Honolulu Police Department
1 - 10 employees

$3.2K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Honolulu Police Department rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position Information COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION 911 EMERGENCY RESPONSE OPERATOR I, SR-08 SUMMARY OF DUTIES This position is under the supervision of the 911 Emergency Response Operator II (911 ERO II). This position is the public's first contact point in an emergency and is primarily responsible for answering, screening and routing calls for service to all 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP). Work requires rotating shifts, days off, weekends, and holidays, and may also require extended work hours under certain unforeseen circumstances.

Regular and reliable attendance is critical due to operational needs and to ensure public safety and prompt emergency service to the community. Example of Duties: Operates the 911 CML Automatic Call Distributor Computer System to receive, screen and expeditiously route 911 calls to the Police Dispatch, Fire Communications Center, Ambulance Dispatch, Hawaii Poison Center and the Suicide and Crisis Center. Responsible for verifying the emergency nature of each 911 call in succession and directing the calls to the proper section for service.

Transfers Oahu callers requesting police service on neighbor islands. Handles drop, open line and urgent calls and immediately routes them to the police Urgent Response Section (URS), monitoring the call until it has been answered. Ensures that the URS call taker receives all information provided by the caller, including the Automatic Number Identification (ANI) and the Automatic Location Identification (ALI).

Makes decisions to redirect these calls to another police area when police call takers and URS call takers are unavailable. Minimum Qualification Requirements Training and Experience: A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from high school and one year of office clerical work experience which shall have involved public contact. License Requirement: None Knowledge of: Office practices and procedures; the purposes and uses of standard office equipment; geography of the island of Oahu; principles and techniques of dealing with people.

Additional Information INSTRUCTIONS All first time users must create an account on www.governmentjobs.com before applying. Only online applications shall be accepted. Please explain your work duties in detail

Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected. Interviews are conducted IN PERSON only. Virtual and phone interviews are not offered at this time.

Education obtained outside of the United States must be comparable to a degree earned at a regionally-accredited college/university in the United States. In order to receive credit for the education, a foreign credential evaluation (FCE) must be provided. We also reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript.


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