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Police Communications Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Receives and transmits messages to and from police, fire and emergency medical units, as well as ... Dispatching services. * Communicates effectively with people of varying language and communications ...

Communications Dispatcher

Eloy, AZ · On-site

$46K - $65K/yr

Police Division: Police Support Opening Date: 06/01/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Summary Under ... communications including radio, computer and dispatch equipment. * Knowledge of law enforcement ...

Job Summary Provide police communications and dispatching, maintains police files and records, and perform a wide variety of complex clerical and typing duties requiring specialized knowledge in the ...

DESCRIPTION The City of Hanford is continuously accepting applications for the position of Communications Dispatcher in the Police Department. This position receives and prioritizes emergency and non ...

Communications Dispatcher

Eloy, AZ · On-site

$46K - $65K/yr

Provides Public Safety Dispatch services for Police and Fire agencies; keeps track of a wide ... Knowledge of equipment utilized in law enforcement communications including radio, computer and ...

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Police Communications Dispatcher information

See salary details

$27.5K

$64.5K

$101.5K

How much do police communications dispatcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for police communications dispatcher in the United States is $64,459.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police communications dispatcher?

Police Communications Dispatchers, also known as 911 dispatchers or public safety telecommunicators, are professionals who answer emergency and non-emergency calls for law enforcement and coordinate the appropriate response. They gather critical information from callers, relay details to police officers, and often provide instructions to callers during emergencies. Dispatchers must remain calm under pressure, prioritize calls, and use computer-aided dispatch systems to track incidents. Their work is essential for ensuring public safety and effective law enforcement response.

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

To thrive as a Police Communications Dispatcher, you need strong multitasking abilities, quick decision-making skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with many agencies requiring additional training or certification. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and emergency protocols is essential. Outstanding communication, composure under pressure, and attention to detail help dispatchers effectively coordinate emergency responses. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring rapid, accurate information flow and public safety in high-stress situations.

What are some common challenges faced by police communications dispatchers during high-stress incidents, and how are they supported?

Police Communications Dispatchers often encounter high-pressure situations, such as coordinating emergency responses or managing multiple calls during critical incidents. These scenarios require quick thinking, multitasking, and clear communication under stress. Many agencies provide ongoing training, peer support programs, and access to mental health resources to help dispatchers manage stress and maintain resilience. Teamwork is emphasized, with dispatchers frequently collaborating closely with law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, and supervisors to ensure effective response and mutual support.

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

AspectPolice Communications DispatcherEmergency Medical Dispatcher
Required CertificationsCPR certification, dispatcher certificationCPR certification, dispatcher certification
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, emergency call centersEmergency call centers, hospitals, dispatch centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agenciesHealthcare, emergency services
Common Search IntentPolice dispatch, law enforcement communicationMedical emergency dispatch, ambulance communication

Both Police Communications Dispatchers and Emergency Medical Dispatchers require similar certifications and work in emergency call centers. However, Police Communications Dispatchers primarily coordinate law enforcement responses, while Emergency Medical Dispatchers focus on medical emergencies and ambulance services. Their roles are distinct but share core skills in communication and crisis management.

What cities are hiring for Police Communications Dispatcher jobs?

Cities with the most Police Communications Dispatcher job openings:

What states have the most Police Communications Dispatcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Police Communications Dispatcher jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Police Communications Dispatcher jobs?

For Police Communications Dispatcher jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Police Communications Dispatcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,459 per year, or $31 per hour.

COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER

Dearborn, MI • On-site

$63K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Receives and transmits messages to police, fire, emergency medical units, and other local government communications via radio and telephone.

  • Receives and evaluates 9-1-1 emergency calls, dispatches appropriate response units, and provides Emergency Medical Dispatching services.

  • Operates communication systems such as CAD, MDT, LEIN, TTY, and emergency warning systems, and maintains communication records.


Job description

SALARY:        Starting Pay: $63,561   

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK:

      This is highly responsible shift work, involving the operation of modern communications equipment, including computers, radios and telephones.  Employees receive emergency 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls, complaints and inquiries from the public, evaluate and dispatch police, fire and emergency medical services. The work of this division is maintained twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week, including weekends and holidays.  Employees are assigned to work day, afternoon and midnight shifts, including frequent weekends and holidays. This is sedentary work. Lunches are usually consumed at workstations. Although breaks can be taken away from the workstation, the dispatcher does not leave the premises during an assigned shift.

      Interacts in a consistently pleasant and helpful manner to fellow employees, visitors, and citizens of the City of Dearborn and demonstrates the highest standards of internal and external customer service.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Job Functions (Functions essential to attaining job objectives):

  • Receives and transmits messages to and from police, fire and emergency medical units, as well as other local government and municipal communications units via two-way radio.
  • Receives enhanced 9-1-1 emergency telephone calls for service; evaluates situation to determine appropriate response, and dispatches and advises appropriate response unit.
  • Provides Emergency Medical Dispatching services.
  • Communicates effectively with people of varying language and communications abilities.
  • Communicates effectively during stressful telephone contacts, dealing effectively with hysterical, injured or disoriented callers.
  • Operates the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System and Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) using keyboard device in conjunction with dispatching police units.
  • Operates the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) computer system via keyboard.
  • Participates in the Emergency Response Unit requiring on-call emergency response.
  • Works shift assignments including frequent weekends and holidays.
  • Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

Marginal Job Functions (Peripheral or incidental to primary job functions):

  • Prepares written records and reports, and maintains hard copy files.
  • Operates the citywide emergency "Early Warning Siren System" for severe weather, disaster, or other public emergencies.
  • Operates Tele Typewriter (TTY).
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Ability to operate two-way radio and multiple line telephone equipment in order to send and receive both emergency and non-emergency communications.
  • Ability to discern voice and other auditory signals as necessary in receiving telephone and radio communications.
  • Ability to perform functions efficiently and effectively while maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism during stressful, high volume work periods.
  • Ability to communicate verbally in English using appropriate grammar and diction.  Knowledge of Arabic language is helpful.
  • Ability to deal with multiple demands simultaneously, to prioritize and adjust priorities as needed.
  • Ability to operate a microcomputer or terminal keyboard.
  • Ability to discern a range of colors on a color computer monitor.
  • Ability to operate Tele Typewriter (TTY) and other equipment as appropriate.
  • Ability to learn the general geography, principal landmarks, major buildings and streets of the City, as well as the locations of City departments, their services and personnel as required.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Graduation from an accredited high school or GED equivalent. Supplemental course work or experience in the use of computers and related applications is helpful. 9-1-1 Dispatch experience desired.