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Police Communications Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Communications Operator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$40K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Communications Operator, under direct supervision, responds to all 911 emergency and non ... Provide police officers with requested information such as, but not limited to NCIC (National Crime ...

The Communications Operator, under direct supervision, responds to all 911 emergency and non ... Provide police officers with requested information such as, but not limited to NCIC (National Crime ...

Police Comm Dispatcher

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$52K - $69K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Administrative Support/Customer Service, Communication/Community Relations, Law Enforcement ... Must obtain ACJIS Terminal Operator Certification within six months of hire and maintain ...

Public Safety Dispatcher

Sells, AZ · On-site

$22.30 - $25.23/hr

Broadcasts orders to police radio patrol units in vicinity to investigate complaint, and relays ... communications operator or dispatcher, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and ...

Public Safety Dispatcher

Sells, AZ · On-site

$22.30 - $25.23/hr

Broadcasts orders to police radio patrol units in vicinity to investigate complaint, and relays ... communications operator or dispatcher, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and ...

Police Officer - Cadet

Eloy, AZ · On-site

$53K - $75K/yr

... in operating motor vehicles and special equipment during emergency situations. • Skill in the ... communication, both verbal and written. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED ...

Police Officer (Lateral)

San Luis, AZ · On-site

$58K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Effectively communicate verbal and written instructions by phone, police radio system, or in person ... Observe or monitor objects or people's behavior to determine compliance with prescribed operating ...

Police Officer - Cadet

Eloy, AZ · On-site

$53K - $75K/yr

Skill in operating motor vehicles and special equipment during emergency situations. Skill in the ... Skill in effective communication, both verbal and written. Minimum Qualifications High school ...

Skill in operating motor vehicles and special equipment during emergency situations. * Skill in the ... Skill in effective communication, both verbal and written. Minimum Qualifications High school ...

Police Officer

Sells, AZ · On-site

$30.74 - $37.45/hr

Fosters open and continuous communication and cooperation between the community and law enforcement ... Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs.Skill in ...

Effectively communicate verbal and written instructions by phone, police radio system, or in person ... Observe or monitor objects or people's behavior to determine compliance with prescribed operating ...

Communications Dispatcher

Eloy, AZ · On-site

$46K - $65K/yr

Police Division: Police Support Opening Date: 06/01/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Summary Under ... Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software. * Skill in ...

Communications Dispatcher

Eloy, AZ · On-site

$46K - $65K/yr

Provides Public Safety Dispatch services for Police and Fire agencies; keeps track of a wide ... Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software. Skill in effective ...

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Showing results 1-20

Police Communications Operator information

See Arizona salary details

$31.2K

$51.4K

$67.1K

How much do police communications operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for police communications operator in Arizona is $51,369.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,700.00 and $57,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectPolice Communications OperatorEmergency Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, communication training, certificationsHigh school diploma, emergency communication training, certifications
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, dispatch centersEmergency call centers, dispatch hubs
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agenciesPublic safety agencies, emergency services
Search & Comparison IntentSimilar roles, communication dutiesEmergency response coordination

Both Police Communications Operators and Emergency Dispatchers handle emergency calls and coordinate responses. While their roles overlap in communication and certification requirements, Police Communications Operators typically work within police stations focusing on law enforcement support, whereas Emergency Dispatchers may serve broader emergency services like fire and medical. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in public safety communication roles.

How does a police communications operator handle high-stress situations, and what support is available?

Police Communications Operators frequently manage urgent and high-pressure scenarios, such as dispatching officers to emergencies or handling multiple calls simultaneously. To navigate these challenges, operators receive extensive training in stress management, effective communication, and crisis protocols. Team members often work closely together in a supportive environment, with supervisors and colleagues providing guidance and backup when necessary. Many agencies also offer access to counseling services and peer support programs to help operators maintain their well-being.

What does a police communications operator do?

As a police communications operator, you manage a police department’s response logistics by answering 911 calls, determining whether or not a situation is an emergency, and functioning as a dispatcher for the department. Most police communications operators categorize and monitor calls, decide which police officers to contact about each issue, and help deliver important information like license plate numbers and warrant statuses. Some duties and responsibilities vary based on the department, but answering phones is a consistent part of this job. Police communications dispatchers are also known as communications officers and 911 dispatchers, but should not be confused with general 911 operators who also work with fire, medical, and other emergency services.

What is a police communications operator?

Police Communications Operators, also known as dispatchers, are professionals responsible for receiving and processing emergency and non-emergency calls for police assistance. They gather critical information from callers, relay details to officers in the field, and coordinate the appropriate response using radio, telephone, and computer systems. These operators play a vital role in public safety by ensuring that help is dispatched quickly and efficiently, often remaining calm under pressure and multitasking in fast-paced environments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a police communications operator?

To thrive as a Police Communications Operator, you need strong multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional specialized training in emergency communications. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio equipment, and 911 call handling software is required. Excellent communication, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this position. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring accurate, timely dispatching of emergency services and maintaining public safety in high-pressure environments.

What are popular job titles related to Police Communications Operator jobs in Arizona?

For Police Communications Operator jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Police Communications Operator jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Police Communications Operator jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Police Communications Operator jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Police Communications Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Police Communications Operator jobs in AZ?

For Police Communications Operator jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Police Communications Operator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,369 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Communications Operator

Pascua Yaqui Tribe, AZ

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Salary : $40,747.20 Annually
Location : Tucson, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-00079
Department: LAW ENFORCEMENT
Division: PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS
Opening Date: 02/13/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
*A valid driver's license is required for this position. Please upload a copy to complete your application. Applications without this document will be considered incomplete.*
The Communications Operator, under direct supervision, responds to all 911 emergency and non-emergency incoming calls for Police, Fire, and EMS. The incumbent prioritizes the calls and dispatches emergency personnel to crime scenes, calls for assistance, accidents, request for emergency medical assistance, security officer assistance and all other service calls. The Communication Operator enters and maintains call records and any related documents in both electronic and paper format.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Answer emergency calls and dispatches appropriate personnel for response; determine when additional back up units are needed and checks for safety of personnel on call.
  2. Under direction from the Communications Shift Supervisor or Communications Manager may contact other agencies such as search and rescue, life flight support and other surrounding police agencies.
  3. Answer non-emergency call for stray or diseased animal pick up; arrest and transportation of individuals with warrants; and monitor fire and burglar alarms to determine appropriate personnel response.
  4. Maintain and documents all records of incoming and outgoing calls on Spillman CAD/RMS Systems, as well as, any other system that may be implemented by the police department.
  5. Provide police officers with requested information such as, but not limited to NCIC (National Crime Information Center) and ACIC (Arizona Crime Information Center) information, local information and general police bulletin information.
  6. Monitor radio transmissions for Police, Animal Control, Security, Detention, Fire Department and Probation, and local bus monitors.
  7. Operates all communications center equipment associated with answering, process, and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
  8. Provide pre-approved, pre-arrival instructions, directions intended to enhance the safety of the caller and the field responders.
  9. Assign the appropriate dispatch priority to a call for service based on the criteria presented by the caller; determines the order dispatch of calls for service "holding."
  10. Work closely with alarm companies in reference to silent/panic alarms activated either at any tribal enterprise and/or government facility when required to do so.
  11. Monitor local alarm and camera systems, and dispatch Police and Security Officers, as well as, the Fire Department as needed to respond to alarms
  12. Monitors any police alerting systems
  13. Enter and retrieve information from ACJIS (Arizona Criminal Justice Information System), which may include but not limited to, license and registration confirmation, missing person's information, recovered and stolen vehicles, etc...
  14. Contact resources for Law Enforcement and Fire Department Staff as needed to accomplish any task they are assigned.
  15. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by supervisor or director.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
  • Policies and procedures related to the Pascua Yaqui Communications Center;
  • Applicable federal, state, local and tribal laws, rules, and regulations;
  • Geographic and demographic layout of the Pascua Yaqui Reservation;
  • ACIC and NCIC information date process;
  • Proper application of radio communication codes and terms and the use of radio equipment;
  • Availability and use of auxiliary emergency resource, agencies, personnel, and services;
  • Yaqui culture, customs, resources and traditions and/or a willingness to learn.
Skills and Abilities:
  • Solicit needed information necessary to dispatch appropriate emergency personnel to a scene;
  • Make quick decision during priority calls, and able to work without supervision;
  • Reading and comprehending complex technical documents written in English;
  • Deal tactfully and effectively with a variety of people, often under stressful conditions;
  • Multitask necessary to work on different assignment and/or equipment at any given time;
  • Use the Pascua Yaqui Tribe's street map to locate addresses and streets;
  • Operate a base station two-way radio, computers, printers and telephones;
  • React quickly and calmly in emergency situations;
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and people of varying social background;
  • Read and understand oral and written policies, rules, instructions, and other materials of the Pascua Yaqui Fire Department;
  • Handle confidential information, which includes crime scene information and HIPAA covered medical issues.
  • Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and related software applications;
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, management, Council members, and the public. Have ability to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive verbal and written work instructions.

Education, Certifications and Experience Required
High School Diploma or GED and completed the Pascua Yaqui Training program.
AND
  • Must type at least 35 words per minute;
  • Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred, but not required;
  • Must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor, or any criminal offense involving moral turpitude in Arizona, or any Federal and State jurisdiction, where the commission of such a criminal offense would be a misdemeanor as defined by Arizona Revised Statutes, other than minor traffic violations within the previous one (1) year period;
  • Must not have been convicted of a crime or misdemeanor, or be under a court order, that would restricts the ability to possess firearms;
  • Must not have any felony convictions;
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License.
Special Requirements:
  • This position will require the incumbent to work non-traditional hours, nights, and weekends;
  • Must have a FBI, BIA, Tribal Court, and an Arizona POST Clearance,, which includes a Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card. Failure to maintain a current clearance from the aforementioned agencies will result in termination.

The Pascua Yaqui Tribe provides 22 days of Paid Time Off which increases with years of service and 15 paid Holidays per year. We offer a comprehensive healthcare benefit package that surpasses or rivals the biggest organizations in Tucson. We encourage you to stay healthy by providing an onsite Wellness Center. Additionally, the Tribe offers a 401(k) Plan with a generous match in which you're immediately vested along with a profit sharing plan after one year of employment. Sworn police and and fire employees are eligible to make Pre-Tax and After-Tax contirbutions to the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement Systems ("PSPRS").
01
Do you have a High School Diploma or G.E.D?
  • No
  • Yes

02
Do you have a current valid Arizona Driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have current FBI, BIA, Tribal Court and an Arizona POST Clearance?
  • Yes
  • No

04
This position will require the incumbent to work non-traditional hours, nights, and weekends, are you willing to work non-traditional hours?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question