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Police Communications Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Emergency Communications Operator Under direct supervision, performs communications work in the Emergency Communications Center of the Police Department on an assigned shift. Work involves receiving ...

Some knowledge of police and fire safety tactics as they relate to communications. Ability to quickly learn the department organization and standard operating procedures. Ability to prioritize and ...

Police Officer

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$61K - $75K/yr

Communications involves the ability to read, write, and speak. Reads technical instructions ... operating instructions, and methods and procedures for investigations and in drawing and layout ...

Showing results 21-40

Police Communications Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$33.2K

$54.7K

$71.4K

How much do police communications operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for police communications operator in Virginia is $54,651.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,600.00 and $61,500.00 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.
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What cities in Virginia are hiring for Police Communications Operator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Police Communications Operator job openings:
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Infographic showing various Police Communications Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,651 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

$54K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Performs protective service work involving general police duty that frequently involves an element of personal danger and is performed sometimes under emergency conditions. Enforces federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Promotes public knowledge of laws and ordinances and provides assistance to the public.

Performs other duties as assigned. Starting range is $54,173.39-$64,728.35 based on qualifications and placement on the pay step plan. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS ~ Patrols assigned area during scheduled shift, observing for violations of traffic or other laws, issuing citations for violations

Observes for suspicious activities or persons and disturbances of law and order. Checks doors and windows of buildings or residences to ensure security. ~ Works any shift, including holidays, weekends and overtime as assigned.

~ Responds to radio dispatches. ~ Communicates effectively over the police radio channels. ~ Operates assigned vehicle safely under all conditions, including in emergencies, congested traffic, inclement weather, and while using a police radio.

~ Performs physical enforcement duties, including pursuing suspects and making arrests, to subdue resisting and violent subject using approved maneuvers and/or weapons as applicable. ~ Uses independent judgment in determining reasonable suspicion to detain and search, and probable cause to arrest a suspect. ~ Performs rescue operations at accidents, disasters, and other emergency situations.

~ Performs protective services in situations that may involve lifting, carrying, dragging, climbing, crawling, jumping, gaining entrance through barriers, directing traffic for long periods of time, and extinguishing small fires through the use of a fire extinguisher or other appropriate means. ~ Performs searches of people, vehicles, buildings and outdoor areas that may involve walking for long periods of time and detecting objects by using body senses. ~ Operates issued firearms under conditions of stress and at levels of proficiency and certification as prescribed by the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

~ Gathers and records information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informants. ~ Detects, preserves, and collects evidence and substances that form the basis of criminal offenses and infractions. ~ Ensures investigative and descriptive reports and sketches are prepared using appropriate spelling, sentence structure, grammar, mathematical computations, and symbols.

~ Transports prisoners and mentally ill persons using appropriate physical restraints. ~ Demonstrates the effective preparation, comprehension, and processing of legal and non- legal documents including criminal and traffic citations, affidavits and search warrants. ~ Demonstrates effective communication skills with people by listening, providing information, mediating disputes, advising of applicable rights and processes, and maintaining composure when confronted with hostile views and opinions of suspects and others encountered in an antagonistic environment.

~ Provides testimony and evidence by conveying pertinent facts and details in court and other formal settings. ~ Conducts visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time. REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES Education: Required: High School diploma or equivalent.

Experience: Preferred: Some experience dealing with the public and enforcing rules. Certifications/Licenses: Required: Valid Virginia driver's license with good driving record. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: General knowledge of approved principles, techniques, and practices of police work; laws and ordinances governing local police work; and of the geography of the County and the location of important buildings.

Skill in the use of firearms and the operation of a motor vehicle in emergency situations, inclement weather, and while operating a police radio. Skill in the use of computers for completion of police incident reports and for purposes of communication. Ability to comprehend and carry out oral and written instructions, both legal and non-legal.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of actions. Ability to deal courteously, firmly and tactfully with the public and to establish and maintain effective working relationships through good interpersonal skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None Additional Requirements: Must be a citizen of the United States, twenty-one (21) years of age by date of hire, and not have any felony convictions. Must successfully complete the minimum training standards as required by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Must not use tobacco products on or off duty to ensure compliance with the Virginia Heart and Lung Laws.

Must work fixed or rotating shifts including holiday and weekend work as assigned. Must maintain your baseline physical condition. Must be willing to update knowledge of law enforcement practices, legal issues, and equipment.

Must meet all existing policies and procedures of the Roanoke County Police Department and abide by the Roanoke County Police Department's residency requirement. Subject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results. Must also be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description.

OTHER INFORMATION