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Police Communications Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Edinburg

Communications Operator

Edinburg, TX · On-site

$18.95/hr

Communications Operator City of Edinburg in Edinburg, TX is actively seeking a dedicated Communications Operator to perform functions within the Police Department. Are you seeking engaging work ? Do ...

Pascua Yaqui Tribe, AZ

Communications Operator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$38K/yr

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 ...

Pascua Yaqui Tribe

Communications Operator

Tucson, AZ

$40K/yr

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 ...

City of Edinburg

Communications Operator

Edinburg, TX · On-site

$18.95/hr

Communications Operator City of Edinburg in Edinburg, TX is actively seeking a dedicated Communications Operator to perform functions within the Police Department. Are you seeking engaging work ? Do ...

City of Visalia, CA

COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

Visalia, CA · On-site

$63K - $79K/yr

Police Opening Date: 05/24/2024 Closing Date: Continuous Description The City of Visalia Police Department is recruiting for Communications Operator (Dispatcher). The recruitment is open continuously ...

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Police Communications Operator information

See salary details

$33.5K

$55.1K

$72K

How much do police communications operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for police communications 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 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.

Why do 911 dispatchers quit?

911 dispatchers often leave the job due to high stress levels, emotional burnout, and shift work that can disrupt personal life. The demanding nature of the role, combined with exposure to traumatic calls and the need for quick decision-making, contributes to turnover. Job satisfaction can be affected by workload, staffing shortages, and limited opportunities for advancement.

What is a communications officer in the police?

A police communications officer, also known as a dispatcher or call taker, is responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls, gathering information, and dispatching police units to incidents. They must have strong communication skills, knowledge of radio systems, and often work in a 24/7 environment to ensure quick and accurate response coordination.

How does a Police Communications Operator typically handle high-stress situations, and what support is available from the team?

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 are Police Communications Operators?

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.

Is it hard to be hired as a 911 dispatcher?

Becoming a police communications operator or 911 dispatcher typically requires completing a training program, passing written and psychological exams, and demonstrating strong communication skills. The hiring process can be competitive due to the importance of the role and the need for reliability and composure in emergency situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Police Communications Operator, and why are they important?

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.

How much do 911 call dispatchers make?

911 call dispatchers, also known as emergency dispatchers or police communications operators, typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $50,000. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and certifications, with some regions offering higher pay for specialized skills or longer shifts.
More about Police Communications Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Police Communications Operator jobs? Cities with the most Police Communications Operator job openings:
What states have the most Police Communications Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Communications Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Police Communications Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Police Communications Operator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Police Communications Operator jobs? For Police Communications Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Police Communications Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Communications Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 59% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,123 per year, or $26.5 per hour.
Communications Operator

Communications Operator

City of Edinburg

Edinburg, TX • On-site

$18.95/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

City Of Edinburg rating

4.3

Company rating: 4.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

657th of 663 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Communications Operator City of Edinburg in Edinburg, TX is actively seeking a dedicated Communications Operator to perform functions within the Police Department. Are you seeking engaging work? Do you wish to advance your career in dispatching? Does working for a rapidly growing city sound appealing to you? If so, please continue reading!
This Communications Operator position earns competitive pay of $ 18.95/hr. We provide great benefits and perks, including paid holidays, paid time off (PTO), life & ADD insurance, a retirement plan with a 7% employee contribution and a city match of 2 to 1, 100%-paid medical and 100%-paid dental with optional dependent coverage, workers compensation, and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Additionally, we offer our employees an employee assistance program (EAP), a healthy lifestyle program, and access to Active Edinburg fitness centers. If this sounds like the right opportunity to work with a fast paced department, apply to join our team today!
ABOUT CITY OF EDINBURG
Edinburg is the fastest growing city in the Rio Grande Valley, with a 23% growth rate since 2010, and is among the top five fastest-growing cities in the state. It has been recognized as an all-American city three times by the National Civic League, placing it among a handful of outstanding communities in the nation. Our wonderful city has exceptional entertainment, arts & culture, recreation, and education, which makes it a great place to work.
Our employees share our dedication to the city, which is why we like to show them our appreciation for their commitment. We do this by providing competitive compensation, exceptional PTO opportunities, and other great benefits to help them lead healthy, productive lives. We care about people, and that includes both our residents and employees!
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR
As an Communications Operator, you spend your day utilizing the department's communication system to process emergency and non-emergency calls and requests for service, and coordinates the response for law enforcement and fire department via two-way radio. You are constantly on your toes and ready for any new and unexpected challenges that may arise in the city.
When you are not out in the city, you assist in communicating with emergency personnel, obtaining information, performing data entry, recording warrants, stolen vehicles and property, runaways and protective orders into a national database, utilizing computer systems, dispatching appropriate department personnel to various locations, and other duties as required. You enjoy being helpful and have no problem providing assistance and support to other divisions within the department as needed. The city needs someone like you with great people skills in providing excellent customer service to all our customers, and finds genuine enjoyment in what you do!
QUALIFICATIONS FOR A COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR
  • One (1) year of experience in work involving the receiving, transmitting, and relaying of information over the phone and/or computer.
  • High school diploma, GED or equivalency.
  • Must successfully pass the state required telecommunications course and obtain TCOLE License within first (1) year of employment.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

Are you someone who can handle multiple tasks? Do you have excellent oral and written communication skills? Are you attentive to detail? Do you enjoy working as part of a team? Is dependability one of your strengths? If yes, you might just be perfect for this Communications Operator job!
READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?
If you feel that you have the right skills to succeed as our Communications Operator, apply now using our mobile-friendly application.
Location: 78541
Applicants will be subject to a complete background investigation. Incomplete, inaccurate and/or failure to report information will cause the applicant rejection from consideration.
Applicants must also take and pass a pre-employment drug test administered by the City of Edinburg at the City's expense.

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