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Police Communications Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Hammond

Police Communications Officer

Hammond, LA · On-site

$29K - $32K/yr

... level work in operating communications equipment, keeping records, and other duties in the ... They answer police telephones, dispatch police units, and keep simple records of these activities ...

Tamus

Police Communications Officer

College Station, TX · On-site

$23.88/hr

Must have a State of Texas class 'C' vehicle operator's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment. Qualifications Required Education and Experience: Police Communications Officer in ...

Towson University

Public Safety Officer

Towson, MD · On-site

$40K/yr

In the absence of the Police Communications Operator, staffs the Police Communication Center and may perform basic duties and responsibilities of the Police Communications Operator. Qualifications ...

City of Edinburg

Communications Operator

Edinburg, TX · On-site

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 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 ...

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Police Communications Operator information

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$33.5K

$55.1K

$72K

How much do police communications operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 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.

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.

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.
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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,123 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Police Communications Officer

City of Hammond

Hammond, LA • On-site

$29K - $32K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
Employees in positions of this class perform entrance-level work in operating communications equipment, keeping records, and other duties in the communications center of the police department. They answer police telephones, dispatch police units, and keep simple records of these activities following department procedures. Duties of this class are non-supervisory in nature and require the ability to act independently following standard operating procedures. Communications officers report to and have work reviewed by the Police Communications Supervisor.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
Examples listed below are illustrative only. They are not intended to include all duties which may be assigned, neither are they intended to exclude other duties which may be logical assignments to this class.
Answers telephone and secures the most accurate information possible for any incident from the caller; takes complaints from other sources such as police units or citizens coming into the station; determines the correct unit(s) to be dispatched and any other pertinent information by following departmental procedure; dispatches unit(s).
Keeps track of location and condition of each unit at all times; stays in touch with units; takes requests for assistance and complies with such; relays instructions from supervisors, messages, emergency information etc.
Calls state police or other law enforcement agencies by phone or radio to send or receive messages concerning auto licenses, driver’s licenses, runaways, criminal records, etc.
Answers all police department telephones and transfers callers to the correct office or department; takes telephone messages for police department personnel and delivers them.
Keeps logs, records, files, and lists by making entries on a regular basis or by periodically reviewing and up-dating information.
Files report forms, cards, logs, tapes, or other items for future reference; fills out forms, reports, or official documents required by the department;
Notifies repair crew or supervisor of any malfunctioning equipment.
Trains new communications officers by giving demonstrations, assisting with work performance, or supervising work performed during training period.
Prepares for shift change by briefing oncoming shift or by being briefed by outgoing shift, checking records from previous shift, or assembling necessary supplies and equipment.
Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Unless otherwise specified, all requirements listed below must be met by the filing deadline for application for admission to the examination.
Must meet all requirements of the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Law, including being a citizen of the United States and of legal age.
Applicant must possess one of the following: high school diploma, high school equivalency certificate, high school transcript, affidavit from the issuing high school, associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or college transcript, any one of which must indicate that graduation has occurred or a degree awarded. Any Louisiana applicant who presents a home study diploma shall submit necessary documentation indicating Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approval of the home study curriculum. Non-Louisiana applicants shall be required to present proof of completion of a high school curriculum which has been accredited by the applicant’s state, or its state-approved agency. A certification of completion shall not be sufficient to substitute for a diploma or equivalency certificate.
Must possess a valid picture identification card.
After offer of employment, but before beginning work in this class, must pass a physical examination, the selection and administration of which shall be authorized by the Appointing Authority, designed to demonstrate good health and physical fitness sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without accommodation.
Police Communications Officer HM
Original Adoption: 12-21-64
Revision Dates: 06-12-69, 12-17-81, 10-19-94, 01-19-05, 03-16-11, 12-18-14, 02-15-18

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