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Police Communications Supervisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... communications center of the police department. They answer police telephones, dispatch police ... Duties of this class are non-supervisory in nature and require the ability to act independently ...

... communications center of the police department. They answer police telephones, dispatch police ... Duties of this class are non-supervisory in nature and require the ability to act independently ...

$21.75/hr

Job Posting: JR101812 Police Communications Operator (Open) Department: Police Department, JM ... Notifies command, supervisory, and administrative personnel about incidents. * Transmits and ...

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Police Communications Supervisor information

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$41K

$85.9K

$145.5K

How much do police communications supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for police communications supervisor in the United States is $85,857.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $97,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a Police Communications Supervisor, and how can they be addressed?

Police Communications Supervisors often manage high-pressure situations, such as coordinating responses to emergencies while ensuring clear communication among dispatchers and officers. Balancing staff schedules, handling critical incidents, and maintaining performance standards can also be challenging. Staying calm under pressure, fostering teamwork, and providing ongoing training are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Supervisors who develop strong communication and leadership skills are better equipped to support their team and maintain effective operations.

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

To thrive as a Police Communications Supervisor, you need experience in emergency dispatch operations, a solid understanding of public safety protocols, and typically a background in criminal justice or related fields. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and certifications such as APCO or NENA are often required. Leadership, decision-making under pressure, and effective interpersonal communication are vital soft skills for managing teams and handling critical incidents. These competencies ensure efficient emergency response, team coordination, and public safety in high-stress environments.

What are the responsibilities of a Police Communications Supervisor?

A Police Communications Supervisor oversees the operations of a police dispatch center, ensuring effective communication between emergency callers, dispatchers, and law enforcement personnel. They manage a team of dispatchers, train new staff, monitor ongoing calls, and ensure protocols are followed for public safety. Additionally, they handle scheduling, address performance issues, and coordinate with other departments during emergencies or major incidents. Their role is crucial in maintaining smooth and efficient emergency communication services.

What is the difference between Police Communications Supervisor vs Police Dispatcher?

AspectPolice Communications SupervisorPolice Dispatcher
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; certifications in emergency communicationHigh school diploma or GED; certifications in emergency dispatching
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role overseeing dispatch staff; administrative tasksHandling emergency calls; radio communication with officers
Employer & IndustryPolice departments; public safety agenciesPolice departments; emergency response agencies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding supervisory roles in dispatchDetails about dispatching duties and qualifications

The Police Communications Supervisor oversees dispatch operations and manages staff, requiring supervisory skills and certifications. In contrast, a Police Dispatcher primarily handles emergency calls and radio communication. Both roles are vital in law enforcement communication, but the supervisor has additional administrative and leadership responsibilities.

More about Police Communications Supervisor jobs
What states have the most Police Communications Supervisor jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Communications Supervisor jobs include:

Police Communications Supervisor

City of Madison, Alabama

Madison, AL • On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

General Position Summary The Communications Supervisor is responsible for the direct supervision of assigned personnel within the Communications Division. This position oversees and evaluates subordinate staff to ensure high standards of performance, including the quality and quantity of work, operational effectiveness, efficiency, and professional conduct. The Communications Supervisor serves as a leader and role model, fostering a positive and professional work environment while motivating personnel to perform at optimal levels.

This position requires consistent exercise of sound, independent judgment grounded in comprehensive knowledge of city and departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards. Reporting directly to the Communications Manager, the Communications Supervisor must be available to work all hours, to include weekends and holidays, or overtime with little or no notice. Supervisors may be assigned or reassigned to any shift based on the operational needs of the division.

The role includes daily oversight of assigned shifts and personnel and may require assuming the duties of the Communications Manager in their absence. Additional responsibilities include planning and organizing shift operations; fostering and maintaining cooperative and professional working relationships among assigned personnel; and coordinating effectively with other shifts, sections, divisions, and allied agencies. The Communications Supervisor must also maintain clear, open, and consistent communication with fellow shift supervisors and the Communications Manager to ensure continuity of operations and effective delivery of service.

Examples of Responsibilities Performs all functions of a Public Safety Dispatcher when needed. Oversees of daily operations of the Communications Division. Monitors shift personnel for compliance with City, Department and Center rules and regulations Monitors the daily operation of equipment, submits repair requests based on the critical nature of the problem or malfunction.

Reports major issues to the Communications Manager. Documents positive and negative performance of shift personnel in BlueTeam and forwards reports to the Communications Manager for review and appropriate action. Completes a yearly performance evaluation on each subordinate assigned administratively to his or her shift as directed by policy.

Implements goals and objectives, which are consistent with the Department's vision and mission. Assists dispatchers in making sound decisions by providing instruction, guidance and coaching. Handles initial citizen complaints on communications personnel and forwards them to the Communications Manager.

Maintains an accurate shift schedule and if needed, assigns duty positions based on rotation. Assists in determining training needs of dispatchers. Completes monthly Quality Assurance forms on all dispatchers assigned to them to ensure proper call handling, radio procedures and citizen interactions.

Approves or denies leave requests in a timely manner and coordinates coverage for staffing shortages. Oversees the actions and duties of any Communications Training Officers assigned to their shift to ensure proper training of new employees. Reviews and approves all daily observation reports submitted by Communications Training Officers assigned to them.

Reviews and approves all time sheets of employees assigned to their shift to ensure accurate reporting of leave, overtime and work hours. Contributes to the development and review of division policy, effectively communicating and implementing departmental directives to personnel. Job Conditions: Work takes place in the Huntsville-Madison County 911 Center, a joint, multi-agency public safety answering point (PSAP) which operates 24hrs a day and houses 8 different agencies.

Work is primarily performed in an office setting, or on the operations floor when needed. Must be willing to work irregular hours, extended hours, weekends and holidays, at times with little or no notice to cover for shift shortages. Minimal Qualifications Must have three (3) years serving as a Public Safety Dispatcher or equivalent position.

Must attend, complete and pass an accredited Communications Training Officer (CTO) certification within scheduled timeframe specified by the department. Must attend, complete and pass an accredited Communications Center Supervisor (CCS) course within scheduled timeframe specified by the department. Must have the ability to learn various database systems to include CAD, audio recording, radio identifiers and virtual phone systems.

College credits, degrees or professional certificates in the area of Public Safety, Business, Management or leadership are highly desired but not required. High school diploma or GED required in order to perform and comprehend the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Strong background record is required, due to accessibility to city property and interaction with public and children.

Supplemental Information Knowledge of Public Safety Dispatcher functions, Communications Division operations, workflow management, and equipment systems. Knowledge of City, Department, and Communications Center rules, regulations, policies, and reporting requirements. Knowledge of supervisory, leadership, training, quality assurance, and performance evaluation principles, including documentation standards.

Skill in performing Public Safety Dispatcher duties and overseeing daily shift operations. Skill in monitoring compliance with policies and operational standards. Skill in documenting, evaluating, and managing employee performance, including use of BlueTeam.

Skill in coaching, mentoring, and guiding personnel to support sound decision-making and professional development. Skill in managing shift schedules, staffing needs, and prioritizing operational resources, including equipment issues. Skill in conducting quality assurance reviews and handling citizen complaints professionally.

Skill in communicating policies, directives, and expectations clearly and effectively. Ability to exercise sound judgment in supervisory and operational decision-making. Ability to enforce standards consistently while maintaining accountability and fairness.

Ability to assess performance, identify training needs, and support employee development. Ability to foster teamwork and maintain effective working relationships within the division and with allied agencies. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-stress public safety environment.

Physical Capabilities: This position's physical requirements involve sedentary work, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Work requires ability to communicate, attend to tasks without distractions, reason effectively, use effective judgment, maintain alertness and awareness, perform multiple concurrent tasks, and exercise memory at times under adverse and stressful situations. See well enough to read written text and computerized screens at various font sizes.

Work requires the ability to perceive and discriminate colors via computer screens and maps. Hear well enough to communicate by radio, telephone or any other transmitting device, including messages from difficult-to-understand callers and field responders. Speak well enough to clearly articulate and communicate to citizens and responders.

Must have dexterity of limbs hands and fingers to write legibly and type accurately. Ability to travel for schools/training or other department related functions sometimes overnight. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time particularly during high stress situations Must be able to adjust to occasional sleep pattern disruptions as a result of irregular shift work.