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Police Dispatch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Memphis

Police Dispatcher

Memphis, TN · On-site

Knowledge of Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems * Familiarity with NCIC and/or state criminal justice systems * Experience in a multi-line phone system or call center environment Applicants must ...

University of Memphis

Police Dispatcher

Memphis, TN · On-site

Knowledge of Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems * Familiarity with NCIC and/or state criminal justice systems * Experience in a multi-line phone system or call center environment Applicants must ...

City of Indio

IPD Police Dispatcher

Indio, CA

$54K - $79K/yr

This class is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Dispatch Supervisor in that the latter has the responsibility for performing the more complex and sensitive duties and for ...

Oklahoma City University

Police Dispatcher

Campus, IL · On-site

Must successfully complete all internal police dispatch, and related training. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Excellent writing skills without the use of auxiliary aids or services. * Excellent ...

City of Mesquite, TX

Police Recruiter

Mesquite, TX · On-site

$47K - $56K/yr

Manage a Public Safety Recruiting database of all email and phone contacts with Police Officer, Police Dispatcher and Detention Officer applicants. * Design and implement study guides and pre-test ...

University of New Mexico

Police Dispatcher

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$18.27 - $23.50/hr

Must successfully complete all internal police dispatch and related training. * Must possess a valid typing test certificate issued by a state agency, county agency, or an accredited educational ...

City of Montclair

Senior Police Dispatcher

Montclair, CA · On-site

$64K - $78K/yr

Dispatch, as necessary, Police and other emergency units in response to calls for service or requests from Officers in the field; use appropriate terminology and cite Code sections by number; call ...

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Police Dispatch information

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How much do police dispatch jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for police dispatch in the United States is $64,459.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police dispatcher?

Police dispatchers are trained professionals who receive emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and coordinate the appropriate police response. They gather crucial information from callers, assess the situation, and communicate with police officers via radio or computer to ensure a quick and effective response. Dispatchers play a vital role in public safety by remaining calm under pressure, multitasking, and providing instructions to callers until help arrives. Their work is essential for maintaining efficient communication between the public and law enforcement agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police dispatcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Dispatcher, you need strong multitasking abilities, clear communication skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some agencies requiring specialized training or certifications. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio equipment, and emergency phone systems is essential. Exceptional composure under pressure, active listening, and problem-solving skills help dispatchers effectively manage high-stress situations. These skills are crucial for ensuring swift, accurate emergency response and maintaining public and officer safety.

What are some common challenges faced by police dispatchers during high-pressure situations, and how can they manage stress effectively?

Police dispatchers frequently encounter high-pressure situations, such as coordinating emergency responses or handling multiple calls simultaneously. Staying calm under pressure, prioritizing tasks, and communicating clearly with officers and callers are essential skills. Many agencies provide ongoing training and access to support resources, like peer counseling or stress management programs, to help dispatchers cope with job-related stress. Building strong teamwork and maintaining open communication with colleagues can also make challenging shifts more manageable.

What is the difference between Police Dispatch vs Emergency Medical Dispatcher?

AspectPolice DispatchEmergency Medical Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; CPR certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, emergency call centersMedical call centers, emergency response centers
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agenciesHealthcare and emergency medical services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Police Dispatch and Emergency Medical Dispatch both involve handling emergency calls, but they serve different agencies and require specific certifications. Police Dispatch focuses on law enforcement emergencies, while Emergency Medical Dispatch centers on medical emergencies. Both roles are vital in emergency response systems and share similar work environments and credential requirements.

How do you become a police dispatcher?

To become a police dispatcher, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a dispatcher training program, and pass a background check and aptitude tests. Strong communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and knowledge of radio and computer systems are also important for the role.
More about Police Dispatch jobs

What cities are hiring for Police Dispatch jobs?

Cities with the most Police Dispatch job openings:

What states have the most Police Dispatch jobs?

States with the most job openings for Police Dispatch jobs include:

Police Dispatch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Dispatch job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,459 per year, or $31 per hour.

Supervisor, Police Dispatch

City of Overland Park

Overland Park, KS • On-site

$36.58 - $50.32/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

City Of Overland Park rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 855 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

The City of Overland Park has a full-time Supervisor, Police Dispatch position available in the Police Department.
JOB SUMMARY:
Supervises, assigns, and reviews the work of employees responsible for providing communications and police dispatch services on an assigned shift. Assists dispatchers in all areas of emergency communications, including answering emergency calls, dispatching, entering information into computer aided dispatch system, and conducting records checks. Ensures that proper procedures, techniques and policies are followed. Monitors various alarms at City facilities and severe weather conditions in order to activate storm sirens. Maintains and updates records of Unit activity.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Plans, prioritizes, assigns, supervises and reviews the work of employees responsible for providing communications and police dispatch services. Trains and evaluates dispatchers in all areas of police communications. Ensures that proper procedures, techniques and policies are followed.
  • Assigns dispatchers to work in various assignments. Distributes human resources according to established needs. Acts on and approves/disapproves vacation and sick leave requests. Audits dispatchers' use of sick leave. Assigns dispatchers to training classes. Establishes work schedules, makes entries in payroll log and creates payroll forms.
  • Identify core training, pre-emptive, and remedial training for dispatchers. Train, evaluate, and document training. Provide training recommendations to superiors.
  • Maintains a shift log of communications and dispatching activities for assigned shift and updates activity reports.
  • Participates in all areas of emergency communications, including answering emergency calls, dispatching, entering information into computer aided dispatch systems and conducting records checks. Monitors alarms at City facilities and severe weather conditions. Must be able to perform all functions of the Police Dispatcher and Senior Police Dispatcher positions.
  • Interprets, recommends and assists in the implementation of goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
  • Ensures all equipment is working properly. Operates, monitors, tests, inspects and troubleshoots equipment. Documents equipment failure and arranges for needed repairs.
  • Performs investigations relating to internal and/or external complaints to address employee performance and/or conduct. Makes disciplinary recommendations and counsel subordinates as requested.
  • Court preparation and testimony. Meets with prosecutors to clarify facts prior to trial; responds to questions from prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges; reviews case reports and evidence prior to trial; understands and applies legal principles; comprehends laws and abstract concepts; organizes facts and provides accurate testimony under stress; recalls and reviews case details prior to testimony.
  • Plan, coordinate, and supervise the training of subordinates and on-the-job training for new employees.
  • Terminal Agency Coordinator responsibilities. Ensure department personnel are appropriately screened, trained, and adhere to established guidelines. Enters new users into computer systems. Process CJIS computer entries for validation; interpret, analyze, and audit CJIS entries. Ensure personnel have appropriate CJIS access. Trains department members on CJIS policies and procedures. Makes suggestions for department policy and procedure changes.
  • Perform quality control checks of the work of subordinates.
  • The employee must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with supervisors, customers, vendors and any other persons or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
  • The employee must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled work breaks, where applicable.

Requirements:
EDUCATION & SPECIAL LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or equivalent. Associates degree preferred.
  • Access to the Kansas Criminal Justice Information System (KCJIS) is required, so the following KCJIS requirements apply:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must have not been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor.

EXPERIENCE:
  • Five years of increasingly responsible telephone or radio dispatch experience. Police radio communications and computer experience required (REJIS, NCIC, etc.).

SKILLS:
  • Good oral communication skills.
  • PC computer skills.
  • Manual dexterity.
  • Reading.
  • Ability to work in an environment with constant interruptions and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to recognize and protect confidential information.
  • Concentration.
  • Good memory skills.
  • Ability to read and comprehend City, state and federal regulations.
  • Ability to analyze problems and recommend possible solutions.
  • Ability to work on several projects at once.
  • Diplomacy and judgement.
  • Good listening skills.
  • Ability to work under distracting conditions.
  • Alpha and numeric recognition.
  • Ability to breakdown procedures to individual steps.
  • Logical reasoning.
  • Patience.
  • Understanding of computer commands.
  • Ability to analyze safety situations.
  • Ability to train and guide others.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Hand and eye coordination adequate to input computers.
  • Visual stamina and acuity adequate to review alpha/numeric data and to spend long periods looking at a computer screen.
  • Ability to make and receive phone calls.
  • Ability to hear clearly over the phone and two-way radio.
  • Ability to speak clearly and distinctly over the phone and two-way radio.
  • Mobility to visit all computer terminal sites within the communications center.
  • Ability to sit and be attentive for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to operate PC, computer terminals, two-way radio, recording equipment, 911 phone lines, and all Dispatch equipment and machinery.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (Direct & Indirect)
  • Direct: Police Dispatchers

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
No City residency requirement.
Must successfully pass a background check, drug screen, physical exam and essential functions test.
Normal Work Hours: Variable Shift - Police Department
Salary Range: Grade H, $36.58 - $50.32
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Benefits: Full-time
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States and proof of eligibility must be provided if selected for hire.
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