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Police Dispatcher Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Public Safety Dispatcher

Davenport, IA · On-site

$57K - $79K/yr

Dispatches police, sheriff, and fire departments in accordance with established policies and ... AND some previous customer service or dispatch experience; OR an equivalent combination of ...

E911 Dispatcher

Adel, IA

$28.83 - $33.14/hr

This position is responsible for the dispatching of police, medical and fire services on a county wide basis and receiving, securing and disseminating information to and from police officers, police ...

Dispatcher

Boone, IA · On-site

$23.85 - $28.06/hr

Dispatching of police, medical and fire services on a county-wide basis. Calls for services received from various police agencies and E911 system. Operate police radio system, national crime computer ...

Under general supervision, exercises functional supervisory control over a unit of Police Officers and Trainees, Public Safety Officers, and Public Safety Dispatchers as directed to ensure proper ...

Under general supervision, exercises functional supervisory control over a unit of Police Officers and Trainees, Public Safety Officers, and Public Safety Dispatchers as directed to ensure proper ...

Public Safety Dispatcher

Ames, IA · On-site

$57K - $69K/yr

A Public Safety Dispatcher with the Ames Police Department performs work involved in the operation of a complex communications system; receives and handles both emergency and non-emergency ...

We Commit And Never Quit Dispatcher Requirements: * Experienced technician * Strong understanding of technician dispatching and shop workflow * Outgoing and approachable personality * Excellent ...

We Commit And Never Quit Dispatcher Requirements: * Experienced technician * Strong understanding of technician dispatching and shop workflow * Outgoing and approachable personality * Excellent ...

We Commit And Never Quit Dispatcher Requirements: * Experienced technician * Strong understanding of technician dispatching and shop workflow * Outgoing and approachable personality * Excellent ...

We Commit And Never Quit Dispatcher Requirements: * Experienced technician * Strong understanding of technician dispatching and shop workflow * Outgoing and approachable personality * Excellent ...

We Commit And Never Quit Dispatcher Requirements: * Experienced technician * Strong understanding of technician dispatching and shop workflow * Outgoing and approachable personality * Excellent ...

E911 Dispatacher

Adel, IA · On-site

$28.83 - $33.14/hr

Dispatch Opening Date: 08/19/2026 Closing Date: 9/16/2026 4:30 PM Central This position is responsible for the dispatching of police, medical and fire services on a county wide basis and receiving ...

The dispatcher will coordinate responses by obtaining patient information and activating the appropriate * Coordinates alternate transportation when a transport team is unable to provide service.

The dispatcher will coordinate responses by obtaining patient information and activating the appropriate * Coordinates alternate transportation when a transport team is unable to provide service.

The dispatcher will coordinate responses by obtaining patient information and activating the appropriate * Coordinates alternate transportation when a transport team is unable to provide service.

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Police Dispatcher information

See Iowa salary details

$25.8K

$60.5K

$95.3K

How much do police dispatcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for police dispatcher in Iowa is $60,544.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,800.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police dispatcher?

Police dispatchers are professionals who receive emergency and non-emergency calls, gather crucial information, and coordinate the appropriate police response. They use communication systems to dispatch officers, relay instructions, and provide support during incidents. Dispatchers play a vital role in ensuring public safety by maintaining clear and efficient communication between the public and law enforcement agencies.

What does a police dispatcher do?

As a police dispatcher, your duties are to answer emergency phone calls, relay essential information to law enforcement or other emergency response agencies, and coordinate emergency responders. This information includes the nature of the caller’s situation as well as essential information about the address and any known criminal activity at the location. You are also responsible for providing the caller with useful information about safety and the timeframe for a response. In addition to your responsibilities during an emergency call, it is your duty to log all calls and file routine reports related to your shift.

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 communication skills, the ability to multitask under pressure, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and emergency response protocols is crucial. Exceptional decision-making, emotional resilience, and attention to detail help dispatchers effectively manage stressful situations and support first responders. These skills ensure timely, accurate information flow and public safety in critical situations.

What are some common challenges police dispatchers face during high-stress situations, and how are they supported in managing these challenges?

Police dispatchers often handle multiple emergency calls simultaneously, requiring quick thinking and clear communication under pressure. High-stress situations, such as coordinating responses to major incidents or dealing with distressed callers, can be emotionally demanding. To support dispatchers, agencies typically provide thorough training, access to mental health resources, and structured debriefings after particularly difficult calls. Teamwork and strong supervisory support are also essential, ensuring dispatchers are not working in isolation and can rely on colleagues during intense shifts.

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

AspectPolice DispatcherEmergency Medical Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; some certifications in dispatchingHigh school diploma or GED; CPR and emergency medical dispatch certifications
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, emergency call centersEmergency call centers, hospitals, ambulance services
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies

Police Dispatchers and Emergency Medical Dispatchers both operate in emergency call centers, handling urgent calls. Police Dispatchers primarily coordinate law enforcement responses, while Emergency Medical Dispatchers focus on medical emergencies. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, making them closely related in the emergency response industry.

How to 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 written exam. Some agencies require certification in emergency medical dispatch or other relevant skills, and candidates must often demonstrate strong communication and multitasking abilities.

Is being a police dispatcher a good career?

Police dispatchers play a critical role in emergency response by relaying information between callers and officers, often working in high-pressure environments. The job typically requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle stressful situations, with opportunities for advancement and job stability in law enforcement agencies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police Dispatcher jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Police Dispatcher jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Police Dispatcher jobs in Iowa?

For Police Dispatcher jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Police Dispatcher jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Police Dispatcher jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Police Dispatcher jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Police Dispatcher job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Dispatcher job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,544 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Public Safety Dispatcher

Scott County (IA)

Davenport, IA • On-site

$57K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Scott County (Minnesota) rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

73rd of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Summary Under general supervision, the Public Safety Dispatcher answers calls at the Scott Emergency Communications Center and dispatches emergency calls to emergency responders and non-emergency call to the appropriate resources or agency in accordance with established procedures. As part of the hiring process, all applicants will need to complete the following steps: CritiCall Applicant Testing-August 21st - August 28th First Interview-held in person at SECC September 3rd, 4th, 8th, 9th, or 10th. Possibly second interview and Dispatch Sit-Along *Curious about a career in Dispatch.

SECC is holding an open house on August 10th from 5pm-7pm to see what we do and ability to ask questions. Job Responsibilities Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class.

Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Answers incoming emergency calls; obtains required information for emergency responses and enters related information into the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system; prioritizes calls for service and notifies outside supervises when officers or deputies are unavailable for immediate response.

Dispatches police, sheriff, and fire departments in accordance with established policies and procedures; utilizes CAD system to track and monitor the status of responding personnel Answers all non-emergency, alarm, and administrative calls; obtains all pertinent call information and enters a call for service into CAD system; refers call to appropriate agency or resource. Monitors and responds to all NCIC/ IOWA tele-messages sent to the NCIC terminal; completes inquiries as requested by officers, authorized personnel, or other authorizes agencies. Enters and clears warrants, stolen vehicles, missing persons, and missing or stolen articles into appropriate system; enters and modifies orders of protection as necessary.

Attends and participates in training and continuing education as required to maintain all required certifications. Operates all radio consoles and support equipment; notifies management of any equipment issues. Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.

Performs related duties as assigned. Standards For Initial Consideration Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines: High school diploma or GED equivalent; AND some previous customer service or dispatch experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Knowledge of: Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinance.

Scott County and surrounding county geography. Customer service principles, practices, and etiquette. Critical thinking principles and practices.

Records maintenance policies, procedures, and practices. Skill in: Maintaining composure in high stress situations. Operating a computer including standard software and some specialized software; using multiple monitors.

Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy. Maintaining accurate records and technical documentation. Completing multiple tasks simultaneously and with frequent interruptions.

Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships. Communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Supplemental Information License and Certification Requirements Must obtain Emergency Fire Dispatcher, Emergency Police Dispatcher, and NCIC certifications within one (1) year of hire.

Must successfully complete Emergency Telecommunicator training within one (1) year of hire. Physical Demands and Working Environment: Work is performed indoors in the Scott Emergency Communications Center and requires sitting for long periods of time.


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