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Police Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

City of Brighton, CO

Police Officer

Brighton, CO · On-site

$76K - $111K/yr

Police Department Division: Sworn Opening Date: 07/28/2026 Closing Date: 8/18/2026 11:00 PM ... Operating necessary computer equipment and software for report writing; including Microsoft Word ...

Town of Estes Park

Police Officer Recruit

Estes Park, CO

$77K - $85K/yr

Skill in operating motor vehicles in hazardous situations. Skill in using weapons and other police equipment. Ability to collect and preserve evidence including biological material. Ability to follow ...

City of Brighton

Police Officer

Brighton, CO · On-site

$76K - $111K/yr

Ethics and its relationship to law enforcement The importance of good police-community relations ... Operating necessary computer equipment and software for report writing; including Microsoft Word ...

City of Sterling, CO

Police Officer I

Sterling, CO · On-site

$68K - $87K/yr

Completes police report to describe in a clear, accurate, and concise manner all primary and ... Possess and maintain the appropriate CO operator's license for the type of City owned vehicle which ...

CITY OF STERLING

Police Officer I

Sterling, CO · On-site

Completes police report to describe in a clear, accurate, and concise manner all primary and ... Possess and maintain the appropriate CO operator's license for the type of City owned vehicle which ...

Lakewood

Police Property Evidence Technician

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$32.36 - $35.96/hr

Ability to become a Certified Forklift Operator within six-months of hire * Ability to operate a ... police personnel and co-workers and to provide testimony in court. Reasoning Ability to apply good ...

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All JobsPolice Operator JobsPolice Operator Jobs in Colorado

Police Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$35.2K

$58K

$75.7K

How much do police operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for police operator in Colorado is $57,963.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $65,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police operator?

Police operators, often referred to as police dispatchers or emergency dispatchers, are responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls, gathering information from callers, and coordinating the appropriate response by dispatching police officers or other emergency services. They play a critical role in ensuring public safety by remaining calm under pressure, accurately relaying information, and prioritizing calls based on urgency. Police operators also use specialized communication systems and databases to assist both callers and officers in the field.

What challenges do police operators face during high-pressure situations?

Police Operators often encounter high-pressure situations, such as handling multiple emergency calls simultaneously or dealing with distressed callers. The ability to remain calm, prioritize effectively, and communicate clearly is essential. Operators must quickly relay accurate information to officers in the field while maintaining professionalism and composure. Continuous training, teamwork, and support from supervisors help manage the stress and ensure effective response to emergencies.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a police operator?

To thrive as a Police Operator, you need strong communication abilities, quick decision-making skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some agencies requiring additional training or certifications. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communications equipment, and emergency response protocols is typically expected. Excellent multitasking, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These qualifications are crucial for accurately relaying information, ensuring public safety, and supporting law enforcement personnel during high-stress situations.

How to become a police operator?

To become a police operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a written exam and background check, and complete a training program at a police academy. Strong communication skills, the ability to handle stressful situations, and proficiency with radio and computer systems are also important requirements.

What is the difference between Police Operator vs Emergency Dispatcher?

AspectPolice OperatorEmergency Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in communication protocolsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification in emergency communication
Work EnvironmentPolice dispatch centers, emergency call centersEmergency response centers, 911 call centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agenciesPublic safety agencies, emergency services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Police Operators and Emergency Dispatchers often perform similar roles in emergency communication. While both require communication skills and work in emergency call centers, Police Operators typically focus on police-related calls, whereas Emergency Dispatchers handle a broader range of emergencies including fire and medical services. The roles are closely related, with overlapping skills and work environments, but differ in scope and specific responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Police Operator jobs in Colorado? For Police Operator jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Police Operator jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Police Operator jobs in Colorado are:
Police Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Operator job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,963 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Police Officer

City of Brighton, CO

Brighton, CO • On-site

$76K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Salary : $76,772.80 - $111,446.40 Annually
Location : Police Department 3401 E Bromley Ln, Brighton CO, 80601, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-01341
Department: Police Department
Division: Sworn
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 11:00 PM Mountain
Job Description
STATE OF COLORADO POST CERTIFICATION REQUIRED
Starting hiring salary - $36.91 to $39.12 hourly
DEFINITION
Perform police work including police patrol, follow-up investigation, crime prevention, traffic safety, community relations, and non-criminal police services. The incumbent works in partnership with other employees, departments/divisions, agencies and the public in delivering effective and innovative services. Supports and exemplifies the Mission and Values of the City of Brighton, as well as the Mission and Values of the Brighton Police Department.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED
Reports directly to the immediate supervisor, as well as other supervisory officers, as required. As instructed, work may require occasional supervision of officers with less seniority during the absence of a supervisor.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
  • Responds to requests for assistance from the public, fellow officers, fire department, ambulance services, and other police agencies. Renders first-aid assistance as necessary.
  • Secures crime scenes, conducts evidence searches; interviews complainants, witnesses, and suspects.
  • When assigned as a detective, performs comprehensive initial and follow-up investigation of misdemeanors and felonies as assigned.
  • Apprehends suspects and testifies in court as appropriate.
  • Performs traffic control operations: directs traffic, assists motorists, issues citations, investigates accidents involving motor vehicles, and testifies in court as necessary.
  • Responds to calls of a non-criminal nature such as barking dogs, family disturbances, and abandoned vehicles.
  • Identifies neighborhood problems and develops strategies for solutions.
  • Performs related duties as required.
  • May perform special project assignment duties in patrol, investigation, crime prevention, or community affairs units as assigned.
  • Solves law enforcement and community service problems.
  • Exercises independent judgment within legal guidelines, to determine when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree.
  • Gathers information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informants; manage interpersonal conflicts to maintain order; determine the charge to be brought against a defendant based on elements of the offense.
  • Consults with District Attorney; testifies in court; writes reports, and writes affidavits for warrant/warrantless arrests and follow-ups.
  • Reads and comprehends rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and the law for purposes of ensuring appropriate officer behavior/response and performing enforcement activities involving the public.
  • Performs shift work including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
  • The Colorado criminal justice system; major provisions of the criminal code and children's code; provisions of Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 19, Articles 1, 2, 3; Liquor and Beer code; Uniform Motor Vehicle Law; Uniform Traffic Code; C.R.S. 42-4-1301 (DUI); citizen's constitutional rights; current rules pertaining to arrest, search and seizure, interrogations, confessions and rules of evidence; laws and court decisions relative to the use of force by police officers.
  • Ethics and its relationship to law enforcement.
  • The importance of good police-community relations; police officer's role in conflict management; victim rights laws; concept, purpose, and methods of crime prevention.
  • Vehicle stops and pedestrian stops techniques.
  • Domestic violence intervention techniques.
  • Accident investigation procedures.
  • Arrest control and safe use of firearms.
  • Operating necessary computer equipment and software for report writing; including Microsoft Word and Office software.
  • Crime scene investigation procedures.
  • Requirements of clear and concise report writing.

Ability to:
  • Learn applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations;
  • Perform work requiring good physical condition; respond quickly and effectively in various situations.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing in dealing with the public, other officers, superiors and administrative staff, this includes the ability to communicate facts to a judge or jury.
  • Work well with varied and demanding people.
  • Exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
  • Exercise fair and impartial judgment in dealing with people of varied age, sex, and ethnic groups.
  • Handle confidential information.
  • Work well with culturally diverse people.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers and supervisors.
  • Work well under stress.
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions and procedures
  • Interpret materials as needed in reading federal and state laws and City/County and other municipal ordinances.
  • Learn City and County's geography.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING
High school graduate or equivalent. Possession of P.O.S.T. certificate.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Must climb over obstacles; climb through openings; jump down from elevated surfaces; jump over obstacles, ditches, and streams; and crawl in confined areas to pursue, search, investigate, and/or rescue. Safely operate an emergency vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency and pursuit situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits while exercising due care and caution and in exception to traffic control devices and in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions and environmental conditions such as fog, smoke, rain, ice, and snow. In some instances may be required to patrol an area manually operating an all-terrain mountain bike.
  • Work in a variety of outdoor weather conditions, which can be extreme. Work near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and with explosives and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration. Sit, walk or stand for prolonged periods of time, under various conditions. Work in conditions that can be considered highly stressful. Talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. Use close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Participate in physical fitness training including an obstacle course on an annual basis; must be able to exert in excess of 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 lbs. of force frequently to move objects.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Cannot have been convicted of a felony or a disqualifying misdemeanor;
  • Possession and maintenance of valid Colorado driver's license and safe driving record for continued employment;
  • Must be at least 21 years of age;
  • Must possess current, valid Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification OR must possess a provisional Colorado POST certification and pass the Colorado POST requirements to obtain Colorado POST;
  • Must be able to obtain valid American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR certifications.
  • New hires must, as a condition of employment, pass the following pre-offer and post-offer tests in addition to the interview(s): polygraph or CVSA, physical agility obstacle course, background examination, driving records check, medical examination, psychological examination, drug screening and fingerprint check through CBI/FBI.
  • Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.

City of Brighton Benefits Overview 2026

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