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Police Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer Recruit

Estes Park, CO ยท On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Police Officer I

Sterling, CO ยท 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 ...

Police Officer Recruit

Golden, CO ยท On-site +1

$39.58/hr

The Golden Police Department is currently operating under a 32-hour workweek pilot program. Learn more about the details of this exciting pilot program at The Best for Golden We offer a competitive ...

Police Officer Recruit

Golden, CO ยท On-site +1

$39.58/hr

The Golden Police Department is currently operating under a 32-hour workweek pilot program. Learn more about the details of this exciting pilot program at The Best for Golden. We offer a competitive ...

911 Emergency Dispatcher

Pagosa Springs, CO ยท On-site

$22.95 - $32.14/hr

Receives, maintains, and directs communications between the public and police, fire, medical, and ... operator certified within six months of hire. Emergency Medical Dispatch certified within six ...

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Showing results 1-20

Police Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$35.2K

$58K

$75.7K

How much do police operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 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 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.

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 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.

How hard is it to get a police operator job?

Becoming a police operator typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing written and psychological tests, and completing training at a police academy. The hiring process can be competitive, and candidates often need strong communication skills and the ability to handle stressful 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.
Infographic showing various Police Operator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,963 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Police Officer Recruit

Estes Park, CO โ€ข On-site

Town of Estes Park
Public Administrationย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$77K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Summary Join our Team. The Town of Estes Park seeks interested and qualified applicants for the position of Police Officer Recruit. Incumbent actively participates in Law Enforcement Academy as determined by the Town of Estes Park in order to perform proactive entry level law enforcement duties.

This includes community engagement, public safety, the protection of property, and crime prevention and detection. Upon successful completion of Law Enforcement Academy, this position will laterally transfer to a Police Officer I in the Field Training (FTO) Program. Examples of Essential Duties and Responsibilities The list below is intended to be illustrative of the responsibilities of the position and not all encompassing.

Duties are performed on a rotating shift basis. The Town may change these duties at any time. Actively participates in all classes, coursework, and training that is part of a one semester (approximately 16 week long) Law Enforcement Academy as selected by the Town of Estes Park.

Learns about enforcement of local, state and federal laws and/or ordinances. May assist Police Department with: o Responding to calls for service including public disturbances, criminal, civil or emergency situations, code enforcement violations, etc. o Enforcing traffic laws and promotes traffic safety.

o Detecting and preventing criminal activities by surveillance of assigned business and residential areas. o Promoting crime prevention by initiating contact with businesses and residents including explaining applicable laws, soliciting cooperation in crime reporting, and otherwise creating good rapport with citizens. o Investigating and assisting at crime scenes or accidents; protects evidence, collects evidence, takes testimony from witnesses.

o Operating a police vehicle under emergency and non-emergency conditions. o Writing and preparing a variety of reports and completes forms. o Preparing and providing effective testimony in court and works with prosecution attorneys.

o Providing code enforcement and animal control activities as needed. o Maintaining vehicles to for cleanliness and operability of assigned vehicle Minimum and Preferred Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma or equivalent (GED). Completed credit hours toward an Associate's Degree such that upon completion of Law Enforcement Academy, incumbent would have an Associate's Degree or at least 60 undergraduate credit hours.

Three years' military service and/or law enforcement experience can be substituted for education. Must be at least 21 years of Age as of completion of Law Enforcement Academy. No criminal convictions as defined by Colorado P.O.S.T

Ability to pass pre-employment background investigation, including criminal history check, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment psychological evaluation. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Military Experience as Military Police Officer Experience working for a Law Enforcement agency such as work in dispatch, jail/detention, park ranger, etc. Multi-lingual.

Ability to read/write/speak/listen proficiently in a language other than English. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for the job of Police Officer and that will be required that the incumbent have upon successful completion of Law Enforcement Academy: Knowledge of police principles, practices and ethics. Knowledge of applicable laws, Town ordinances and State statutes. Knowledge of Town and department policies and procedures.

Knowledge and ability to perform emergency medical and first aid procedures. 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 written and oral instructions. Ability to communicate with victims, suspects, witnesses and other police officers.

Ability to act effectively in crisis situations and to deal tactfully with citizens in a wide variety of stressful situations. Ability to exhibit de-escalation skills, imagination, initiative and discernment in problem solving when coping with a variety of law enforcement situations. Ability to act and react to emergency and/or threatening situations in a manner consistent with law; ability to protect one's self in threatening situations and to subdue and control unruly and resisting individuals.

Ability to investigate situations and prepare written reports. Ability to make oral presentations. Ability to pass standard medical exam within normal parameters specifically with regard to the listed essential job functions.

Ability to physically detain law violators. Ability to effectively testify in court or hearings. Must have dependable transportation.

Must be able to work rotating shifts, through weekends and holidays. Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to demonstrate basic computer skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, customers and the general public. Licenses, Certifications and Registrations CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Incumbents in this position must successfully complete Law Enforcement Academy and obtain Colorado P.O.S.T Certification

Note: Failure to successfully complete Law Enforcement Academy and/orobtain P.O.S.T will result in termination of employment as a Police Officer Recruit. Valid Colorado Driver's License and satisfactory driving record. Out of state candidates must obtain Colorado License within 6 months of hire

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: None Please note that as a Police Officer I, the residency requirement is: Must establish and maintain residency within 75 minute commute time and 30 mile radius of duty location. Residency requirements must be met within 6 months of hire. Remote Work Eligible: No Cell Phone Allowance: None Supervisor: Police Sergeant or Commander Exempt: No Pay Grade: PS1A ($77,854.00 - $85,640.00 annual equivalent) Frequency Guide Rarely (R) Occasionally (O) Frequently (F) Constantly (C) Less than - 5% 6 - 30% 31% - 70% Over 70% Physical Task Frequency Physical Surroundings Frequency Sitting F Extreme Temperatures O Standing F Inside Work F Walking F Outside Work F Running O Walking on uneven surfaces O Stooping O Working at height O Kneeling O Other: Squatting O Climbing O Environmental Conditions Balancing O Exposure to Chemicals O Reaching O Exposure to Gases/Fumes/Dust O Grasping C High Noise Levels O Finger Dexterity C Moderate Noise Levels F Handling C Vibrations O Visual Acuity: Near F Light/Power Equipment O R Visual Acuity Far F Heavy Equipment Operator R Depth Perception F Work in Traffic F Color Discrimination F Local Travel F Peripheral Vision F Out of Town Travel R Talking C Other: Hearing C Other: Weight of Objects Moved Over 100 pounds R Over 50 Pounds O Over 10 pounds F Pre Employement Physical Required: Yes Pre Employment Drug Screen Required: No ***NOTE: as part of Law Enforcement Academy, recruits may be directly exposed to aerosol irritant projector, a conducted energy device and riot control agents during the academy in preparation for a real-world encounter.