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Police Scanner Radio Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Audacy, Inc.

TWIN Traffic Reporter

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$40.43/hr

... agency/police scanner listening, station tip callers etc.) * Post, edit & manage Traffic ... radio stations, premium podcasts, live events and digital experiences that reach more than 200 ...

Hearst

Assignment Editor/Producer

Omaha, NE · On-site

Listen to multiple police scanners which cover more than a dozen agencies throughout our market ... two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S ...

Hearst Television

Assignment Editor

Westbrook, ME · On-site

Listen to multiple police scanners which cover more than a dozen agencies throughout our market ... two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S ...

Audacy, Inc.

TWIN Traffic Reporter

Manhattan, NY

$40.43/hr

... agency/police scanner listening, station tip callers etc.) * Post, edit & manage Traffic ... radio stations, premium podcasts, live events and digital experiences that reach more than 200 ...

City of Los Altos

Police Officer - Lateral

Los Altos, CA · On-site

$139K - $161K/yr

... Live Scan background investigation. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an ... Patrols the City in a radio car and on foot Answers calls for protection of life and private ...

Hearst Newspapers

Assignment Editor

Westbrook, ME

Listen to multiple police scanners which cover more than a dozen agencies throughout our market ... two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S ...

Hearst

Assignment Editor

Westbrook, ME

Listen to multiple police scanners which cover more than a dozen agencies throughout our market ... two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S ...

Hearst

Assignment Editor

Manchester, NH · On-site

Listen to multiple police scanners which cover more than a dozen agencies throughout our market ... two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S ...

Hearst

Assignment Editor

Westbrook, ME · On-site

Listen to multiple police scanners which cover more than a dozen agencies throughout our market ... two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S ...

Hearst

Assignment Editor

Manchester, NH · On-site

Listen to multiple police scanners which cover more than a dozen agencies throughout our market ... two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S ...

Hearst Newspapers

Assignment Editor

Westbrook, ME

Listen to multiple police scanners which cover more than a dozen agencies throughout our market ... two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S ...

Hearst

Assignment Editor

Manchester, NH

Listen to multiple police scanners which cover more than a dozen agencies throughout our market ... two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S ...

Hearst Newspapers

Assignment Editor

Manchester, NH · On-site

Listen to multiple police scanners which cover more than a dozen agencies throughout our market ... two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S ...

Hearst

Assignment Editor

Westbrook, ME

Listen to multiple police scanners which cover more than a dozen agencies throughout our market ... two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S ...

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Police Scanner Radio information

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How much do police scanner radio jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for police scanner radio in the United States is $23.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to work at a radio station?

To work at a police scanner radio or similar radio station roles, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, good communication skills, and familiarity with radio equipment and protocols. Some positions may require certifications in radio operation or related fields, and a background check is often necessary due to the nature of law enforcement communications.

Do police radio scanners still work?

Police scanner radios still function and are used to receive public safety communications, but many agencies now encrypt their radio transmissions, which can limit scanner effectiveness. Scanner enthusiasts often need updated equipment and knowledge of local transmission methods to access available signals.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with police scanner radio systems?

Professionals working with police scanner radio systems often encounter challenges such as managing rapidly changing information, maintaining equipment reliability, and ensuring secure communication channels. They need to stay updated with evolving technologies and frequency changes, as well as comply with local laws and regulations regarding radio usage. Strong attention to detail and quick decision-making skills are essential, as the role may involve monitoring multiple channels simultaneously and relaying critical information accurately.

How do I get into working on the radio?

To work as a police scanner radio operator or dispatcher, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant communication skills, and often complete training or certification programs. Some positions require knowledge of radio equipment and emergency procedures, and candidates usually undergo background checks and testing before employment.

What is the difference between Police Scanner Radio vs Police Dispatcher?

AspectPolice Scanner RadioPolice Dispatcher
Required CredentialsNo formal credentials needed; knowledge of radio frequenciesHigh school diploma; certification or training often preferred
Work EnvironmentListening to live radio transmissions, often independentlyWorking in dispatch centers, coordinating police responses
Industry UsageUsed by enthusiasts, hobbyists, and some security personnelEmployed by police departments and emergency services
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding radio communication toolsLearning about law enforcement communication roles

Police Scanner Radio involves listening to live police radio transmissions, often as a hobby or for information gathering. Police Dispatchers, on the other hand, are trained professionals who coordinate police responses and communicate directly with officers. While both roles involve police communication, they differ significantly in credentials, work environment, and purpose.

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

To thrive as a Police Radio Dispatcher, you need strong multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by specialized dispatcher training. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, two-way radio equipment, and emergency communication protocols is typically required. Excellent communication, stress management, and decision-making skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring effective emergency response, public safety, and efficient coordination among law enforcement units.

Can you work at a police station without being a police officer?

Police scanner radio operators or communication personnel can work at police stations without being sworn police officers, often handling dispatch or radio communications. These roles typically require specific training, certifications, and knowledge of radio systems but do not involve law enforcement duties. Employment may involve shift work and working in a secure environment.

What is a Police Scanner Radio?

A police scanner radio is a device that allows individuals to listen to public radio frequencies used by law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and other public safety agencies. These radios scan multiple frequencies and stop whenever they detect a transmission, enabling users to monitor real-time communications in their area. Police scanner radios are popular among hobbyists, journalists, and those interested in staying informed about local emergencies and events. However, some jurisdictions may have restrictions on their use or require a license, so it's important to check local laws before using one.
More about Police Scanner Radio jobs
What job categories do people searching Police Scanner Radio jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Police Scanner Radio jobs are:
Police Scanner Radio jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Scanner Radio job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, and 58% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,436 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Police Telecom Operator

Police Telecom Operator

Fort Bend Independent School District

Stafford, TX • On-site

$16 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Fort Bend ISD rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

292nd of 556 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Job Overview
The Police Telecom Operator will perform responsible radio communications work receiving and dispatching calls for FBISD. Work involves answering and logging calls, monitoring several radio channels assisting the public, entering records data into computer, and performing a variety of departmental-related clerical tasks.
Position Description
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Monitor radio communications on assigned shift, receiving messages, dispatching officers as required
  • Log information regarding calls and maintain files
  • Operate TELES/NLETS teletype system, receiving, transmitting data as required; ensure security and appropriate utilization of the system
  • Enter information into district dispatching system
  • Input data into hard copy and data base files; retrieve data for narrative and statistical reports
  • Prepare reports as requested or assigned
  • Perform general clerical tasks for the department, e.g., processing supplemental payroll, ordering supplies, processing communications
  • Answer phone inquiries, provide information, transfer call or take message as applicable; receive and distribute mail; provide information
  • Operate typewriter, computer keyboard, utilizing assigned word processing, spreadsheet and data base programs; may use other computer programs. File correspondence, records, documents alphabetically or by other assigned categories
  • Operate a variety of business office equipment as required, e.g., photocopy and fax machines, scanners, calculators etc
  • Assist and/or serve as back-up to other clerical/secretarial staff
Supervisory Responsibilities
  • None

Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the above essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities, required unless otherwise stated as preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.
  • High School diploma or GED including or supplemented by courses in typing and office practices
  • Telecommunications Operator Certification preferred
  • Minimum of 1 year office clerical experience, preferably related to assignment that involved extensive telephone or base radio communication
  • Good knowledge of radio operations and equipment, telecommunications etiquette, and the methods and procedures of modern radio communications
  • Good knowledge of school locations and the geography of the County
  • Good knowledge of business office procedures, practices, and equipment, business English and office terminology
  • Good knowledge of or ability to quickly learn the procedures, policies, and practices of the Police Department
  • Ability to handle sensitive police-related school incident reports; to deal with parties tactfully, courteously, and authoritatively in person and over the radio and telephone; and to respond to calls, appropriately, effectively, efficiently and calmly
  • Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper courses of action
  • Ability to prioritize and coordinate numerous requests for service
  • Ability to enter/type data into a computer terminal
  • Ability to work unusual hours and flex shift assignments
  • Ability to type/operate keyboard at approved rate of speed, operate personal computers and data terminals, and to complete routine memos and letters from general instructions, utilizing a wide range of application software programs and hardware available at assigned site
  • Ability to maintain hard copy and data file records associated with assignment and prepare reports from such records
  • Ability to organize, categorize and file documents according to standard procedures
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; to quickly learn office procedures related to assignment
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including telephone and/or radio-transmission dispatching communication
  • Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with fellow employees, central and school-based staff, students, parents, colleges, and the public, tactfully and courteously, and to work harmoniously with other employees
  • For some positions, bilingual communications/interpreter skills, both written and oral, are a desirable, preferred or required skill
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in classrooms, offices, work stations and meeting rooms.
The position requires occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying work related items weighing less than 40 pounds, such as books, papers and presentation materials. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Attendance at conferences and professional development is required. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties. May work prolonged or irregular hours and must be able to maintain emotional control under stress.
Additional Information
  • Time sensitive and emergency incidents often involve contact with those under stress, resulting in potential stress to incumbents. Work is subject to frequent interruptions, requiring skillful prioritizing. Work involves exposure to normal, everyday risks involved in police-related centers. Some activities are subject to completion within strict time lines, and involve the potential stress associated with time-sensitive completion of tasks.

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