Police Dispatcher

JOB INFORMATION

Police Dispatcher positions operate a Computer-Aided Dispatch radio console to monitor an assigned radio frequency to identify the status of approximately 35 Police field units at any one time or up to 100 units during special events; dispatch emergency field units by radio voice communication to crime scenes and/or to provide aid and assistance; determine the relative priority for each incident and the needed response for situations ranging from minor vehicle accidents to high speed chases and homicides; update incident information by typing on a computer console keyboard and broadcast radio messages to field units during emergencies; take phone calls from the public; and perform other duties as assigned.



• Eligible benefitted employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).
• Police Dispatcher employees must obtain a California P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Course Certificate within one year from date of hire.
• The typical starting hourly rate for Police Dispatcher employees is $32.12.
• Police Dispatcher employees who possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Course Certificate are eligible for 20% additional pay.
• Police Dispatcher employees may be required to work extended periods of night or unusual shift work for which they may receive 5% additional pay.
• Police Dispatcher employees work 10 hours per shift, four days per week, with three consecutive days off.
• Police Dispatcher employees may be required to work during all City holidays.
• Police Dispatcher employees may be required to work overtime.
• Police Dispatcher employees may be required to sit for long periods of time. Please refer to the Supplemental Information section of the job bulletin for a more detailed description of typical Police Dispatcher duties and working conditions.
• The Police Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with day, evening, and night shifts. Police Dispatcher employees will be rotated to different shifts on a periodic basis.
• You are encouraged to apply to other active dispatcher recruitments, as vacancies may be filled utilizing any current dispatcher eligible lists.
• You will be required to take and pass a computer-based performance test to be considered for police dispatcher positions.
• Selected candidates will undergo a comprehensive character and background investigation, including a polygraph examination and fingerprint check prior to hire. Felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, or use of any illegal drugs may be disqualifying. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

You must meet the following requirements on the date you apply, unless otherwise indicated.

CITIZENSHIP: You must be a United States citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States.

EDUCATION: You must meet ONE of the following options:

• Graduation from high school.
• Passage of the General Education Development (G.E.D.) test.
• Passage of the California High School Proficiency Examination (C.H.S.P.E.).
• Possession of a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from a college or university.

NOTE:

• Candidates screened by the San Diego Police Department must present proof of education when they submit their Background Investigation Questionnaire.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE:

• The ability to communicate in and understand any of the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Indochinese, Korean, Somali, Spanish or Tagalog.