Police Dispatcher

Under general supervision, perform a variety of complex duties involved in receipt and dispatching of calls for emergency and non‑emergency law enforcement and other assistance, and perform general clerical duties in support of the Police Department. May exercise technical and functional supervision over less experienced staff.

• Receive service calls from the public, determine nature and location of emergencies, prioritize, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain contact with all units on assignment; record status and location; keep a daily log of all field calls and units dispatched.
• Operate teletype and other equipment to enter, modify, update, and retrieve data such as stolen property, driver license and vehicle registration information, and warrants.
• Use telecommunications systems to coordinate emergency calls and relay information involving other law enforcement agencies.
• Respond to and document requests for warrants and DMV print‑outs; verify, type, and file warrants; document vehicle impound information.
• Monitor emergency alarm boxes and provide dispatching services for a variety of agencies after hours.
• Type, record, and file a wide variety of police records, reports, and materials including memos, letters, financial reports, complaints, declarations, fingerprint cards, and index cards.
• Sort, file, copy, and distribute crime reports, traffic reports, citations, petitions, and other materials to appropriate personnel.
• Assist department personnel and the public in person and by phone with record checks, permit issuance, fee collection, and mailing requested reports to outside agencies.
• Assemble, code, record, and summarize police record data including serious crime offenses, stolen vehicles, booking sheets, and interrogation cards.
• Compile data for, summarize, and maintain statistical and financial reports.
• Assist in receipt, storage, retrieval, and disposition of items delivered to the property room.
• Perform record keeping, filing, indexing, and general clerical work; maintain automated and manual logs related to public safety activities.
• Assist in searching and arranging prisoners as necessary.
• Monitor building activity, doorways, prisoners in cells, and children waiting to be picked up.
• Operate various equipment including multi‑line telephones, two‑way radios, computers, teletype, typewriter, 911 emergency monitoring equipment, and other communications equipment.

• Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Techniques for dealing with the public in a tactful but firm manner.
• Ability to operate a computer terminal, teletype, and other office equipment.
• Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Learn policies and procedures of receiving, processing, and dispatching emergency calls.
• Learn basic communications rules and regulations governing radio transmitting and receiving systems.
• Learn geographic features and streets within the area served.
• Learn principles and procedures of record keeping and security of police communications reports.
• Learn general law enforcement codes, practices, and methods.
• Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Type accurately at the required speed.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Work various shifts as assigned.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with colleagues.

A POST Entry‑Level Dispatcher Selection Test will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Clearlake City Hall. Applicants who have not taken the test within the prior 180 calendar days nor scored over 48 on the test are required to attend.

During the hiring process, a POST Personal History Statement must be completed. Forms are available from the California Office of the Post dispatcher website.

Salary, insurance, and other benefits are provided in addition to base pay.