Des Moines Law Enforcement Dispatcher​/Communications Center Specialist

Des Moines Law Enforcement Dispatcher/Communications Center Specialist 1

Join the Iowa Department of Public Safety as a Dispatcher/Communications Center Specialist. Do you thrive under pressure, communicate clearly, and have a commitment to public service?

As a Communications Center Specialist you’ll be at the heart of emergency operations—handling public safety and criminal‑justice information via phone, two‑way radio, and digital systems. Your decisions directly impact the safety of law enforcement and the public.

• Elicit critical information from private citizens and partner agencies, ensuring that accurate data is relayed to the appropriate law enforcement or emergency personnel.
• Monitor, identify, and report issues with the computerized switching system and coordinate timely repairs.
• Receive and enter road‑condition reports and towed vehicle updates into the statewide computer system.
• Operate two‑way radios, telephones, and law‑enforcement data systems to support real‑time communication with police, fire, and medical services.
• Retrieve and relay confidential records from the IOWA System, NCIC, and NLETS to authorized officials.
• Maintain ongoing contact with investigative officers to ensure situational awareness and officer safety during potentially dangerous interactions.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a statewide law‑enforcement agency committed to serving the people of Iowa with leadership, integrity, and professionalism. DPS upholds core values of courtesy, service, and protection and collaborates with federal, state, and local jurisdictions to provide safety for all in the state.

• Clear, calm, and professional communication under stress
• Strong attention to detail and critical‑thinking skills
• Ability to work flexible, irregular hours—including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Strong sense of integrity, discretion, and teamwork
• Familiarity with Iowa geography or the ability to learn it quickly
• Commitment to public safety and the mission of DPS

Communications Center Specialist 1

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation.
• Must pass a physical and psychological evaluation provided by the Department of Public Safety (vision corrected to 20/20, normal hearing with minimal loss, normal speech).

Communications Center Specialist 2

• Two years of full‑time experience in a public‑safety communications role; OR
• Equivalent education/experience (30 semester hours in law enforcement = 1 year of experience, maximum 2 years substitution); OR
• One year of full‑time experience as a Communications Center Specialist 1 within the State of Iowa.

• Health, dental, and life insurance
• Nine paid holidays, plus generous paid vacation and sick leave starting on your first day
• Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS) defined benefit program
• Professional development opportunities, including paid training, certifications, and conferences
• Employee discounts through various vendors
• A collaborative and positive workplace culture where your work truly matters

• Applicants may attach a résumé and cover letter to the online application.
• The selection process may include phone or in‑person interviews and could take up to 120 days.
• Applicants are welcome to explore additional employment opportunities within DPS.

If you’re ready to be the voice behind the response—the calm in the chaos—we invite you to apply online.