Des Moines Law Enforcement Dispatcher​/Communications Center Specialist

About The Role

As a Communications Center Specialist, you’ll be at the center 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, and your calm demeanor and quick thinking will help preserve lives and property across the state of Iowa.

In addition to the core duties, you’ll:

• 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. We uphold the core values of courtesy, service, and protection, and collaborate with federal, state, and local jurisdictions within the criminal justice community to provide for the safety of people living in or traveling through the State of Iowa.

• Iowa State Patrol
• Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
• Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement
• Iowa State Fire Marshal
• Division of Intelligence
• Administrative Services Division

• Clear, calm, and professional communication under stress
• Strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills
• The ability to work flexible, irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays
• A 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 (includes vision corrected to 20/20, normal hearing with minimal loss, and 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, max 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 are encouraged to attach a resume and cover letter to their 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.

The State of Iowa participates in E‑Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. New hires will be verified through the program to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

• Ability to pass a thorough background investigation by the Division of Criminal Investigation.
• Ability to pass a physical and psychological evaluation provided by the Department of Public Safety which includes normal hearing with a loss not exceeding a twenty‑five decibel average in either ear at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 cycles, vision corrected to 20/20 and normal speech.