Dispatcher Testing

Final date to receive applications

Application and all required documents must be received by Human Resources no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026
. Please provide only the specified documents. Candidates who submit an application but are unable to complete the required testing should contact Human Resources as soon as possible.

Criti Call Examination
:
This examination will be administered virtually. Candidates will be emailed an invitation and login credentials to the exam once their application has been processed. Candidates will have 7 calendar days to complete the testing process. The Criti Call examination is comprised of 10 sections:
Decision Making, Data Entry, Data Entry (Audio), Call Summarization, Character Comparison, Cross Referencing, Memory Recall (Numeric), Prioritization, Sentence Clarity, and a Personality Test. Candidates must receive a passing score on each of the graded sections to pass the exam. The Decision Making and Personality Test portions are not graded. This exam is meant to ensure basic skills needed for success as a Public Safety Dispatcher, but prior dispatch experience is not necessary.

Candidates who successfully complete the pre‑hire testing process will be placed on the Dispatcher Eligibility List and are not automatically employed. Those candidates who are on the Dispatcher Eligibility List may be considered for a dispatcher position as positions become available. Candidates will remain on the Dispatcher Eligibility List for a period of one year from the date of the assessment.

• Receives and transmits police and fire messages and calls, and records the same by data entry.
• Acts as central switchboard operator for the Police and Fire Departments.
• Maintains central recording system.
• Obtains information requested by police officers (checks license plates, checks for wanted persons, checks driver license information, etc.).
• Prioritizes, directs, and logs police and fire calls and dispatches units accordingly.
• Communicates with towing services, utility crews, etc. as needed.
• Researches, enters, clears, cancels, and updates warrants, missing persons reports, runaway juveniles reports, stolen article descriptions or vehicles in a designated computer database.
• Monitors police scanner radio to ensure safety of police officers, and dispatches backup units.
• Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties.
• Keeps informed of departmental regulations, policies and procedures.
• Periodically makes routine announcements and relays messages via radio.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty or responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of public service activity and methods of local government.
• Knowledge of computer technology and equipment.
• Knowledge of law enforcement terminology and procedures.
• Knowledge of geography for the City of Punta Gorda.
• Knowledge of English language for spelling and proper word usage.
• Ability to multitask, coordinating simultaneous mental, manual, and visual activities.
• Ability to observe situations analytically and objectively and relay details accurately.
• Ability to communicate using two‑way radio and telephone equipment.
• Ability to operate a variety of communications equipment effectively.
• Ability to read and interpret maps to determine locations and jurisdictional boundaries.
• Able to work rotating shift assignments and overtime in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24‑hour facility.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely.
• Ability to think clearly and act quickly in emergencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Police and Fire Department personnel, other City employees, outside law enforcement or fire agencies, and the public.
• Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency.
• Able to perform data entry at…