Dispatcher ; Dispatcher

Position Overview

Dispatcher Recruit – entry‑level dispatch position in the Sacramento Police Department. Incumbents receive on‑the‑job training, attend a seven‑week Dispatch Training Academy, and are advanced to Dispatcher I upon successful completion. The role involves receiving and dispatching emergency and non‑emergency telephone calls and supporting communications activities.

• Receive emergency and non‑emergency telephone calls from the public requesting police, fire, and local government service; determine nature and priority; dispatch units accordingly.
• Maintain radio contact with all units on assignment.
• Coordinate emergency calls and relay information involving other law‑enforcement and firefighting agencies.
• Query information from law‑enforcement communications networks, including wanted persons, criminal history, stolen property, and Department of Motor Vehicle data.
• Query and enter stolen, stored, and repossessed vehicle information.
• Perform record‑keeping duties related to the computer‑aided dispatch system.
• Test and inspect communication equipment as required.
• Testify in court when needed.
• Prepare written responses or reports related to communication complaints, investigative follow‑ups, or police reports.
• Write daily work progress reports when training new dispatchers.
• Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, empathy, and provide excellent customer service in accordance with departmental policy and the community‑oriented policing concept.

Applicants must have taken and passed the Dispatcher Criti Call Examination and completed the Sacramento Police Department Basic Dispatch Academy within the last twelve months. A criminal background check, fingerprinting, polygraph, psychological testing, credit check, and drug use history are required as part of hiring.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent; additional education (12 university credits or bachelor’s degree) preferred.
• 1‑year customer service experience with completion of Basic Dispatch Academy, or 4‑years customer service experience with completion of Basic Dispatch Academy.
• English language proficiency: grammar, spelling, punctuation; clear verbal communication to diverse populations; ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Computer proficiency with data entry and basic arithmetic.
• Ability to learn broadcasting rules, city street system, and dispatcher software.
• Typing speed of 40 words per minute.

Successful completion of the seven‑week Dispatch Training Academy is mandatory. Upon satisfactory graduation, a Dispatcher Recruit meeting the requirements of the Dispatcher I classification is advanced to the career classification of Dispatcher I.

Employees must complete eighteen months of probation at satisfactory performance.

The selection process includes a background investigation covering criminal history, fingerprinting, polygraph, psychological testing, credit checks, and drug use history.