Police Dispatcher Trainee

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BART POLICE DEPARTMENT AT ! WE'RE OFFERING A $15,000 HIRING BONUS! Salary Information

This position is represented by the BART Police Officers Association (BPOA). $41.319/ Hourly (Step
1) - $44.705/ Hourly (Step
3)

Note:

External candidates will start at step 1.

All current BART employees and qualified individuals who are not yet BART employees.

Police Communications Manager

As assigned. Must be willing to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

BART Police Department is a progressive agency and has been on the forefront – and in some cases the model approach to training in the areas of fair and impartial policing, bias-based policing, crisis intervention, cultural competence training, and de-escalation training. The mission of the BART Police Department is to ensure a safe environment within our transit system, reduce crime through a highly visible police presence, and proactive enforcement of the law, and to promote public confidence by working in partnership with our stakeholders and the communities we serve.

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Police Department is seeking highly motivated, service-oriented individuals to begin a career in public safety communications as a Police Dispatcher Trainee. This entry-level training classification provides candidates with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, technical skills, judgment, and confidence necessary to support police operations within one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic public transit systems.

Working under close supervision as part of a formal training program, Police Dispatcher Trainees learn to receive, evaluate, prioritize, and transmit emergency and non-emergency calls for police services. Trainees receive hands‑on instruction and guided experience in departmental procedures, radio protocols, applicable laws, codes and regulations, computer-aided dispatch (CAD), telecommunications systems, emergency communications, and police radio operations. This position is well suited for individuals who can remain composed in high-pressure situations, process information quickly and accurately, communicate clearly, and successfully manage multiple priorities at the same time.

The ideal candidate is a motivated and adaptable learner who can quickly absorb, retain, and apply complex information, including radio protocols, dispatch procedures, law enforcement terminology, CAD systems, and telecommunications technology. They are receptive to training and feedback, committed to continuous improvement, and demonstrate increasing confidence, independence, and proficiency as they progress through the training program.

• Communication and Active Listening
  – Communicates clearly and professionally while listening carefully, asking appropriate questions, and gathering essential information.
• Composure and Stress Tolerance
  – Maintains focus, professionalism, and emotional control in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Multitasking and Prioritization
  – Manages multiple tasks and information sources simultaneously while prioritizing effectively and maintaining accuracy.
• Critical Thinking and Sound Judgment
  – Quickly evaluates information, identifies priorities, and makes appropriate decisions within established procedures.
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy
  – Accurately receives, records, and communicates critical information that may affect public and officer safety.
• Teamwork and Collaboration
  – Works effectively with colleagues and agency partners while remaining receptive to coaching, feedback, and development.
• Public Service and Interpersonal Effectiveness
  – Provides professional, respectful, and responsive service to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Adaptability and Reliability
  – Adapts to changing priorities and emergency conditions while demonstrating consistent dependability in a 24-hour public safety environment.