DISPATCHER​/JAILER

Dispatcher/Jailer Position

The City of Signal Hill is a small, peaceful community that recognizes and appreciates the value of its Police Department. The Signal Hill Police Department has a state-of-the-art facility, technology, equipment, and a great relationship with the community, making it the place to work in Los Angeles County.

The Position Under general supervision, the Dispatcher/Jailer receives incoming calls for emergency and non-emergency assistance and dispatches necessary units; maintains custody, control and safekeeping of all inmates detained in the City jail; and performs a variety of general support duties related to communication and records activities.

Application and Selection Process Applications, written exam scores and typing certificates must be received by July 9, 2026 to be considered for the oral interviews tentatively scheduled for July 23, 2026. Applications are being accepted on a continuous basis in order to meet the needs of the City.

STEP #1: SUBMIT APPLICATION

Applications must be completed and submitted online. Candidates are required to provide specific information on their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete (resumes are not accepted in lieu of application). Candidate notifications are sent via email. Please make sure your email address is correct and check your email periodically during the application process.

Candidates who pass an initial application screening and submit a qualifying written exam score will be invited to continue in the selection process.

STEP #2: WRITTEN EXAMINATION

Required Written Examination

Submit test results from one of the two test options below. Scores that are dated within one (1) year of the application date and meet the minimum passing score will be accepted.

National Testing Network (NTN) Emergency Communications Written Exam

This exam is administered directly by the National Testing Network (NTN) and candidates pay a test fee for the service. To schedule a test, visit the National Testing Network website by clicking here. Select the City of Signal Hill Police Department and the specific position you are applying to. IMPORTANT:
Tests are offered remotely and multiple sessions are available daily for scheduling convenience. This exam includes the required 5-minute typing test.

OR - P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery

Passing score: T-Score 40 or higher

The City of Signal Hill does not have any future test dates; however, if you have taken the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery test with another agency within the last 12 months, you may submit a copy of your test results to meet the written exam requirement. Results must be on the testing agency's letterhead.

Candidates must submit a typing certificate of 35 WPM or more to this online application. Scores and typing certificate must be attached to online application.

Waiver From Written Examination:
Candidates who are currently employed as a police dispatcher with a California P.O.S.T. agency and possess a current P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate (or higher) will be waived from the written exam requirement. Certificates MUST be attached to your application.

STEP #3: ORAL INTERVIEW Tentatively scheduled for July 23, 2026. Please note the exam dates are tentative and subject to change. Please regularly monitor your email for communication regarding exam dates.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Police Dispatcher/Jailer is responsible for organizing and completing tasks in priority order to meet statutory and non-statutory work deadlines, and maintain custody, control and safekeeping of all inmates detained in the City jail.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include, but are not limited to the following characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Receives emergency calls from the public requesting police and other emergency service; determines nature and location of emergency; prioritizes calls and dispatches police or other emergency units as necessary according to established procedures.
• Maintains contact with all units on assignment; maintains status and location of police field units.
• Simultaneously…