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How to hire a police communications dispatcher

Police communications dispatcher hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring police communications dispatchers in the United States:

  • HR departments typically spend 15% of their expenses on recruitment.
  • It usually takes about 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • It typically takes 36-42 days to fill a job opening.
  • The median cost to hire a police communications dispatcher is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend an average of $1,105 per police communications dispatcher on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • There are currently 16,820 police communications dispatchers in the US and 20,926 job openings.
  • Oakland, CA, has the highest demand for police communications dispatchers, with 3 job openings.
  • Philadelphia, PA has the highest concentration of police communications dispatchers.

How to hire a police communications dispatcher, step by step

To hire a police communications dispatcher, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a police communications dispatcher:

Here's a step-by-step police communications dispatcher hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a police communications dispatcher job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new police communications dispatcher
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you start hiring a police communications dispatcher, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A police communications dispatcher's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, police communications dispatchers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    The following list breaks down different types of police communications dispatchers and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Police Communications DispatcherDescriptionHourly rate
    Police Communications DispatcherPolice, fire, and ambulance dispatchers, also called public safety telecommunicators, answer emergency and nonemergency calls.$13-25
    Call TakerA call taker works at a call or dispatch center, where they are primarily in charge of answering calls, identifying the callers' needs, and coordinating services to assist them right away. Although their responsibilities depend on their company or industry of employment, it usually involves answering inquiries, processing requests, arranging appointments or reservations, and handling issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently... Show more$13-24
    DispatcherDispatchers are generally responsible for coordinating with the customers regarding the delivery status of the products and providing precise logistics and the fastest transportation routes to the professional drivers to ensure smooth and timely deliveries. A dispatcher is required to monitor the driver's location, strictly track road situations at all times to provide real-time updates for the customers, and advise the driver for alternative routes... Show more$12-21
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Computer Aided Dispatch
    • CAD
    • Good Judgment
    • Two-Way Radio
    • Computer System
    • Public Safety Agencies
    • Emergency Situations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Non-Emergency Calls
    • Background Checks
    • Inputs
    • EMS
    • Telephone Calls
    • NCIC
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Train and skil in the use of the NCIC system.
    • Provide crucial NCIC computerize data to units in the field.
    • Maintain department vehicles and patrol cars maintenance fleet service records.
    • Relay call for service from citizens to patrol officers for a quick responding.
    • Monitor close circuit TV (CCTV) and alarm systems, and report any unusual activity or activations.
    • Maintain composure and compassion while handling emergency and non-emergency calls from a diverse community
    More police communications dispatcher duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your police communications dispatcher job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A police communications dispatcher can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, police communications dispatchers' average salary in arkansas is 59% less than in oregon.
    • Seniority. Entry-level police communications dispatchers 46% less than senior-level police communications dispatchers.
    • Certifications. A police communications dispatcher with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a police communications dispatcher's salary.

    Average police communications dispatcher salary

    $40,084yearly

    $19.27 hourly rate

    Entry-level police communications dispatcher salary
    $29,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 17, 2025

    Average police communications dispatcher salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Oregon$57,418$28
    2Washington$52,464$25
    3Colorado$48,003$23
    4California$45,344$22
    5Wisconsin$44,839$22
    6Massachusetts$44,748$22
    7Arizona$35,601$17
    8Texas$32,495$16

    Average police communications dispatcher salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1City of Seattle$65,073$31.291
    2City of San Antonio$63,338$30.45
    3City of Portland$46,289$22.251
    4City of Nacogdoches$43,468$20.905
    5City of San Rafael$42,275$20.32
    6State of Arizona$41,186$19.802
    7Arizona Department of Public Safety$38,622$18.571
    8JPS Health Network$38,506$18.51
    9North Shore Community College$38,441$18.48
    10Colorado State Express$37,641$18.10
    11Oakland Public Library$32,664$15.703
    12Marquette University$28,750$13.82
  4. Writing a police communications dispatcher job description

    A job description for a police communications dispatcher role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a police communications dispatcher job description:

    Police communications dispatcher job description example

    $3,500 sign-on

    Come work with us!

    This team member will serve as Communications Dispatcher; Reports for work punctually, work all scheduled hours, including shift work, weekends, holidays and any required overtime as deemed necessary. Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.

    In this role, the team member operates a communication center which receives incoming routine and emergency, fire, utility, and police calls; dispatches proper personnel for assistance; and maintains contact with police units during patrol. Receives and transmits radio/telephone messages over several circuits, and performs related recording tasks. Work involves frequent public contact which requires tact, firmness and decisiveness in obtaining necessary information from individuals under extreme stress; exercises sound judgment using the geographic layout of the community. Work is performed in accordance with departmental policies, State and Federal rules and regulations, supplemented with specific directions from supervisor and sworn personnel. Work is reviewed by observation, monitoring of the employee's operations, and the review of reports and records.

    ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Confers with department supervisors to identify departmental needs.
    • Receives routine and emergency telephone calls and personal requests for assistance concerning crimes, fires, public utilities, and/or general information concerning addresses and nature or problems.
    • Monitors, receives, and transmits alarms and related calls by telephone and other means.
    • Operates equipment to maintain contact with mobile personnel and other law enforcement units, fire, and City units; Dispatches necessary units as needed to fulfill requirements of situation.
    • Receives and transmits information and messages.
    • Sends and receives messages regarding criminal histories, vehicle identification, missing persons, license plate records, driving histories, stolen articles, and related records.
    • Maintains an in-house computer database and communication log; report that includes the nature of calls, actions taken, and the times involved.
    • Generates reports and/or records information from citations and arrests, recovered or stolen property, missing persons, and residence checks.
    • Ensures timely feedback to all clients, citizens, and appropriate City staff members.
    • All other duties as assigned.

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

    This position does not require supervisor responsibilities.

    REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

    Functions, practices, and procedures of the Police Department; computer programs including Word, Excel, Power Point, E-mail and Police Department communications systems; geographic layout of the City and adjacent areas including the locations of streets, important buildings, and other landmarks; City policies and procedures as outlined in Employee handbook.

    Must be able to type minimum 30 WPM with accuracy; 20/20 vision required (corrected 20/20 vision accepted); develop and maintain relationships with peers across departments; multi-task, organize and prioritize a changing work schedule to meet needs of department; follow oral and written instructions; effectively communicate both orally and in written form; speak clearly and distinctly; assess people and situations; apply sound judgment; remain calm under stressful conditions; obtain sufficient and essential information.

    EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

    High school diploma/GED or related experience and/or training. Valid State of Texas driver license required.
    Telecommunications Operator License or must obtain within 1 year of employment.

    Ability to obtain certifications as required.

    PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is required to stand or sit for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; push, pull, and grasp; and perform repetitive motions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

    Please see City of Nacogdoches Benefits.



    Job Posted by ApplicantPro
  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find police communications dispatchers for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your police communications dispatcher job on Zippia to find and recruit police communications dispatcher candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit police communications dispatchers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new police communications dispatcher

    Once you have selected a candidate for the police communications dispatcher position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a police communications dispatcher?

Recruiting police communications dispatchers involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

You can expect to pay around $40,084 per year for a police communications dispatcher, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for police communications dispatchers in the US typically range between $13 and $25 an hour.

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