Police Dispatcher

Police Dispatcher

Salary

$65,771.40 - $92,547.00 Annually

Location

Westminster Police Department, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-37

Department

Police

Opening Date

08/13/2026

Closing Date

9/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This position is scheduled for a salary range increase of $5,755 - 8,097 in January 2027

$1,600/Month Medical Benefits Stipend - Whether You Enroll or Not. Bilingual Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement, Longevity Pay & so much more! (Full-Time Only)

Are you looking for a career where no day is ever the same? Are you someone who can remain calm and think clearly in emergency situations? You can go from a call regarding a minor traffic collision to a frantic caller screaming for help. The Communications Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Youre the first point of contact for the citizens of Westminster.

Our Dispatchers handle nearly 180,000 phone calls per year both emergency and non-emergency. It is a highly skilled position that requires that ability to keep up with high activity levels, remain professional and composed while handling life/death situations, make split second decisions, exercising sound critical thinking skills, and type as fast as someone can yell. Do you have what it takes? If so, we encourage you to apply today!

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under general supervision, receives police and emergency calls, and dispatches Police units following prescribed procedures; answers non-emergency calls for public safety and other City departments; performs a variety of general administrative support duties including record keeping, typing, and filing; and performs related work as required.

This is a single-level classification that performs the full range of receiving and dispatching emergency calls for the Police Department. Responsibilities are centered on extensive contact with the public over the telephone, in both emergency and non-emergency situations to receive, transmit, and provide factual information, forms, and reports. All activities must be performed within specified legal guidelines. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Communications Supervisor in that the latter is the full supervisory-level class in the series responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of staff involved in police dispatch services.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Dispatchers are an integral part of police patrol operations. They are the primary link between the public and officers in the field. Making quick, accurate and sound decisions is crucial. The ability to learn new material and recall this information is extremely important.

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• is comfortable talking to the public with a high volume of incoming calls
• reacts quickly, efficiently, and calmly in emergency situations
• speaks and types (35+wpm) in a clear and concise manner
• has accurate listening and comprehension skills
• is able to multi-task and exercise critical thinking skills
• elicits information from persons in varied states of mind
• is motivated, reliable, and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic
• is able to learn, memorize, and utilize police codes, names, street locations, and other information
• is proficient in computer/data entry with sufficient speed and accuracy
• is able to work a flexible work schedule

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Receives and evaluates police and emergency calls, and related business calls for the City during an assigned portion of the 24-hours-per-day/7-days-per-week Police Department operations; provides information and/or transfers calls to the appropriate department, agency, or response organization; takes messages for Police Department personnel.

• Dispatches public safety emergency units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system, including determining priority of emergency and contacting and sending appropriate response unit.

• Maintains contact with field units, including accounting for location and status of units and maintaining records of field calls; sends back-up units, as necessary, ensuring the safety of field units.

• Operates computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities; tests and inspects equipment as assigned.

• Logs call data in a written or automated format; monitors calls after initial dispatch to provide additional coordination, support, or information.

• Enters, updates, and retrieves a variety of records from teletype database, including stolen vehicles and property, vehicle registration information, guns and property, and warranted or missing persons.

• Accesses Federal, State, and local law enforcement information databases to obtain information regarding outstanding warrants, criminal history, records information, and vehicle data; relays such information to sworn staff.

• Acts as a liaison to the public and representatives of other agencies for the department; provides initial non-emergency contact with the public and representatives of other agencies for the requesting of police records or related services; determines the nature of the contact; provides factual information regarding services, policies, and procedures, which requires knowledge of legal guidelines, departmental policies and procedures, and the use of tact and discretion, or directs the caller to the proper individual or agency.

• Maintains accurate departmental and law enforcement records and files; researches and compiles information from such files.

• Attends necessary training, shift briefing sessions, participates in drills, and test scenarios to prepare for unexpected emergencies.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

To view the detailed class specification click here

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• Business arithmetic and basic statistical techniques.
• Basic principles of record keeping.
• Functions, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies.
• Westminster Police Department policies and standard operating procedures.
• Terminology and procedures used in public safety dispatching.
• Operation of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone lines and radio systems.
• City and County geography, maps, streets, landmarks, and driving directions.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:

• Assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment.
• Speak in a clear and concise manner.
• Type 35 wpm.
• Memorize codes, names, street locations, and other information.
• Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
• Terminology and procedures used in public safety dispatching.
• Operation of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone lines and radio systems.
• Applicable codes, regulations, policies, technical processes and procedures, including penal, vehicle, and health and safety codes and regulations.
• Interpret, apply, and explain policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
• Compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports.
• Perform technical, detailed, and responsible office support work.
• Compose correspondence independently or from brief instructions.
• Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems.
• Make accurate arithmetic and statistical computations.
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner, organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and one (1) year of general clerical experience involving public contact. Incumbents must be able to type at least 35 words per minute, and receive a passing score on the ECOMM Exam.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, completion of P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher course within one year of appointment. Twenty-four (24) hours of Continuous Professional Training (CPT) required every two (2) years.

NTN Emergency Communications - ECOMM Exam

As part of the application process, qualified applicants must submit to a NTN Emergency Communications - ECOMM exam. If you have already taken the exam within the past 12 months, please be sure to attach your test results to your application. Please note that you have until the closing date of this job bulletin to take the NTN Exam. Any exams taken after the closing date will not be accepted. If hired, you will receive a reimbursement for the cost of the exam.

The City of Westminster offers a comprehensive benefit package to Westminster Police Officers Association (WPOA) members, including:

RETIREMENT BENEFITS: The City participates in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The Citys contract provides for the following retirement tiers for new hires:

SWORN EMPLOYEES:

• Tier 2 (hired on or after July 28, 2011 and a current CalPERS member): 2% @ 50 formula; employees contribute 9.0% of salary towards retirement costs.
• Tier 3/PEPRA (hired on or after January 1, 2013 and not a current CalPERS member): 2.7% @ 57 formula; employees contribute 14.5% of salary towards retirement costs.

NON-SWORN EMPLOYEES:

• Tier 2 (Classic Members hired on or after July 28, 2011): 2.0% @ 60 formula; employees contribute 7.0% of salary towards retirement costs.
• Tier 3/PEPRA (New Members hired on or after January 1, 2013): 2.0% @ 62 formula; employees contribute 8.25% of salary towards retirement costs.

The City of Westminster does not participate in Social Security.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Employees may receive an additional 5% of base pay for possessing an AA degree; or an additional 10% of base pay for possessing a BA/BS degree.

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT PAY: Available to Police Officers, Sergeants, and Commanders.

ADVANCED POST PAY: 2.5% of base pay provided for possession of an Advanced POST Certificate.

BILINGUAL PAY: $150 per month for demonstrated proficiency in specified languages.

LONGEVITY PAY:

10 years of service: $95 per month

15 years of service: $150 per month

21 years of service: $150 per month plus 2% of base salary

22 years of service: $150 per month plus 4% of base salary

23 years of service: $150 per month plus 6% of base salary

24 years of service: $150 per month plus 8% of base salary

25 years of service: $150 per month plus 10% of base salary

INSURANCE BENEFITS: Effective January 1, 2024, the Citys cafeteria benefits plan provides $1,600 per month toward the purchase of health, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as additional voluntary products. Employees who participate in the CalPERS health insurance program and are enrolled in a Family plan will receive an additional $400 per month towards the purchase of medical benefits (total of $2,000 per month).

Medical insurance is provided through the Cal-PERS health insurance program. Unused cafeteria plan dollars may be received by the employee as taxable income. A pre-tax flexible spending account is also available for health care and dependent care expenses. The City also provides a City-paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) benefit of 66.6% of salary to a maximum of $10,000 per month; the City also provides a paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Tuition reimbursement up to $1,000 per fiscal year for approved courses is available.

VACATION: Employees earn 120 hours of paid vacation during their first year of service. An additional eight hours is earned for each additional year of service up to five years (maximum of 160 hours). Additional benefits apply after 20 years of service.

HOLIDAYS: Employees receive eleven (11) paid City 9-hour fixed holidays, and an additional 27 hours of floating holiday time annually to be used at the employees discretion.

SICK LEAVE: Employees earn 96 hours of paid sick leave per year.

WORK SCHEDULE: Police employees work either a 3/12 or 4/10 work schedule. Other employees will have the option to work a 9/80, 4/10, or 5/40 work schedule (based on operational needs). The City does not offer a Hybrid work schedule at this time.

Please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Westminster Police Officers Association (WPOA) members for additional details: City Compensation/MOUs

01

Are you related to anyone that works for the City of Westminster? If yes, please list their name and relationship to you? If no, please type N/A

02

Have you ever been discharged or asked to resign from any position for misconduct or unsatisfactory service?

• Yes
• No

03

May we contact all employers listed in your work experience history? If "No" indicate exceptions:

04

Do you currently or have you previously worked for the City of Westminster? Please list you department, title and start/end date.

05

What language(s) other than English do you speak fluently?

06

Are you a Veteran in the US Armed Forces?

• Yes
• No

07

Have you completed the NTN Emergency Communications- ECOMM Exam? If yes, did you remember to attach your results to your application? If you have not completed this exam, click the link in the job posting for the NTN website. If you are unsure how to attach your results to your application, you may submit a screenshot of your results to nacosta@westminster-ca.gov. Be sure that your name is visible on your screenshot.

• Yes
• No

08

The only document we want attached is your exam results. No resumes please.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Westminster

Address 8200 Westminster Blvd.

Westminster, California, 92683

Phone 714-548-3244

Website http://www.westminster-ca.gov/