Police Communications Dispatch Supervisor

City of Emeryville; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Emeryville seeks a Public Safety Dispatcher Supervisor to oversee the Police Communications Center. You will manage 24/7 operations, schedule staff, train, and track performance to ensure rapid, accurate response to emergencies.

You will coordinate with other city departments and outside agencies, monitor call intake, and maintain SOPs and quality assurance to meet regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Three years of experience in public safety dispatching in a 911 system; one year of lead or supervisory experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct activities of the Police Communications Center.
• Plan, organize, schedule and direct dispatch center activities.
• Monitor intake of calls and ensure accurate information and appropriate dispatch.
• Provide high-level tactical support during critical incidents.
• Coordinate inter-agency mutual aid and communications.

Skills

Staff supervision

Public safety dispatch

Radio dispatching

CAD/RMS system operation

Quality assurance

Inter-agency coordination

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CAD

RMS

CLETS

Job description

Under direction of the Police Service Manager, supervises and directs the public safety dispatch center operations; manages the intake and prioritization of public safety calls, coordinates activities across city departments and outside agencies; and ensures 24/7 emergency response readiness through effective scheduling, training, and performance tracking.

• Plans, organizes, schedules and directs activities of the Police Communications Center.

• Manages unit scheduling, including rotating shifts, holiday coverage, and the authorization of overtime to ensure 24/7 operational readiness and minimum staffing levels.
• Performs the full range of Public Safety Dispatcher duties as necessary; assists staff with calls for service, radio dispatching, or handling of emergency calls/critical incidents as they arise; provides support and handles requests as needed.
• Monitors and evaluates the intake of emergency and routine calls for service to ensure staff collect accurate information and dispatch appropriate personnel according to established protocols.
• Provides high-level tactical support to dispatchers during critical incidents, assuming command of complex radio traffic and prioritizing department-wide resources when call volume exceeds standard capacity.
• Serves as the escalation point for inter-agency coordination, managing mutual aid requests and ensuring seamless communication between neighboring jurisdictions during large-scale emergencies.

• Supervises and audits the use of Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management Systems (RMS) and CLETS (California Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems) processes to ensure data integrity, technical proficiency, and compliance with law enforcement reporting standards.

• Conducts regular quality assurance reviews of recorded calls and radio traffic to provide coaching, identify training gaps, and ensure staff maintain composure and professionalism under pressure.
• Maintenance of dispatch records; analyzes response data and call statistics to prepare comprehensive reports for executive leadership regarding operational trends and equipment needs as needed.
• Develops and updates standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training guidelines to ensure the dispatch center remains consistent with evolving state and federal law enforcement mandates.
• Mediates and resolves complex public inquiries or complaints regarding dispatch services, acting as the primary liaison between the public and the communications unit to maintain community trust.
• Oversees and implements the Communication Training Program.
• May complete requests for subpoenas of events, phone calls, radio recordings, and other requested items.

Education

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in public safety dispatching in a 911 system at a level equivalent to the City's Police Communications Dispatcher classification. One (1) year of lead or supervisory experience is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications

Possession of a Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate by date of appointment. Possession of a valid California drivers' license with a satisfactory driving record by date of appointment.

Must be at least 18 years of age by date of appointment.

Position also requires a background check and pre-employment medical examination.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of principles and practices of employee supervision; basic functions, principles and practices of law enforcement agencies; terminology and procedures used in public safety dispatching; operation of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone lines and radio systems; techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic levels under hostile and emergency situations; methods and techniques of research, compiling and summarizing data, and preparing reports and correspondence; City geography, maps, streets, and landmarks; City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols; Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to plan, assign, supervise, train and evaluate staff; supervise, organize, implement, and direct public safety dispatching activities in response to a diverse range of emergency and non-emergency situations; assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment; maintain confidentiality of information received during the course of work; understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed; operate various tools and equipment including police radio, multi-line telephone, and CAD/ RMS system; interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, policies, and procedures related to assigned functional area; direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems; Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments; obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations; read street maps; learn locations of streets and highways, residential and commercial areas of the City; establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines; effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform work tasks.

Bargaining Unit

CAMP - Confidential, Administrative, Managerial and Professional Employees

Annual Hours: 2080 (40 hours per week)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Created: July 2026

Last Revised: N/A