Police Dispatcher

National Public Safety Careers; Appalachia (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Retirement plans

Paid leave

Employee assistance resources

Continuing education

Premium pay (varies by agency)

Job summary

National Public Safety Careers in Appalachia, VA is seeking Police Dispatchers to support law enforcement operations by handling emergency and nonemergency requests. The role involves receiving calls, documenting locations and details, and coordinating with officers and agencies.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training may be provided for entry-level positions, with higher expectations for experience and certifications in more advanced roles.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; training may be provided for entry-level roles.
• Prior police dispatch experience and relevant certifications may be required for experienced roles.
• Ability to type accurately, understand spoken information, and communicate clearly by radio.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency and nonemergency requests for police assistance
• Document incident locations, descriptions, vehicle details, and reported hazards
• Assign calls to available officers according to priority and agency procedures
• Monitor officer status, radio traffic, and requests for assistance
• Relay updates about changing incidents and potential safety concerns
• Conduct authorized records inquiries after completing required training
• Coordinate with neighboring agencies and other emergency services
• Maintain clear incident records and safeguard restricted information

Skills

Typing accuracy

Active listening

Clear radio communication

Multitasking

Geography knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Criminal justice information systems

Job description

Police Dispatcher Opportunities in Appalachia

Police Dispatchers support law enforcement operations by receiving requests for assistance and maintaining reliable communication with officers. Depending on the agency, the position may combine telephone call taking, radio dispatch, and authorized records-system duties.

Dispatchers help officers understand what is happening before they arrive. Accurate locations, descriptions, safety information, and timely updates are essential parts of the work.

Position Details

• Duty Location: {airport_name}, Appalachia, VA
• Employer: The hiring law enforcement or communications agency identified in the official vacancy
• Pay: {salary_min}–{salary_max} per year
• Schedule: {work_schedule}
• Appointment Type: {appointment_type}
• Who May Apply: {who_may_apply}
• Application Deadline: {closing_date}

Police dispatch services may operate continuously. Employees may work nights, weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and overtime based on staffing and operational needs.

What You May Do

• Receive emergency and nonemergency requests for police assistance
• Document incident locations, suspect descriptions, vehicle details, and reported hazards
• Assign calls to available officers according to priority and agency procedures
• Monitor officer status, radio traffic, and requests for assistance
• Relay updates about changing incidents and potential safety concerns
• Conduct authorized records inquiries after completing required training
• Coordinate with neighboring agencies and other emergency services
• Maintain clear incident records and safeguard restricted information

Experience and Education Requirements

A high school diploma or recognized equivalent is commonly required. Entry-level vacancies may provide training, while experienced classifications may require prior police dispatch work and applicable certifications.

Candidates should be able to type accurately, understand spoken information, communicate clearly by radio, and learn jurisdictional geography. Access to criminal justice information systems may require additional screening and security training.

General Conditions of Employment

• Meet agency-specific age and employment eligibility requirements
• Successfully complete the required background investigation
• Pass applicable typing, listening, multitasking, or dispatch aptitude assessments
• Complete additional screening when required by the employer
• Maintain required dispatch and records-access qualifications
• Comply with confidentiality, security, and professional-conduct standards

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Police Dispatchers generally work at communications consoles using headsets, radios, keyboards, and multiple displays. The role requires sustained concentration and may involve calls concerning violence, threats, or traumatic events. Consult the vacancy for essential functions and accommodation information.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision coverage
• retirement plans
• paid leave
• employee-assistance resources
• and continuing education.
• Premium pay and other provisions vary by agency and employment agreement.