Police Dispatcher

City of Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team as an Emergency Communications Specialist, where you will play a vital role in connecting the community with emergency responders. This essential position involves managing 911 calls, dispatching police units, and maintaining communication during high-pressure situations. With a focus on professionalism and quick decision-making, you will ensure public safety and support police operations in Boston. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about helping others, this opportunity is perfect for you. Embrace the challenge and make a difference in your community!

Benefits

Paid time off including sick, vacation, and personal days

Union benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum typing speed of 35 words per minute required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, diverse, and high-pressure environment.

Responsibilities

• Receive and transmit emergency information from 911 calls.
• Dispatch personnel and equipment based on incident severity.
• Communicate clearly over the radio and maintain situational awareness.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to process data quickly

Ability to work under pressure

Professional telephone demeanor

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)

MS Windows

Microsoft applications

Google Suite

Job description

Overview

This is a provisional appointment.

Under general supervision, the Emergency Communications Specialist – Police Dispatcher will be assigned to the Operations Division of the Boston Police Department. The Operations Division serves as the critical link between the public and emergency responders in the City of Boston. The Division is the City's primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), handling all initial 911 calls and requests for assistance from the general public, and is responsible for all dispatch-related services for the Boston Police Department.

Responsibilities

• Receive, transmit, and disseminate routine and emergency information from 911 and administrative calls to police units using telecommunications equipment, including Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), digital telephony, and multi-channel radio systems.
• Respond to requests from police field units for information and resources to assist in their duties.
• Monitor various inter-agency radio networks to maintain situational awareness of activities or incidents in adjoining jurisdictions.
• Transmit related information or incident notifications to field officers from various notification systems.
• Notify the Operations Division and police field Supervisors of significant or unusual incidents per department protocols.
• Dispatch necessary personnel and equipment according to the nature and severity of incidents.
• Operate specialized communication equipment.
• Communicate clearly over the radio and accurately record radio transmissions in the CAD system.
• Process large amounts of data and radio traffic quickly and accurately.
• Remain calm and effective under pressure in emergencies and high workloads.
• Conduct radio transmissions according to FCC rules and Boston Police Department procedures.
• Maintain constant monitoring of communication equipment and respond to requests from field units.
• Keep track of field units and check their status according to department protocols.
• Maintain situational awareness of local, regional, state, and national emergencies.
• Familiarize with and apply Boston Police rules, protocols, and procedures.
• Handle calls from a diverse population in varying emotional states.
• Access and disseminate information from confidential law enforcement systems.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
• Participate in ongoing training and quality assurance reviews.
• Testify in court or departmental proceedings as required.
• Communicate courteously and professionally with internal BPD personnel, external agencies, and the public.
• Troubleshoot work-related equipment and report issues to supervisors.
• Complete all required training and continuing education.
• Perform related work as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• Minimum typing speed of 35 words per minute.
• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• Excellent oral and written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to read and communicate clearly in English.
• Professional telephone demeanor.
• Ability to process large amounts of data and radio traffic quickly and accurately.
• Ability to work professionally in a fast-paced, diverse, and high-pressure environment.
• Knowledge of working effectively with individuals from various backgrounds.
• Ability to sit at a computer workstation for extended periods.
• Availability to work all shifts, including nights, holidays, weekends, and mandated overtime.
• Working knowledge of the City of Boston and its neighborhoods is preferred.
• Computer literacy, particularly in an MS Windows environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications and Google Suite.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and attention to detail.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Obtain necessary certifications as required.

PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS WITH PREVIOUS DISPATCHER OR TELECOMMUNICATOR EXPERIENCE AND TO INDIVIDUALS WHO SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE FLUENTLY IN ADDITION TO ENGLISH.

Work Environment

The emergency communications center is air-conditioned with fluorescent lighting and individual workstations in a larger room, with frequent background noise. Duties may involve exposure to stress and vicarious trauma.

The Operations Division operates 24/7 with three working shifts. New hires may be assigned to the 4 PM to 12 AM shift or the 12 AM to 8 AM shift.

THIS POSITION IS DEEMED ESSENTIAL, AND PERSONNEL MUST REPORT TO WORK DURING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.

• Criminal record check required.
• Pre-employment drug test, physical, and psychological evaluation required.
• Applicants will be subject to hearing and vision testing.

This position has received a waiver from the Boston Residency Commission for a temporary moratorium on the City of Boston Residency Ordinance for three years, ending 8/26/25, or until the percentage of full-time call takers and dispatchers reaches 85% of budgeted positions.

Terms of Employment & Compensation

• Union/Salary Plan/Grade: SEIU/RL1-19
• Hours per week: 40
• Full-time hourly, non-exempt, benefitted, union position.
• Paid time off includes sick, vacation, and personal days.