Police Dispatcher

Public Safety Dispatch Network; Iowa; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Public Safety Dispatch Network in Fayette, IA seeks Police Dispatcher to support law enforcement operations by receiving requests, maintaining reliable radio communications, and handling authorized records duties. The role emphasizes accurate location details, safety information, and timely updates for officers in the field.

Applicants typically have a high school diploma, can type accurately, and communicate clearly by radio.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to type accurately and communicate clearly by radio.
• Willingness to learn jurisdictional geography and dispatch procedures.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency and nonemergency requests for police assistance.
• Document incident locations, suspect descriptions, vehicle details, and hazards.
• Assign calls to officers according to priority and procedures.
• Monitor officer status, radio traffic, and requests for assistance.
• Relay updates about evolving incidents and safety concerns.
• Coordinate with neighboring agencies and perform records inquiries after training.
• Maintain incident records and safeguard confidential information.

Skills

Typing

Active listening

Communication

Multitasking

Dispatch aptitude

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Records systems

Criminal justice information systems

Job description

Police Dispatcher Opportunities in Fayette

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.

• Duty Location: {airport_name}, Fayette, IA
• 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.

• 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

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.

• 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

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.

Depending on eligibility, benefits may include 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.