Police Dispatcher

City of South Pasadena; South Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of South Pasadena seeks a qualified Police Dispatcher to handle emergency and routine calls, dispatch officers, and manage communications equipment. This non-sworn role requires strong English communication, attention to detail, and the ability to perform under pressure in a public safety environment.

Employees may be assigned varied shifts and are expected to maintain logs, assist with reports, and coordinate with multiple agencies while ensuring the safety and welfare of persons in

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior dispatch experience is highly desirable.
• A valid California driver license and completion of a POST dispatcher course or equivalent is required.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency and routine calls and dispatch police personnel.
• Maintain radio contact and status of in-field units.
• Coordinate with City departments, emergency services, and other agencies.
• Process arrestees including booking and transport to appropriate facilities.
• Maintain a dispatch log and prepare related reports.

Skills

Communication skills

Public safety dispatch

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Police dispatch equipment

Police computer systems

Radio communication equipment

Job description

The South Pasadena Police Department is seeking a qualified professional to take on the role of Police Dispatcher!

Current Starting Salary: Up to $76,356 depending on qualifications (DOQ)

This recruitment is open continuous and may close or be extended at any time without notice.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

The first review of applications will be September 1, 2025.

Purpose

This is a non-sworn position with an assigned work schedule of 3-12, 4-10 or 5-8 work schedule depending upon assignment. Under the general supervision of the Watch Commander, handles communications responsibilities by receiving emergency and routine calls and dispatching law enforcement personnel, processes arrestees, including booking and transport to Pasadena Police Department or Sheriff's Central Jail, and performs other duties as required which are deemed beneficial to the Department.

Examples of Duties

• Duties include, but are not limited to, receiving emergency and routine calls for law enforcement service and dispatching appropriate personnel;
• Maintaining radio contact and status of in-field units;
• Coordinating with City departments, emergency services, and other government agencies;
• Monitoring of other radio frequencies; entering, updating, and retrieving information from national, state and local computer systems;
• Maintaining a daily dispatch log; training of other communications personnel;
• Receiving reports and complaints from the public by phone and in person;
• Providing for the processing, security, health, and welfare of persons in custody; transporting of persons in custody to court and from other law enforcement agencies;
• Gathering information and completing reports of selected police incidents;
• Providing parking enforcement by issuing citations and towing vehicles for California Vehicle Code and City ordinance violations; assisting with traffic and crowd control;
• Processing of evidence and financial transactions;
• Accurately preparing related forms and reports for all assigned tasks;
• Performing clerical work as required.

Police Assistants may be required to work additional or overtime shifts consistent with Department policies.

Employment Standards

Education and Experience:

A high school diploma or equivalent. Prior dispatch experience (preferably in the public sector) is highly desirable.

Special Requirements

A valid California driver license; completion of a P.O.S.T Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course before or within one year from date of appointment.

Knowledge of:

English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation; typewriter/computer keyboarding; general office procedures and equipment.

Ability to:

Understand and communicate tactfully with the public, persons in custody, and fellow employees; function appropriately in emergency and routine situations with the public, persons in custody, and fellow employees; accurately interpret codes and ordinances and apply investigative techniques to assess compliance; follow through on assignments; make logical interpretations, and come to conclusions from studying facts; operate specified Police Department equipment necessary for completion of daily tasks, such as, but not limited to, police dispatch and records equipment, police computer equipment, police vehicle and portable radios, and police patrol vehicles.

Physical Demands

Candidates must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time, climb at least five flights of stairs unassisted, coordinate eyes, hands, and fingers in typing; exert light to moderate physical effort, and exert sufficient force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and safely and legally control persons in custody.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate in the field.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

FLSA Status

Non-exempt

SELECTION PROCESS

Candidates considered for employment must successfully complete a typing speed exam, a POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery exam (or have received an exemption waiver), an oral interview, a polygraph, an extensive background investigation, psychological evaluation, and a medical examination.

The examination components consist of:

• Application Review
• Typing Speed Test (Net Typing Score of 40 wpm or more) To waive this portion of the process please attach a typing certificate that meets requirements below.
• A POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Exam To waive this portion of the process please attach a copy of your POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Exam dated within one year of this application
• Oral Appraisal Interview
• Polygraph
• Background Investigation
• Chief's Interview
• Psychological Screening & Medical Examination

• Applicant's name
• Name of issuing agency
• Signature of agency representative certifying the certificate
• Date of administration (Test must be dated within one year of application due date)
• Five minute timed test indicating the gross typing speed, errors and NET typing speed. Net typing score of 40 wpm or more.
• Online or self-administered tests will not be accepted

A copy of your typing certificate must be attached to the application to be considered for exemption. You may qualify to be exempt from the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Exam, if you can provide proof of completing one of the following:

1. Achievement of a passing score of 48 on the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery. The score must be provided on the agency's letterhead and completed within 365 days of filing application OR
2. Proof of successful completion of the POST certified Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course (80 hours minimum) AND completion of probation as a public safety dispatcher during previous employment OR
3. Possess a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate.

A copy of your proof must be attached to the application to be considered for exemption.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The City reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice. Individuals determined to be qualified and best aligned to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The City of South Pasadena is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of South Pasadena intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please email [e-mail].

The City of South Pasadena is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work.

FAIR CHANCE ACT

The City of South Pasadena will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of South Pasadena has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report (for non-public-safety backgrounds). Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.

ABOUT THE CITY

The City of South Pasadena (population 26,047) is a charming community located only eight miles from downtown Los Angeles on the west side of the San Gabriel Valley. South Pasadena is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, stunning homes, unique small businesses, top-quality schools and a strong commitment to community. South Pasadena is also a full-service city with its own fire, police and water departments.

Occupying 3.44 square miles of flatlands and hillsides, South Pasadena’s unique character makes it one of California’s most desirable locations. The City has a rich history of intact late 19th and early 20th Century neighborhoods and residences, giving it a strong claim as one of the oldest and most historic sites in the San Gabriel Valley. One of the first suburbs of Los Angeles, South Pasadena maintains small-town quality, with charming residential streetscapes, and a historic commercial core, making it one of Hollywood’s favorite suburban filming locations, featured in numerous television and big screen productions.

South Pasadena is frequently recognized as a family and environmentally friendly community. The City enjoys quiet, attractive, walkable neighborhoods and a low crime rate. There are numerous active community organizations in South Pasadena, including the Oneonta Club, WISPPA, South Pasadena Arts Council, AYSO, Little League, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Women’s Club, Chamber of Commerce, South Pasadena Preservation Foundation, Holy Family Church, St. James Church, South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, South Pasadena Chinese-American Club, Vecinos and many others. Boasting over 100 acres of parks and playgrounds and more than 21,000 trees, the City’s picturesque environment invites residents and visitors to enjoy numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. South Pasadena offers an 18 hole, Par-3 golf course, tennis, racquet and pickleball facilities, horse stables and a dog park all in its picturesque Arroyo Seco area.

Small, proud and independent, the City of South Pasadena has preserved its status as a unique community for over a hundred years.

NOTE: The provisions in this job flyer do not constitute an expressed or implied contract; and any provisions contained in this flyer may be modified or revoked without notice