Police Dispatcher

National Public Safety Careers; Washington (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

National Public Safety Careers is seeking Police Dispatchers to support law enforcement operations in Washington. Dispatchers handle emergency and nonemergency requests, document incidents, and coordinate with officers and neighboring agencies.

The role requires accurate typing, clear radio communication, and the ability to work in demanding environments including nights, weekends, and holidays. Training and background checks apply as part of the onboarding process.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is commonly required.
• Typing accurately and processing information quickly is essential.
• Ability to communicate clearly by radio and over the phone.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Typing accuracy

Multitasking

Radio communications

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Records systems

Job description

Police Dispatcher Opportunities in Washington

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}, Washington, 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.

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