POLICE DISPATCHER I

The California State University; California; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Cal Poly Humboldt is seeking a Police Dispatcher I to efficiently handle emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch police personnel, and maintain critical records. The role requires rapid decision-making, clear communication, and strict adherence to procedures on a campus environment.

Responsibilities include processing calls, updating law enforcement databases, and coordinating with multiple agencies. The position is full-time, on-site at Humboldt, with opportunities to train and grow within

Qualifications

• One year of verifiable experience using a switchboard and two-way radio in a law enforcement or comparable agency within the last ten years.
• Ability to speak clearly, follow instructions and transfer information accurately.
• P.O.S.T Dispatcher Course completion or eligibility is required.

Responsibilities

• Dispatches police units using a computerized system and prioritizes calls.
• Responds to 911 and non-emergency calls and provides information to the public.
• Maintains department records and logs (RIMS, CAD, NCIC) and updates information.
• Interacts with public and campus departments, providing accurate information and referrals.

Skills

Typing 45 wpm

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CLETS

NCIC

RIMS

Job description

Police Dispatcher I

Job no: 559101 | Work type: Staff | Location: Humboldt | Categories: Unit 7 - CSUEU - Clerical and Administrative Support Services, Administrative, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Position Summary: Under the general supervision of the Police Lieutenant, the Police Dispatcher receives emergency and non-emergency calls from the public or other agencies, maintains effective and efficient communications, and dispatches police personnel following prescribed procedures. The position is also responsible for basic records maintenance and distribution. Job duties must be performed quickly, clearly and accurately.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Dispatching – 60%

• Answers incoming telephone calls (including 911 and TDD calls for fire, medical, police or other emergency services), receives initial information for calls for service, evaluates and prioritizes calls for proper dispatch and disposition.
• Dispatches police units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system.
• Maintains constant radio contact with all personnel in the field and responds to any information or support needs. Accounts for location and status of all units and properly records any information associated with field calls.
• Monitors radio traffic of other police and fire agencies and campus departments such as Housing & Plant Operations.
• Responds to all persons at the public counter to take initial reports or calls for service and to answer general questions regarding the campus, parking or police procedures, found property, Live Scan, etc.
• Provides general information and referral services to the campus, especially outside of normal business hours.
• Makes inquiries and enters a variety of records into the CLETS database, NCIC and CLEWS systems, including but not limited to registration checks on vehicles, stolen property or gun checks, warrants or missing persons.
• Interprets database returns for officers in the field and broadcasts them as needed and understands that misuse of these systems is a criminal offense.
• Contacts public and private agencies and requests mutual assistance, including other law enforcement agencies, fire, ambulance, towing services and utilities.
• Maintains telecommunication briefing books of all missing persons, runaways, wanted persons, stolen vehicles, etc.
• Monitors campus fire, panic, intrusion and environmental alarm systems and processes all alarms according to procedures by type of alarm.
• Maintains department's computerized law enforcement records system (RIMS), which includes making timely entries regarding calls for service, crime reports, citations and persons contacted.

Other Communications & Administrative Tasks – 25%

• Process crime reports and citations, including keyboarding, printing, copying, scanning, distribution and filing.
• Takes messages for all department personnel; answers multi-line telephones promptly and forwards calls or information in a timely manner.
• Occasionally prepares various statistical reports as requested; provides computer entry and documentation of parking citations, permits, boots and querying of the parking computer systems.
• Updates 826-INFO line per department directives or as needed in an emergency event; contributes to archiving of various reports, records and logs.

Public Safety Support / Miscellaneous – 10%

• Keeps supervisor informed of work progress and potential issues; assists with campus lost and found, and maintains various logs (CAD, Excel, maintenance requests, incident memorandums, activity logs, building schedules).
• Maintains and updates dispatch, radio, CLETS and NCIC manuals as needed; responds to questions from the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Attends meetings and training to stay current on principles and practices in the field; may train new dispatchers.
• Communicates and coordinates with appropriate persons to maximize interdepartmental efficiency.

Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

• Performs other duties consistent with the role and function of the job classification as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – As stated in Classification Standards and related to major responsibilities:

• Working knowledge of legal codes, requirements, procedures and techniques for receiving complaints and calls for service and for dispatching and communicating with campus officers in the field.
• Ability to effectively converse using police radio systems; working knowledge of public safety-related agencies and their communication protocols.
• Ability to independently respond and act quickly, evaluate information and situations, and make appropriate decisions in routine, non-routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to read maps and floor plans to provide directions to officers in the field; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and remain calm under pressure; excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency with relevant computerized dispatch and law enforcement databases and systems.

Minimum Qualifications:

Entry to the first level typically requires one year of verifiable experience using a switchboard and two-way radio communication system in a law enforcement or comparable agency within the last ten years and a high school diploma or equivalent. Essential entry qualifications require the ability to effectively use a phonetic alphabet, speak clearly, follow instructions, transfer information accurately, handle interpersonal interactions, and learn applicable dispatch systems and databases. Incumbents must have completed or be able to attend and complete the P.O.S.T Dispatcher Course. If not possessed at hire, candidates will be required to pass a written test and meet supplemental P.O.S.T requirements (background checks, physical and psychological exams, drug testing, etc.).

a. Availability to rotate shifts, work nights, weekends, overtime, holidays and emergency call-back.

b. Ability to type 45 wpm.

c. Must meet CSU System standards for Police Dispatcher at the Position Skill Level I.

d. Must pass the P.O.S.T background investigation for a law enforcement dispatcher position.

Preferred Qualifications:

Two years of clerical experience involving public contacts; or one year of military or civilian public safety experience; or one year experience as dispatcher (or equivalent) operating radio or other communications equipment. A California POST Basic Dispatch certificate; proof of POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery Total T-Score of 55 or higher.

Application Procedure: To apply, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials by clicking the Apply Now button:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for at least three supervisor references

Application Deadline: 11:55 p.m. on July 20, 2026. For inquiries, contact [e-mail] or Cal Poly Humboldt’s Human Resources Office at [phone].

Notice: Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the unceded lands of the Wiyot people; the university is committed to diversity and inclusion and to equal opportunity in education and employment.

Other standard disclosures remain, including background checks, employment verification, and compliance with university and CSU policies. Some material may be included for compliance and reporting purposes.