Police Dispatcher I

City of Pomona; Pomona (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

CalPERS

Shift differential

Bilingual pay

Tuition reimbursement

Deferred compensation

FSA

Job summary

City of Pomona invites applications for Police Dispatcher I. Under supervision and training, you will receive, route, relay, and dispatch calls for police, fire, and EMS, using multiple communication devices to keep the public safe.

The role offers comprehensive training and opportunities to grow within public safety communications. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, able to multitask under pressure, and committed to serving diverse communities with calm, accurate responses.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalency.
• Typing certificate indicating 45 net words per minute must be attached to your job application.
• Must obtain POST Dispatcher certification within one year of appointment (sponsored by the City).

Responsibilities

• Receive requests for police, fire, or other emergency services over the phone; answer 911, alternate emergency, and business calls.
• Screen incoming calls to determine necessity, priority, and type of response required.
• Monitor other agency radio frequencies to be aware of incidents elsewhere that may affect operations.
• Dispatch units in response to calls for service; monitor all activities on the radio keeping constant communications with personnel in the field; relay information and instructions to field personnel.
• Maintain accurate log of incoming service requests and action taken; enter, update, and retrieve information from the computer and teletype networks.
• Provide general information to the public; refer calls to appropriate agencies; calm angered, distraught, or frightened callers.

Skills

Handling Stress

Oral Communication

Customer Focus

Decision Making

Using Technology

Education

High School diploma or GED equivalency

Typing certificate 45 WPM

POST Dispatcher certification within one year

Job description

Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Join the City of Pomona team as a Police Dispatcher I!

As a Police Dispatcher, every call you answer has the potential to make a real impact, serving as a lifeline for someone in need and contributing directly to the safety of our community. You’ll thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where no two days are the same and every moment matters. Whether you’re experienced or new to dispatching, we provide comprehensive training to ensure you have the skills and confidence to succeed.

Under supervision and an extensive 12-month training program, the Police Dispatcher I will perform a variety of duties involved in the operation of the emergency services systems and various communication devices; will receive, route, relay, and dispatch calls for emergency and non-emergency law enforcement, ambulance, fire, and other services.

Why Pomona

The City of Pomona offers a meaningful and fast-paced career opportunity for individuals committed to public safety and dependable communication. Police Dispatchers are the vital link between the community and emergency services, providing calm, accurate, and swift responses during moments when people need help the most. This role is ideal for those who take pride in multitasking under pressure and delivering compassionate service to diverse members of the public.

This position comes with a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage and participation in CalPERS. Employees may also take advantage of the City’s deferred compensation plan, tuition reimbursement program, and medical flexible spending account. Additionally, the City offers opportunities for shift differential pay, bilingual pay (if applicable), and continued training to support your career growth within public safety communications.

The Police Dispatcher role provides a stable and rewarding career pathway with opportunities for professional advancement, specialized training, and future promotional prospects.

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED equivalency.

License or Certificate

• A typing certificate indicating a typing speed of at least 45 net words per minute must be attached to your job application. Emailed and faxed typing certificates will not be accepted.
• Must obtain POST Dispatcher certification within one year of appointment (this certification is sponsored by the City).

To excel in this position, the candidate must possess a set of core competencies. These competencies include, but are not limited to the following:

• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectation of customers
• Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications

• Receive requests for police, fire, or other emergency services over the phone; answer 911, alternate emergency, and business calls.
• Screen incoming calls to determine necessity, priority, and type of response required.
• Monitor other agency radio frequencies to be aware of incidents elsewhere that may affect operations.
• Dispatch units in response to calls for service; monitor all activities on the radio keeping constant communications with personnel in the field; relay information and instructions to field personnel.
• Maintain accurate log of incoming service requests and action taken; enter, update, and retrieve information from the computer and teletype networks.
• Provide general information to the public; refer calls to appropriate agencies; calm angered, distraught, or frightened callers; maintain calm in radio transmissions during hectic, tense, and dangerous situations.
• Call public and private agencies including allied law enforcement, hospitals, tow companies, utilities, and City standby personnel. Operate the CLETS (California Law Enforcement Teletype System) to run registration checks on vehicles, property, wanted information, and driver's license status. Contact other agencies and check for warrants on subjects.
• Operate a variety of public safety telecommunications equipment, C.A.D., records management system, unit and call status monitors, alarm board, and other miscellaneous equipment.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to work in an enclosed environment with limited mobility; availability for shift work, weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime.

Examination Procedure

Screening of qualifications and "most qualified" is based on the information provided on the official City Application, including the supplemental questions. A resume may be attached to your application but will not substitute for the completion of your application. Applications that are not entirely completed may be rejected. The examination process for this position will consist of the written POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery examination (pass/fail) and oral interview.

The POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Written Exam is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, 12/02/2026. Testing details to follow if selected to continue in the process.

If you have taken the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery within the last 12 months with another agency and received a T-score of 46 or higher, please submit a copy of your T-score to [e-mail] as soon as possible. The City may waive the written examination for applicants who qualify.

If you are currently going through the recruitment process or have placed on the Eligibility List, please do not reapply.

Supplemental Questions

To complete your application for this position, you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. These questions are important to the screening process, and therefore,incomplete responses, false statements, omission, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process, so please complete them accurately. Your responses should be consistent with the information provided on your application.

Final candidates will be subject to a background interview with the Police Chief or his designee, background investigation, medical examination and a drug screen. Failure to receive a recommendation to hire at any phase will result in disqualification.