Police Dispatcher I

City of San Bernardino, CA; San Bernardino (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Part time

Job summary

City of San Bernardino, CA seeks a Police Dispatcher I (Flex) to handle emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch units, and manage radio and computer systems in a fast-paced public safety center.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, 1+ year customer service experience, and the ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Knowledge of city geography is advantageous.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 1+ year of customer service experience preferred.
• Able to interpret and code calls and dispatch priorities.
• Familiarity with city geography and street layouts helps.
• Ability to operate radios, phones and computer systems efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls promptly and professionally.
• Dispatch officers and equipment per policy and protocol.
• Maintain radio and computer systems and document calls accurately.
• Work shifting patterns including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Geography knowledge

Emergency response

Radio/phone operation

Call triage

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Are you seeking an opportunity to grow professionally while making a difference in the community? C onsider joining the City of San Bernardino's Police Department as a Police Dispatcher I (Flex)!

About the City:

As a future member of our team, you’ll be joining a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history — shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences — continues to inspire the city’s evolving identity.

San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It’s a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose — and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.

About the Position:

The Police Dispatcher I (Flex) performs general and routine dispatching activities. Operates computerized dispatch, radio, "911," and ancillary equipment in a police communications center. Receives, interprets, and codes routine and emergency calls and dispatches personnel and equipment in response following clear policies and protocols. This positionwill require working a varied work shift that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Demonstrates customer service and communication skills,telephone and radio courtesy while delivering clear, concise, and specific instructions.
• Has the ability to work quickly under pressure while exercising sound judgment in emergency situations.
• Possesses familiarity with the geography and street layout of the city and surrounding areas.
• Exhibits proficiency in operating and maintaining radio, telephone, and office equipment, including computers and relevant software applications.

A Day in the Life:

As a Police Dispatcher I, you’ll spend your shift answering emergency and non-emergency calls, gathering key details, and dispatching officers and resources. You’ll communicate with units in the field, monitor their status, and provide critical information to keep both the public and officers safe. Each day is fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring focus, compassion, and clear communication under pressure.

Education, Training and Experience:

High School diploma or G.E.D.

AND

At least one (1) year of customer service experience working with the public in person, by telephone or in radio communications; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

A valid California driver’s license is required.

Typing speed of 30 words per minute is required.

Knowledge of:

• General operations, services, and activities of a public safety dispatch program.
• Rules, regulations, and procedures relating to police communications and dispatch, including FCC requirements.
• Proper operation and care of radio and telephone equipment.
• Customer service practices and telephone and radio courtesy.
• Geography and street layout of city and surrounding area.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment.
• Equipment maintenance practices and methods.

Skill in:

• Eliciting information to assess situations from callers.
• Determining dispatch priorities during peak workloads and dispatching appropriate personnel and equipment.
• Broadcasting clear, concise, and specific instructions over the radio in a distinct, well-modulated voice.
• Working rapidly under stress and exercising good judgment in emergency situations.
• Reading and applying mapping information for effective call and unit management.
• Listening to and recording, or key in, information clearly and accurately.
• Performing routine maintenance of computer systems and accessories.
• Operating a variety of office equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Following oral and written instructions.
• Working effectively with other employees.
• Communicating clearly and concisely
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships.

Recruitment Timeline

This recruitment will close on September 9, 2026, or until a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Criticall Exam:

Tentatively scheduled for the week of September 14, 2026

All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the personnel officer.

Pre-Employment Process (may include, but is not limited to)

• Application Review
• Written Exam
• Personal History Statement and Pre-Background Interview Questionnaire Packets
• Oral Exam
• Background Investigation with the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Background Investigation with Investigator
• Pre-employment Medical Exam, including drug test
• Psychological Evaluation
• Employment/Professional Reference Check

Following the initial screening, the most qualified candidates whose backgrounds best match the needs of the City will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement. Candidates will remain under consideration until a final selection is made, and an offer is accepted. The City of San Bernardino reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time and may determine that none of the applicants, including those who meet the minimum qualifications, are suitable for the position.

E-Verify Participation

The City of San Bernardino participates in the E-Verify program. In compliance with federal law, all employers are required to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired to work in the United States.

Accordingly, the City will provide information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm authorization to work in the United States.

For more information about E-Verify, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website at www.uscis.gov

Disclaimers

The City of San Bernardino is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City follows a nepotism policy, which may impact hiring decisions if an applicant has relatives currently employed by the City.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department directly at 909-998-2060.

This bulletin is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied. Its contents may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice.

The San Bernardino Police Department is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that is free of all forms of discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment and retaliation (Government Code §12940(k); 2 CCR 11023).

For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Stephanie Rivera at [e-mail].

Additional information is available at www.sbcity.org.