Police Dispatcher - Make a Difference

National Public Safety Careers; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plans

Paid leave and education resources

Job summary

National Public Safety Careers is seeking qualified Police Dispatchers to handle emergency and nonemergency requests, document incidents, and coordinate with officers and agencies from a central communications center.

The role requires strong typing, radio communication, and multitasking skills; candidates may undergo training with background checks and security screenings as part of the hiring process. Shifts may include nights, weekends, and overtime depending on staffing needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; training possible for entry level.
• Must be able to type accurately and understand spoken information.
• Ability to communicate clearly by radio and learn jurisdictional geography.
• Access to criminal justice information systems may require additional screening.

Responsibilities

• 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 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

Skills

Typing accuracy

Radio communication

Multitasking

Jurisdictional geography learning

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Criminal justice information systems

Job description

Position Details

Duty Location: {airport_name}, MC Kenzie, AL

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

Maintain required dispatch and records-access qualifications

Comply with confidentiality, security, and professional-conduct standards

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Police Dispatchers generally work at communications consoles using headsets, radios, keyboards, and multiple displays. The role requires sustained concentration and may involve calls concerning violence, threats, or traumatic events. Consult the vacancy for essential functions and accommodation information.

Benefits

• Depending on eligibility, benefits may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plans; paid leave; employee-assistance resources; and continuing education.
• Premium pay and other provisions vary by agency and employment agreement.