Public Safety Dispatcher - October 2025

City of Colorado Springs; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher who will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the community. This position involves receiving and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls, prioritizing responses based on urgency, and utilizing advanced computer systems to coordinate police and fire resources. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating excellent decision-making skills and a commitment to customer service. This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference in public safety while working in a supportive and dynamic team setting. Join a dedicated workforce and explore the rewarding possibilities of a career in public safety dispatching!

Qualifications

• One year of experience as a dispatcher or call-taker in public safety.
• Ability to pass CritiCall testing series and handle stressful interactions.

Responsibilities

• Receive and dispatch calls for police, fire, and medical services.
• Prioritize calls and maintain accurate data entry in CAD.
• Assist officers and handle administrative duties as assigned.

Skills

Public Safety Dispatching

Critical Decision Making

Customer Service

Stress Management

Communication Skills

Data Entry

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Specialized Training in Dispatch Communications

Tools

Computer Aided Dispatch System (CAD)

MS Office

Quick Response Software

CJIS/CCIC

ProQA

Job description

Public Safety Dispatcher

The purpose of this position is to receive and dispatch incoming calls for police, emergency medical and fire services and other emergency and non-emergency assistance. Prioritizes calls based on nature of emergency. Obtains critical information needed to ensure proper police, fire and medical response; dispatches appropriate units via the computer aided dispatch system (CAD), the radio and telephone; and performs a variety of duties relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

This posting is for a class scheduled to start in October 2025.

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As a Public Safety Dispatcher (PSD), you will:

• Use radio to dispatch appropriate Police and Fire resources to respond to calls received.
• Prioritize calls based upon nature of request for services, availability of units, and other pertinent information.
• Maintain accurate data entry functions into CAD for documentation.
• Maintain accurate and current awareness of the locations and status of police and fire units for safety of responding personnel.
• Maintain good customer service while following policy and procedures, general orders, and standard operating procedures.
• Utilize various software and web-based systems to conduct research to respond to calls.
• Complete data entry functions.
• Run checks for wants and warrants on vehicles, guns, boats, articles, and persons to complete requests for service.
• Assist officers in arranging tows for accident scenes.
• Assist internal requests via administration line to process calls.
• Make notifications to on-call personnel.
• Any other administrative duties as assigned.

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of public safety dispatching and/or call-taking protocols.
• Ability to comprehend critical information to ensure proper resources are dispatched.
• Ability to make quick and lucid decisions.
• Ability to successfully pass the CritiCall testing series.
• Ability to handle stressful, negative, and aggressive interactions.
• Ability to write a series of numbers, names, and addresses.
• Ability to speak into radios and telephones.
• Ability to receive and respond to incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance.
• Ability to read computer screens.
• Ability to function in a work environment with moderate noise level from several sources creating constant activity.

Machines, Tools, Equipment, and Work Aids: Fax, scanner, telephone, headset, workstation with moveable desks, ergonomic adjustable chairs, computer, and printer.

Specialized Computer Equipment and Software: Quick Response, CAD, CCIS/NCIC, CJIS, LERMS, ProQA, MS Office, Contact Map, Twitter, Facebook, Citizen Observer, 3si, CSU database, and BOSS3.

Minimum Requirements:

• Have a high school diploma or GED supplemented by specialized training in dispatch communications or a related field.
• Have one year of full-time experience as an independent dispatcher or call-taker in a public safety or emergency communication center.
• Successfully complete the CritiCall test series.
• Possess, or obtain within three months of hire, the following certifications: CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), CBI CCIC/NCIC (National Crime Information Center), CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services), Incident Command System 100, 700, and NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children).

One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR) one year of relevant academic coursework beyond the minimum requirement may be substituted for one year of required professional experience.

• Experience working in a public safety setting, including public safety dispatch.
• Experience using CJIS, CCIC/NCIC, and computer-aided dispatch systems.
• Current CPR, EMD, EPD, and EFD certifications.
• Bilingual in Spanish.

Specific questions for this job can be directed to [e-mail] or 719-444-7446.

This is a shift position that requires the ability to work varied hours and days to include nights, weekends, and holidays in a closed, secure environment. The ability to work on-call and mandatory overtime is required.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

This position requires the successful completion of a polygraph examination, an extensive background check, a typing proficiency test, and other pre-employment assessments. Applicants that have used marijuana or CBD products within 3 months from the date of their application submission will not be eligible for hire. More information about the Colorado Springs Police Department’s Marijuana Use Policy can be found here.

Physical Demands: This position requires the ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently. Must be able to sit/stand constantly.

Environmental Conditions: Primary Work Environment - Office environment with moderate noise level from several sources creating constant activity.