Police Communications Operator / Dispatcher I

The Anaheim Police Department is seeking a Police Communications Operator / Dispatcher I to support the Communications Section. The ideal candidate is self-motivated and someone who can multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment. 


Police Communications Operator 
Under moderate supervision, answers 9-1-1 and business telephone lines; responds to emergency police service requests by telephone, obtaining pertinent information and giving assistance and direction; transfers callers to appropriate personnel; and prepares clerical records as necessary. This is the entry-level classification for call taking in the police dispatching job series. There is no radio performance for this position. This class performs the routine tasks and duties handling emergency and non-emergency calls for service. Incumbents may have little or no previous work experience.

Police Dispatcher I
Under moderate supervision, to operate computer aided dispatch communication system equipment to dispatch police personnel in response to service requests and to organize and coordinate the activities of field units; and to maintain detailed records of activities in response to each request. Receives, screens, and responds to incoming emergency and non-emergency calls; performs a variety of clerical, record keeping and general support duties related to communication activities. This is the entry-level class in the police dispatching job series. This class performs the more routine tasks and duties. Incumbents may have little or no previous work experience. Under this concept, incumbents in this class, as breadth of knowledge and skill level increases, may reasonably expect promotion to the journey-level class of Police Dispatcher II.The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
 
To view the full job description, click:  Police Communications Operator

To view the full job description, click:  Police Dispatcher IExperience and Training Guidelines: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities are as follows:

Police Communications Operator:
Experience: Prior experience that includes heavy public contact as a telephone operator, receptionist, police cadet, or related position, is required.

Knowledge of: English usage and spelling, basic telephone procedures and techniques, and principles of effective verbal communication.

Ability to: Type 50 net wpm quickly and accurately on a computer keyboard; write quickly and legibly; speak clearly and distinctly; remain calm in crises and high stress situations; solicit required information from callers; receive confidential information and maintain confidentiality; understand pertinent procedures and functions quickly and apply them without immediate supervision; establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

NOTE: Must be available to work assigned shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Police Dispatcher I:

Environment/Working Conditions

Environmental Conditions: Exposure to high frequency noise. 

Physical Conditions: Work is performed in an office environment utilizing modern office equipment and technology and may require sitting for prolonged periods of time using a computer.  The incumbent stands, walks, and may twist, reach, bend, crouch and kneel.  An incumbent must be able to meet the requirements of the classification and have mobility, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed. 

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under general supervision of the Police Communications Supervisor who gives directions and periodically reviews work in progress and completed work. Incumbents do not supervise.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

Applications will be accepted until May 26, 2025 at 5:00 PM. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applications will not be accepted after this deadline.

Written Exam- tentatively scheduled for the week of June 9, 2025.
The City of Anaheim utilizes the POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery.  The POST Examinee Guide(Download PDF reader) provides information about the test.  Because the test measures general abilities, there is no study guide or reading list for the test.  It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the test formats shown in the Examinee Guide.

Written Exam Waiver Request:Applicants may not take the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery within 30 calendar days of taking the exam with another department/agency.

The following documents are required and must be completed and brought to the oral interview:

• Preliminary Background Information Form / PHS 
• Background Investigation Questionnaire (BIQ)
• Required Documents
• Applicant Autobiography

Please provide as many of the required documents along with your Preliminary Background Information Form / PHS, BIQ, and Applicant Autobiography. Items such as transcripts, credit report or other missing documents can be provided upon your receiving them.

Anaheim Police Department Blueprint- knowledge of the Anaheim Police Department Blueprint is required of all Police Department employees.

Further selection steps include, but are not limited to a background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol screening, and an interview with the Chief of Police. The interview with the background investigator and completion of the background investigation will include, but is not limited to, verification and evaluation of any present and/or past use of drugs, driving and employment history.

Please review the following common disqualifiers. If any items listed pertain to you, you will be automatically disqualified in the background investigation. You may, at this time, want to screen yourself and withdraw prior to starting the recruitment process.

• Any illegal use, sales, or possession of a drug classified as an opiate (heroin, opium, etc.) or PCP.
• Any use of cocaine, methamphetamine, hallucinogens (GHB, MDMA/ecstasy, ketamine, etc.) within five years of date of application.
• Any illegal use of anabolic steroids within three years of date of application.
• Two or more at-fault traffic collisions within three years of the date of application.
• Conviction of a hit-and run offense.
• Any driver's license suspension within five years of date of application.
• Conviction of a felony crime.
• Conviction of any misdemeanor crime within five years of application.
• Any conviction as an adult, of any misdemeanor crime involving domestic violence, sexual-related offenses or crimes against children.
• Any conviction as an adult, of a theft or larceny crime.

The following may result in disqualification:

• Use of cocaine, methamphetamine, hallucinogens (GHB, MDMA/ecstasy, ketamine, etc.) previous to five years of application.
• Prior nitrous oxide use.
• Illegal use of anabolic steroids previous to three years of application.
• Illegal use of a hypodermic needle/ syringe.
• A pattern or history of irresponsibility as evidenced by debt collections, civil judgments, failure to pay, late payments, etc.
• More than one moving violation in the past 12 months, and/or three or more moving citations within the past three years, and/or five or more moving citations within the past five years of date of application.

Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration.

The City of Anaheim uses E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both work authorization and identity.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process.

Salary : $54,101 - $69,056