Public Safety Dispatcher - July 2025

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

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

• Uses 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. 
• Maintains accurate data entry functions into CAD for documentation. 
• Maintains accurate and current awareness of the locations and status of police and fire units for safety of responding personnel. 
• Maintains good customer service while following policy and procedures, general orders, and standard operating procedures. 
• Utilizes various software and web-based systems to conduct research to respond to calls.
• Completes data entry functions. 
• Runs checks for wants and warrants on vehicles, guns, boats, articles, and persons to complete requests for service. 
• Assists officers in arranging tows for accident scenes. 
• Assists internal requests via administration line to process calls. 
• Makes 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 including keyboarding at 27 wpm
• 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 decks, 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.

• 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 including keyboarding at 27 wpm
• 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 CSPDHiring@coloradosprings.gov.

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.

Salary : $4,164 - $4,999