A Police Radio Dispatcher is often the first point of contact for people in distress. They remain calm in chaotic situations, assisting citizens during emergencies and providing critical support to law enforcement.
A career as a police dispatcher is fast-paced, hectic, but above all else, rewarding. As part of a chain of emergency responders, dispatchers are the face, or in this case, ears and voice of every emergency. It takes a remarkable person to do a dispatcher’s work, and it is not suited for everyone. According to the National Emergency Number Association, there are an estimated 240 million calls made to 911 per year in the US. The best dispatchers share similar qualities. They are patient, professional, empathetic, and motivated. They thrive in teamwork environments and view problem solving as a fun challenge. They are strategic, caring, and level headed. The dispatchers with The Spokane Police Department are second to none. We set our standards high and are frequently recognized for the outstanding service we provide.
The Spokane Police Records Department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Schedules include a combination of day and night shifts, with a mix of 8-hour and 12-hour shifts.
After the training program is complete, employees have the opportunity to bid their shifts for 6 month periods.
There are three classifications for Police Radio Dispatcher within the Spokane Police Department, depending on experience. Outside applicants can apply for the Dispatcher I position if they have no previous experience or the Dispatcher II if they meet specific experience requirements. After two years with the City as a Police Radio Dispatcher I or II, you can be promoted to Police Radio Dispatcher III.
You can view the full job specifications for each classification below:
Because we hold our dispatchers to high standards, we provide our new hires with every opportunity to be successful. Our training program is comprehensive and focuses on building the skills of each trainee individually. We know that everyone learns differently and therefore provide our trainees with a training experience that is tailormade to help them perform at their very best. We believe that a mixture of classroom teaching along with firsthand on the job training is the key to achieving our training goals. We break down training into six different phases to allow for our trainees to learn pieces at a time rather than overwhelming them with information. Our team of training officers have over 90 years of combined experience making them the best resources for our trainees to learn from. Every member of the Spokane Police Dispatch team has a wealth of knowledge to pass onto any trainee willing to learn.
Police Radio Dispatcher II – Lateral
Accepting applications until March 31st at 4pm
