Dispatcher Career Information

About Our Communications Bureau

Salary and Benefits

Dispatcher Job Summary

The Police Dispatcher position is skilled emergency service work that involves receiving emergency 911 and non-emergency requests for police assistance, determining nature/urgency of calls, initiating police or other emergency personnel action and maintaining close contact with field units to monitor response and needed support requirements.

It requires a considerable degree of initiative and independent judgment within procedural boundaries in responding to emotional, disturbed and sometimes abusive people in a variety of situations. Work may be done separately or in conjunction with other dispatchers and dispatchers may assist in training, teaching and basic operational equipment management. The Police Dispatcher position requires rotating shift assignments and overtime in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24-hour facility. Full Job Description

Hiring Process

The police dispatcher process includes completion of the Police Application, a written test and an oral interview. Also included in the hiring process are the following:

Drug Screen
Polygraph Exam
Psychological Exam
Medical Exam

This is a specialized civilian career that does not lead to a sworn officer position. OVPD offers competitive pay, a team oriented working environment and an excellent benefits package which includes medical and dental - 100% employee and 75% dependent coverage and tuition reimbursement.

This is a full-time position providing skilled emergency services involving 911 calls, determining call types and priorities and initiating police action when necessary. The position requires shift work to cover a 24-hour schedule including weekends and holidays.