Police Dispatcher

Police Dispatcher

The South Pasadena Police Department is seeking a qualified professional to take on the role of Police Dispatcher. Current starting salary: up to $76,356 depending on qualifications (DOQ).

This recruitment is open continuous and may close or be extended at any time without notice. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. The first review of applications will be September 1, 2025.

Purpose: This is a non-sworn position with an assigned work schedule of 3-12, 4-10 or 5-8 work schedule depending upon assignment. Under the general supervision of the Watch Commander, handles communications responsibilities by receiving emergency and routine calls and dispatching law enforcement personnel, processes arrestees, including booking and transport to Pasadena Police Department or Sheriff's Central Jail, and performs other duties as required which are deemed beneficial to the Department.

Examples of duties include, but are not limited to, receiving emergency and routine calls for law enforcement service and dispatching appropriate personnel; maintaining radio contact and status of in-field units; coordinating with City departments, emergency services, and other government agencies; monitoring of other radio frequencies; entering, updating, and retrieving information from national, state and local computer systems; maintaining a daily dispatch log; training of other communications personnel; receiving reports and complaints from the public by phone and in person; providing for the processing, security, health, and welfare of persons in custody; transporting of persons in custody to court and from other law enforcement agencies; gathering information and completing reports of selected police incidents; providing parking enforcement by issuing citations and towing vehicles for California Vehicle Code and City ordinance violations; assisting with traffic and crowd control; processing of evidence and financial transactions; accurately preparing related forms and reports for all assigned tasks; performing clerical work as required. Police Assistants may be required to work additional or overtime shifts consistent with Department policies.

Employment standards: Education and experience: A high school diploma or equivalent. Prior dispatch experience (preferably in the public sector) is highly desirable. Special requirements: A valid California driver license; completion of a P.O.S.T Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course before or within one year from date of appointment.

Knowledge of: English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation; typewriter/computer keyboarding; general office procedures and equipment. Ability to: understand and communicate tactfully with the public, persons in custody, and fellow employees; function appropriately in emergency and routine situations with the public, persons in custody, and fellow employees; accurately interpret codes and ordinances and apply investigative techniques to assess compliance; follow through on assignments; make logical interpretations, and come to conclusions from studying facts; operate specified Police Department equipment necessary for completion of daily tasks, such as, but not limited to, police dispatch and records equipment, police computer equipment, police vehicle and portable radios, and police patrol vehicles.

Physical demands: Candidates must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time, climb at least five flights of stairs unassisted, coordinate eyes, hands, and fingers in typing; exert light to moderate physical effort, and exert sufficient force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and safely and legally control persons in custody.

Working conditions: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.) While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate in the field.

FLSA status: Non-exempt

Selection process: Candidates considered for employment must successfully complete a typing speed exam, a POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery exam (or have received an exemption waiver), an oral interview, a polygraph, an extensive background investigation, psychological evaluation, and a medical examination.

Selection procedure: The City reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice. Individuals determined to be qualified and best aligned to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

How to apply: To be considered, please submit an online application, including a cover letter, resume, and proof of education (if qualifying with a degree) in PDF format. Applications that fail to include all necessary documents may be considered incomplete and will not be taken into consideration.

Equal employment opportunity: The City of South Pasadena is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of South Pasadena intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please email View email address on click.appcast.io.

Fair chance act: The City of South Pasadena will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of South Pasadena has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report (for non-public-safety backgrounds).

About the city: The City of South Pasadena (population 26,047) is a charming community located only eight miles from downtown Los Angeles on the west side of the San Gabriel Valley. South Pasadena is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, stunning homes, unique small businesses, top-quality schools and a strong commitment to community. South Pasadena is also a full-service city with its own fire, police and water departments.