Public Safety Dispatcher

Salary : $61,311.55 - $80,254.84 Annually
Location : Police Department, Covina, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00004
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 01/12/2026
Max Number of Applicants: 300


DESCRIPTION
Description:

Under general supervision, the incumbent receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches public safety and public works field units as required; provides pre-arrival instructions; enters, retrieves and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; assists in the training of less experienced personnel; learns applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs other related duties as required.
ThePublic Safety Dispatcher is the entry-level position that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities. Initially, under immediate supervision incumbents learn and perform a variety of technical law enforcement office support duties related to communications, record keeping and public contact.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS


(include but are not limited to the following)

• Receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches public safety and public works field units as required; provides pre-arrival instructions; enters, retrieves and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; assists in the training of less experienced personnel.
• Learns and develops an understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties.
• Receives and enters calls for service in CAD; dispatches and monitors the status of field units; interprets level of service needed through information obtained from field officers or citizens; retrieves information for officers from CLETS, including information on outstanding warrants; coordinates multi-agency responses when necessary; transfers calls to appropriate agencies if warranted.
• Informs the Watch Commander of calls in progress; maintains records of all pending and dispatched calls for service; receives information and calls for service from other law enforcement agencies; provides information to other agencies by telephone and teletype.
• Monitors station security after hours; monitors the City's alarm system and determines the appropriate response; assists in the care of juveniles; provides matron services when required.
• Responds to questions and concerns from the general public, department staff and other agencies; takes and records telephone and counter reports; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/ local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS


(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and/or Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Public Safety Dispatcher . A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess two years of work experience involving public contact and record keeping, and a high school diploma or equivalent


License/Certificate:
Must obtain a Dispatch Certificate from P.O.S.T. within one year of appointment.

Ability to type at least 45 words per minute is highly desirable.
(The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)


Knowledge of:

Modern office administrative practices and procedures; location of major streets, public places and landmarks in the City of Covina; public and agency desk procedures; methods of providing services and information; ability to learn alphanumeric code systems; Federal Communications Commission regulations governing voice radio and telephone communications; proper operation and care of voice radio and telephone equipment; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:
Perform a variety of complex work with speed and accuracy; remain calm under emergency situations; learn to operate specialized law enforcement automated information, communication and dispatch systems; work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, overtime and rotating shifts; wear a department uniform; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to:
Effectively operate specialized law enforcement automated information, communication and dispatch systems.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
APPLY IMMEDIATELY! This recruitment is Continuous/Open Until Filled.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis.

The selection process may include, but not limited to, skills assessment, written examination and oral interview (100% weighted).

Individuals that have taken the P.O.S.T. Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Battery written exam within the last 12 months may submit their test score for verification, in lieu of taking this written test. T-Scores must be attached to employment application. The City of Covina's passing score is 45.0.

Study guides are available to help candidates prepare for the written test. Copies may be downloaded from the California P.O.S.T. website:
Applicants who possess the POST Dispatch Certificate must attached a copy of their certificate to the employment application to be exempt from the written exam.
Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitution for a complete application.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference/background check (to include a conviction record and LIVE SCAN) and pass a post-offer preemployment psychological and medical examination (which may include a drug/alcohol screening).
The City of Covina utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.
Communications 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 as you will not receive communication by any other method.
The City of Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Covina provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the City of Covina complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the City has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The City of Covina expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the City of Covina's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.


THE CITY OF COVINA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR REVOKE, WITHOUT NOTICE, ANY OR ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN PRIOR TO THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT, AND TO WAIVE ANY NON SUBSTANTIVE JOB REQUIREMENT AND MAKE SUBJECTIVE DECISIONS INTERPRETING AND ASSESSING THE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF ANY CANDIDATE, INCLUDING THE DETERMINATION THAT NONE OF THE CANDIDATES, EVEN THOSE WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THE POSITION.
RETIREMENT - California Public Employees Retirement System

Tier I Retirement Benefits ("Classic" CalPERS Members)

• 2.5% per year at age 55 formula (non-safety)
• One year final compensation (§20042)
• 1959 Survivors Benefit (§21574)
  • Employee Contributes $2.00 per month
  • Level IV Survivor Benefits.
• Military service credit purchase (§21024)
• Unused sick leave conversion §20965 (non?safety)
• Retired Employee Death Benefit of $600 (§21622)
• Employee pays 8% of employee cost of CalPERS

Members defined as "New" under PEPRA effect: 01/01/2013

• 2% @ 62 formula
• 3 Year Final Compensation
• Employee pays 8.25% of employee cost of CalPERS

VACATION LEAVE
Years of Service
Year 1 through Completion of 4 yrs 8 hrs/mo 96 hrs/yr
Beginning 5th yr through 9 yrs 12 hrs/mo 144 hrs/yr
Beginning 10th yr through 14 yrs 14 hrs/mo 168 hrs/yr
Beginning 15th yr through 20 yrs 16.67 hrs/mo 200 hrs/yr
Beginning 21st yr and above 17.33 hrs/mo 208 hrs/yr


HOLIDAYS (10 Fixed Holidays)

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veteran's Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday following Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day

FLOATING HOLIDAYS

• Non - shift employees working a 4/10 schedule receive three (3) floating holidays per year (30 hours).
• Shift employees receive 13 hours of holiday time pay per month in lieu of fixed and floating holiday leave time.

SICK LEAVE

• Ten (10) hours of sick leave accrued per month. Maximum accumulation limit is 960 hours. Unless as otherwise provided for in Memorandum of Understanding.

MEDICAL, DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE

• The City participates in the CalPERS Medical Plan.
• City provides a flex benefit dollar amount of $1,410 per month to use towards purchase of health benefits.
• Employer contribution under PEHMCA for CalPERS Medical Plan is $151/mo. This is in addition to the flex benefit above.
• Unused flex dollars may be received as taxable cash and administered according to terms of Memorandum of Understanding.
• Dental Insurance provider is Delta Dental Plan. PPO and HMO plans available.
• Vision Insurance provider is EyeMed.

LIFE INSURANCE

• City paid term Life Insurance policy of $100,000. Additional coverage available for purchase at group rates through carrier. Life Insurance provider is VOYA.

LONG TERM DISABILITY

• City paid long term disability insurance plan. LTD provider is CLEA.

BILINGUAL PAY

• $150 per month available upon completion of 6 months of service and certification.

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE

• $1,500 annually available upon completion of 12 months of service.

HEALTH & DEPENDENT CARE SPENDING ACCOUNTS (AFLAC)

• Annual maximum of $3,050 for Unreimbursed Medical
• $5,000 for Dependent Care. Reimbursements are administered through Wageworks.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

• Comprehensive services provided by The Counseling Team International for employee and eligible dependents.

01



Recruitment Communication: Please be advised that the City of Covina"s primary means of communication regarding recruitment status is via email. Have you provided a valid email address that you can access regularly? PLEASE NOTE: Make sure you check your JUNK folder for email messages that may be incorrectly flagged as SPAM.

• I understand

02
Instructions: Please carefully read these instructions: Your responses to the supplemental questions below will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum and/or desirable qualifications for the position. You are required to answer ALL of the supplemental questions as truthfully and accurately as possible. Your responses to these questions are subject to verification and may be assessed in subsequent examination parts. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from this examination process. Please indicate "Yes" to reflect that you have read and understand this information.

• Yes
• No

03
Education: Select below the option which best describes your highest level of education?

• Some high school
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Some college courses
• Associate Arts Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

04


Please tell us what college courses, certificates and/or degrees you have received and where did you attend to obtain the above. If none, please type N/A.
05



Experience: Do you possess two years of experience involving public contact and record keeping?

• Yes
• No

06


If answering yes to the above question, please describe your public contact experience, including the employer and detail job duties related to public contact. If answering no, please type N/A.
07



Experience: How many years of record keeping experience do you have?

• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, less than 2 years
• More than 2 years, less than 4 years
• More than 4 years

08



Experience: Do you have experience working in a public safety environment at a municipal agency?

• Yes
• No

09


If answering yes to the above question, please describe which municipal public safety agency you obtained your experience and what duties were assigned to you. If answered no to the above question, please type N/A.
10


Do you possess a Public Safety Dispatch Basic Certificate issue by CA P.O.S.T.? If yes, please attached a copy of the certificate to your application.

• Yes, I do have a Public Safety Dispatch Basic Certificate issued by CA P.O.S.T. and have attached a copy
• No, I do not have a Public Safety Dispatch Basic Certificate issued by CA P.O.S.T.

11


Do you possess a typing certificate of 45wpm or higher within the last 6 months? If yes, please attach a copy. No Online Typing Certificate

• Yes
• No

12


Are you currently attending Public Safety Dispatcher courses?

• Yes
• No

13


If you answered "Yes" to the question above, indicate where you are attending school and expected graduation date.If not applicable, write "N/A".
14


Have you taken the POST Dispatcher exam within the last 12 months and received at least a 45.0 T-Score?If yes, attach a copy of your T-Scores.

• Yes
• No

15


Have you taken the POST Dispatcher exam within the last 30 days?

• Yes
• No

16


If answered "Yes" to the question above, indicate where and when you took the exam.If not applicable, write "N/A".
17


This position is in the Covina Police Department which is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Candidates must be available to be assigned a weekly schedule Monday to Sunday, including holidays, swing and night shifts. Do you confirm that you are available for this scheduling requirement without restrictions?

• Yes
• No

18
Background: The following questions are designed to assess your suitability for employment with the City of Covina Police Department based on your personal background. These questions relate to common disqualifiers that would prohibit a candidate from becoming an employee with the Covina Police Department. These background questions are not all inclusive, and other information or facts revealed in the detailed background investigation may also be sufficient to disqualify an applicant.Please answer each question truthfully, and to the best of your knowledge. This information will be used to determine whether or not you will be invited to participate in the examination process for Public Safety Dispatcher . NOTE: The information you provide in this section will only be used in conjunction with your application for Public Safety Dispatcher, and will not be shared with any other party outside of this process without your expressed written consent.

• I understand.

19
Bankruptcy: Have you ever filed for or declared bankruptcy, and how many times?

• 2 or more
• 1
• 0 - never

20
Domestic Violence Conviction: Have you ever been convicted of domestic violence?

• Yes
• No

21
Misdemeanor Conviction: If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor as an adult, how long has it been since your most recent conviction?

• Over 7 years
• 4 to 6 years
• 1 to 3 years
• 0 - never

22
Misdemeanor Conviction: As an adult (18 yrs or older), have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor, and how many times?

• 3 or more
• 2
• 1
• 0 - never

23
Felony Conviction: As an adult (18 years or older), have you ever been convicted of a felony, and how many times?

• 2 or more
• 1
• 0 - never

24
Felony Conviction: If you have ever been convicted of a felony as an adult, list the approximate date, location, offense, and outcome below:If you have never been convicted of a felony, enter "n/a."


25
Criminal Enterprise Affiliation: Are you now, or have you ever been a member of a criminal enterprise, (e.g. gang, tagger crew, etc.)?

• Yes
• No

26
Drug Use: As an adult, (18 or older), have you ever illegally used or possessed a hallucinogenic drug (e.g. PCP, LSD, Acid, etc.)?

• Yes
• No

27
Drug Use: How long has it been since you illegally used or possessed a hallucinogenic drug?

• 11+ years
• 7-10 years
• 4-6 years
• 1-3 years
• 0 - never

28
Drug Use: As an adult, (18 or older), have you ever illegally used or possessed cocaine, opiates, heroin, methamphetamine, or amphetamine?

• Yes
• No

29
Drug Use: How long has it been since you illegally used or possessed a cocaine, opiates, heron, methamphetamine, or amphetamine?

• 11+ years
• 5-10 years
• 3-4 years
• 1-2 years
• 0 - never

30



Drug Use: Have you ever illegally used or possessed prescription drugs, and if so, how long has it been since you illegally used or possessed prescription drugs?

• 11+ years
• 5-10 years
• 3-4 years
• 1-2 years
• 0-never

31



Recruitment: In the past six (6) months, have you failed the Public Safety Dispatcher written exam and/or Oral Board Panel interview with the City of Covina?

• Yes
• No

32



<> In the past twelve (12) months, have you failed a department interview (second interview) for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher with the City of Covina?

• Yes
• No

33
Certification: I certify that I have answered all of the above questions truthfully, and to the best of my ability, and reviewed my application prior to submission. I understand that my application cannot be updated once it has been submitted.

• I understand.

Required Question