Police Dispatcher

Type of Appointment: Full Time, Probationary

Job Classification: Police Dispatcher I

Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,611 - $5,621 per month

Work Schedule: Compressed work week including nights, weekends & holidays

THE DEPARTMENT:

The University Police Department (UPD) is responsible for law enforcement, physical security, and emergency response at Cal Poly Pomona. The department is staffed by trained police officers, professional civilian staff and auxiliary personnel and is operational 24 hours-a-day, year-round. The peace officers of this department have statewide police authority and are vested with the same law enforcement powers and responsibilities as the municipal police or sheriff's departments in any California community. The department serves as "first responder" for a broad range of crisis issues on the campus including medical aid calls, injuries, and environmental emergencies. The department is responsible for response to all emergencies, crime reports and investigations on campus (except homicides and missing persons per the Kristin Smart Act). In addition, the department offers a wide range of programs and services designed to enhance the safety and security of the community and support the mission of the university. These responsibilities are carried out through a set of core values that reflect commitment to the highest standards of excellence and incorporate the community oriented policing philosophy. The University Police Department is part of the Administrative Affairs Division whose mission is to provide quality fiscal, human and facility services in support of the university community through partnerships and innovative solutions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


Dispatch

• Answers and screens incoming calls to the police department which involves conversing with crime victims, witnesses and members of the public to elicit and record pertinent information
• Operates police department and other emergency communications equipment to dispatch officers and other personnel to calls for service, critical incidents and emergencies
• Summarizes information for broadcasting using clear, concise and appropriate language in an organized, complete and accurate manner
• Monitors, coordinates and accurately updates status information regarding field units and incidents; enters and retrieves data for police reports, activity logs and criminal information
• Utilizes automated dispatch and law enforcement systems and databases to enter, research and retrieve information (e.g. vehicle, criminal history, driver license, wants and warrants, stolen property, gun and other various specialized data bases) as well as reference materials (e.g. codes, wanted lists, directories, manuals, etc.)
• Monitors and operates on-campus security cameras, fire, burglary and intrusion alarm systems to identify issues or problems, crimes in progress, coordinate officer response and assist with investigations
• Determines appropriate personnel and resources to dispatch to incidents
• Operates the 911 telephone system and serves as the primary answer point
• Maintains proficient knowledge of campus geography and surrounding areas;
• Coordinates emergency responses including performing emergency dispatch duties, dispatching fire and emergency medical response, and providing pre-arrival patient care instructions as appropriate.
• Contacts external agencies to request or share information as directed.
• Disseminates notifications to university administration and community.
• Provides dispatching services and support to other public safety units as assigned.

Receiving Calls

• Receives calls obtaining complete, accurate and appropriate information from calling party
• Communicates effectively with callers from a varied and diverse population which may include emotionally upset, abusive, nuisance, hearing impaired (TDD), intoxicated, mentally unstable, suicidal, speech-impaired, children, and the elderly; checks department's general email accounts to address written requests for assistance
• Monitors radio transmission form outside law enforcement and fire agencies to identify issues that may impact the campus, and coordinates response; evaluates and properly classifies initial complaint/request determining what further action is necessary
• Determines appropriate response/dispatch priority for complaints and requests
• Determines appropriate agency or referral for complaints and requests
• Summarizes incidents, descriptions and other information obtained from callers using appropriate police code and correct clear, concise and appropriate language in an organized, complete and accurate manner.

Support

• Keeps Watch Commander informed of the current status of calls or incidents, resource needs, and reduced staffing levels.
• Provides administrative support to the department, other units and organizations on campus property to include Parking and Transportation Services, I-Poly, Southern California Edison, Red Cross, Innovation Village, Cal Poly Pomona Foundation and Housing, and Associated Students, Inc., etc.
• Performs other classification related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma/GED - or its equivalent.
• Candidate must have completed or be able to attend and successfully complete the Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Dispatcher Course. Candidates who, upon hire, do not possess a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate also will be required to pass a written test related to essential dispatching skills. Additionally, candidates must successfully pass supplemental P.O.S.T. requirements for dispatchers such as a background check, physical and psychological examinations, drug testing, and related requirements.
• One year of verifiable experience using a switchboard and two-way radio communication system in a law enforcement or comparable agency within the last ten years.
• Working knowledge of legal codes, requirements, procedures and techniques for receiving complaints and calls for service and for dispatching and communicating with campus officers in the field.
• Ability to effectively converse using police radio systems.
• Working knowledge of public safety-related agencies and the respective communication protocols.
• Achievement of the P.O.S.T. Dispatcher certificate.
• Working knowledge of and ability to use applicable computerized and automated dispatch and law enforcement systems and databases to enter, research and retrieve data as necessary.
• Ability to independently respond and act quickly, accurately evaluate information and situations, and make appropriate decisions in routine, non-routine and emergency situations.
• Working knowledge of geographical layout and ability to read maps and floor plans to provide directions to officers in the field.
• Ability to accurately interpret written policies, follow oral and written instructions, and transfer information.
• Ability to provide clear and concise verbal directions quickly and accurately.
• Ability to present and summarize information in a variety of written formats, using clear and concise language.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, interact with all members of the campus community and general public, and maintain composure in highly stressful situations or when dealing with difficult individuals.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Expertise in RIMS or similar specialized law enforcement software
• Familiarity with Radionics, Continental or similar alarm systems
• Knowledge of CLETS system
• Familiarity with campus or other organization's Emergency Plan
• Knowledge of database management.

Out of State Work

The California State University (CSU) system is a network of twenty-three public universities providing access to a quality education through the support of California taxpayers. Part of CSU's mission is to prepare educated, responsible individuals to contribute to California's schools, economy, culture, and future. As an agency of the State of California, the CSU's business operations almost exclusively reside within California. The CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California. For more information, go to the California State University Out-of-State Employment Policy .

Background Check

Cal Poly Pomona will make a conditional offer of employment to final job candidates, pending the satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). The conditional offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. In determining the suitability of the candidate for the position, Cal Poly Pomona will give an individualized assessment to any information that the applicant submits for consideration regarding the criminal conviction history such as the nature, gravity and recency of the conviction, the candidate's conduct, performance or rehabilitation efforts since the conviction and the nature of the job applied for. For more information, go to the California State University Background Check Policy .

Education Code 89521 Requirements

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

CSU Classification Salary Range

This position is part of the CSUEU bargaining unit 7. The CSU Classification Standards for this position are located on the CSU Classification Standards website . The CSU Salary Schedule is located on the CSU Salary Schedule website . The classification salary range for this position according to the respective skill level is: minimum $4,611 and maximum $6,718 per month. Please refer to the anticipated hiring range for the appropriate salary rate for this particular position.

Employment Eligibility Verification

Cal Poly Pomona hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. For more information, go the I-9 Acceptable Documents website .

University Driving Requirement

Positions that require driving for university business by using a personal or state vehicle must comply with the Authorized University Driver Policy. Driving records are monitored and evaluated by the Risk Management Department. The Risk Management Department evaluates a good driving report based on the following criteria. The driver must: 1. Have a valid California or other State Driver's license. 2. Have no more than 3 motor vehicle violations or been the cause of 3 accidents in a 12-month period (or any combination of 3 thereof) 3. Not have more than 3 DMV Points, if their license is Class C or, 4. Not have more than 5 DMV Points, if their license is Class A, B, or C with endorsements. For more information, go to the Authorized University Driver Policy .

Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA)

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Read more at the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act policy .

Security & Fire Safety

In compliance with state and federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, California Education Code section 67380, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), Cal Poly Pomona's Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report are available for viewing at Cal Poly Pomona's Annual Security Report and Cal Poly Pomona's Annual Fire Safety Report .

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination

As a federal contractor, Cal Poly Pomona will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. For more information, see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision poster .

Reasonable Accommodation

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the ADA Coordinator by email at View email address on click.appcast.io . For more information, go to Employment Notices .

Equal Employment Opportunity

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly Pomona provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Pomona complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

As a federal contractor, Cal Poly Pomona complies with the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and requests priority referral of protected veterans for our job openings.

Other Notices

For other important employment notices, we invite you to visit Cal Poly Pomona's Employment Notices web page.

Advertised: Sep 08 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: Oct 06 2026 Pacific Daylight Time