Dispatcher I (Dispatcher Recruit)

You must have taken and passed the Dispatcher CritiCall examination for further consideration. To take the examination, click here. Please Note: a candidate must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and a drug use history to be considered for this position. Applicants applying to this posting will be hired as a Dispatcher Recruit and must successfully complete a seven (7) week Dispatcher Training Academy. Upon satisfactory graduation from a Dispatcher Training Academy, a Dispatcher Recruit meeting the requirements of the Dispatcher I classification shall be advanced to the career classification of Dispatcher I. For more information regarding the Dispatcher Recruit position, please visit the following link: Dispatcher Recruit Classification Specification: To receive incoming telephone calls and dispatch police units as necessary for assistance; perform a variety of general support duties related to communications activities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is an entry level class in the Dispatcher series. Incumbents of this class are trained in department policies, procedures and systems through on-the-job training. Generally, work is observed and reviewed both during performance and upon completion. Dispatcher Recruit is distinguished from the Dispatcher I classification in that it is a training classification.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Immediate supervision is provided by a Dispatcher III. Technical or functional supervision may be provided by a Dispatcher II or Dispatcher III. Knowledge of: English grammar, usage, spelling and punctuation. Ability to: Express themselves in English in a clear, distinct, and understandable manner when speaking to individuals, before diverse populations, various public and community groups, and when testifying in court. Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens. Work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency situations. Exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision. Use a computer and keyboard to enter data provided verbally and in writing. Learn standard broadcasting rules and procedures. Learn City street system and physical layout of Sacramento. Understand and comply with oral and written directions. Learn to operate computer-aided dispatch, telephone, and radio broadcasting equipment. Value customers and co-workers through provision of excellent customer service. Operate office machines and equipment. Type 40 net wpm.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

High school diploma or GED equivalent and completion of twelve (12) units from an accredited college or university. AND One (1) year of customer service experience and successful completion of the Sacramento Police Department's Basic Dispatch Academy within the last twelve (12) months. OR High school diploma or GED equivalent AND Four (4) years of customer service experience and successful completion of the Sacramento Police Department's Basic Dispatch Academy within the last twelve (12) months.

PROOF OF EDUCATION

Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable. An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

Employees must complete eighteen (18) months of probation at a satisfactory performance. Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox. Online Dispatcher CritiCall Exam: Candidates must have taken and passed the Dispatcher CritiCall Examination by 11:59 p.m. on September 30, 2026 for further consideration. Candidates can access the examination at any time by visiting the City of Sacramento’s Examination’s website:

QUESTIONS

For questions concerning Drug Use Standards or the Background process: Visit the Police Department web site at OR; Call the Police Recruiting Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io OR; Send an email to View email address on click.appcast.io For questions concerning the Sacramento Police Department's Public Safety Communications Academy: Call the Sacramento Police Department's Public Safety Communications Academy at View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr City-of-Sacrament