Dispatcher I (Dispatcher Recruit)

THE POSITION

You must have taken and passed the Dispatcher CritiCall examination for further consideration. You must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and drug use history to be considered for this position. Dispatcher Recruit Classification Specification 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. 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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Receive emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public requesting police, fire, and local government service; determine nature and priority; dispatch units as necessary; and/or refer or transfer callers to ensure excellent customer service. Maintain radio contact with all units on assignment. Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies. Query information from law enforcement communication networks relating to wanted persons, criminal history, stolen property, and Department of Motor Vehicle information. Query and enter stolen, stored, and repossessed vehicle information. Perform a variety of records keeping duties related to the computer aided dispatch system. Test and inspect equipment as required. Testify in court as needed. Prepare written responses or reports related to communication complaints, investigative follow-ups or police reports. Write daily work progress reports when training a new Dispatcher. Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, empathy, and excellent customer service in accordance with departmental policy and the community-oriented policing concept. Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification.

QUALIFICATIONS

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. 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

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. 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.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Online Dispatcher CritiCall Exam: Pass/Fail – 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 at Application: Pass/Fail – All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline; Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted; Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified; If applicants do not list current and past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on 40 hours per week (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section. Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted online with your application. Proof of education will be required at time of appointment. Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Supplemental documents such as resume, cover letter, and proof of education are highly preferred and recommended at the time of application submission. Documents should be submitted to the City of Sacramento Employment Office as attachment(s) via online with the employment application, emailed to View email address on click.appcast.io. If submitting via email, please include your name and Job# 002049-26-PD-9 on your documents.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Sacramento is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

UNION CONTRACTS

SALARY SCHEDULE

BILINGUAL PAY

Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? That's right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.

PENSION REFORM ACT

The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Sacramento