Key Responsibilities
- Receives emergency and routine requests for services from the campus community and from various electronic communications equipment, i.e., enhanced 911 and other telephone lines, radio transmissions, video display terminals, alarm enunciators, and in-person contacts from citizens in the University Police Department (UPD) lobby
- Elicits and records pertinent and accurate information, and uses judgment and discretion to rapidly assess the nature and priority of information and the necessary response
- Operates UPD and other emergency communications equipment to dispatch officers to calls for service, critical incidents and emergencies
- Identifies locations where assistance is needed, makes rapid determinations as to availability and proximity of the nearest emergency personnel and equipment, and coordinates interagency communications with surrounding jurisdictions
- Responsible for accurate data entry into the computer aided dispatch system.
- Operates police radio and data systems for the purposes of dispatching and communicating with police and other public safety resources
- 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
- Provides support to other public safety and community service functions including parking and building access services
- Utilizes dispatch and law enforcement systems and databases (both computerized and manual) to maintain department files and reports
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Ability to effectively communicate (read, write, spell and speak in clear, concise English) via telephone, radio and in personAbility to learn correct telephone answering techniques; 9-1-1, emergency, non-emergency, business and allied agenciesSkilled in reading and interpreting mapsAbility to accurately identify where assistance is requestedSkilled in using various video display terminalsKnowledge or ability to learn police emergency procedures, radio codes and phonetic alphabetAbility to operate and accurately enter data into the computer aided dispatch system (CAD) while simultaneously receiving information by phone or radioAbility to handle multiple priorities and organize workloadAbility to dispatch officers to routine and critical incidentsAbility to accurately enter data, research and retrieve information from automated dispatch and law enforcement databasesAbility to independently analyze situations quickly and accurately, while taking effective action to assure public safety provider and citizen safetyAbility to communicate clearly and distinctly using radio and telephone equipmentAbility to maintain composure and work accurately in emergency situationsAbility to achieve the P.O.S.T Dispatcher certificate prior to completion of the probationary periodAbility to work in a confined area wearing a headset which restricts movement about the work areaAbility to work as assigned, on schedules that may include weekends, holidays and non-traditional work hours; and a willingness to work overtime as requiredAbility to work in a highly structured environment where all communications are recorded or documented and reviewed as public recordAbility to type at a net rate of 30 wpm on a computer keyboardAbility to maintain appropriate documentation of previous events, details and conversationsAbility to monitor security and fire alarm systemsAbility to perform with a high standard of customer service, professional conduct, and civic responsibilityAbility to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful mannerRequired Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalentOne year of experience using a switchboard and a two-way radio communication system in a law enforcement or comparable agency within the last ten years, or general telephone operator, transportation dispatcher, or military experienceCompletion of, or the ability to attend and successfully complete, the Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Dispatcher Course is requiredPassing score on CritiCall Practical Dispatch Test (to be completed before moving to background phase)Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s DegreePrevious experience with law enforcement or security dispatchingBilingual background with fluency in Spanish or VietnamesePossession of a current P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch certificateOne year minimum customer service experience in a high pace / busy setting involving multitasking skillsCompensation
Classification : Police Dispatcher I
Anticipated Hiring Range : $5,000 / month - $5,290 / month
CSU Salary Range : $3,680 / month - $6,609 / month
2025-2026 UPD Hiring Drive
5,000 Signing Bonus, inquire for details email Debra Aguilar at debbie.aguilar@sjsu.edu
San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary .