Police Dispatcher

Position Summary

The Police Dispatcher plays a critical behind-the-scenes role in keeping the campus safe by serving as the communications link between the University Police Department, officers in the field, emergency responders, and the campus community. Working in the Emergency Communications Center (ECC), this position receives and dispatches emergency and non-emergency calls, monitors multiple public safety systems, and provides real-time support during critical incidents. Dispatchers work independently in a fast-paced, high-responsibility environment that requires quick thinking, sound judgment, and clear communication. This civilian support role is ideal for individuals who thrive under pressure and are motivated by making a direct impact on public safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, screen, and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls using radio, phone, and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems.
• Maintain effective communication between campus police officers, parking and community service officers, outside agencies, and the public.
• Monitor and operate public safety systems including CAD, law enforcement databases, fire alarms, CCTV, and access control systems.
• Provide tactical dispatching and scribing support during critical incidents and major campus events.
• Assist walk-in visitors, support public education and outreach efforts, and provide administrative support as needed.

Why Join Us?

• Play a vital role in campus safety and emergency response at a major public university.
• Work in a dynamic, high-impact environment where every shift makes a difference.
• Collaborate with sworn officers, emergency responders, and public safety professionals.
• Build specialized skills in emergency communications, technology, and crisis response.
• Join a supportive team within a mission-driven University Police Department.

Position Information

• Full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Regular work schedule will be one of the following: 3/12 work schedule, consisting of twelve (12) hour shifts on three (3) consecutive days during each calendar week plus an additional eight (8) hour shift every other week 4/10 schedule, consisting of four (4) consecutive days of ten (10) hours.
• Dispatchers may be required and/or mandated to work on-call assignments, work past scheduled shifts, and work overtime with short notice; work overnight shifts, rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

Safety and security is coordinated by University Police, through a force of 42 sworn full-time police officers, 40 sworn part-time, and 25 non-sworn support employees. Our police officers are graduates of the California Peace Officers Standards Training Academy with full arrest powers throughout the state. They undergo continued training to improve their skills as well as first aid and CPR. University Police officers are armed. They conduct foot, vehicular and bicycle patrols on campus and in the adjacent community 24 hours a day. Officers are responsible for reporting and investigating crimes and traffic accidents, enforcing state laws and local ordinances, responding to medical emergencies and all other incidents requiring police assistance.

For more information regarding the University Police Department, click here.

Education and Experience

Entry to the first level within this classification typically requires one year of verifiable experience using a two-way radio communication system in a law enforcement or comparable agency within the last ten years and a high school diploma or equivalent. Essential entry qualifications require the ability to effectively use a phonetic alphabet, speak clearly and concisely, follow oral and written instructions, transfer information accurately, handle a wide range of interpersonal interactions effectively, and learn the use of applicable automated dispatch and law enforcement systems and databases.

Incumbents must have completed or be able to attend and successfully complete the Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Dispatcher Course. Incumbents who, upon hire, do not possess a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate also will be required to pass a pre-employment, multi-dimensional assessment related to essential dispatching skills. Additionally, incumbents 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.

Key Qualifications

• Perform standard public safety dispatch duties, including receiving and relaying calls for service via telephone, radio, and computer systems; maintaining police records; and providing related departmental support functions.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision after initial training, exercising judgment and discretion to set priorities, assess information, and respond appropriately while following established procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly and accurately evaluate routine, non-routine, and emergency situations and make sound decisions, with accountability for actions taken.
• Working knowledge of legal codes, public safety procedures, complaint intake, and dispatch techniques, including effective use of police radio systems and communication protocols.
• Proficiency in using computerized and automated dispatch and law enforcement systems and databases to enter, retrieve, and research information.
• Working knowledge of campus and local geography, including the ability to read maps and floor plans to provide accurate directions to officers in the field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to provide clear, concise directions, accurately transfer information, and prepare written summaries and reports.
• Possession of the CA P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate is preferred.
• Successful completion of the P.O.S.T. certified Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course (80 hours minimum) and/or completion of probation as a public safety dispatcher during previous employment is preferred.
• Current typing certificate with a passing score of 70 WPM preferred.
• Current, two-year experience working within a law enforcement agency is preferred.
• Currently employed as a dispatcher within an Emergency Communications Center is preferred.
• Bilingual skills are desirable.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver’s License.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 20 ($6,718 per month) for highly qualified candidates.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $ 4,611- $6,718 per month (Step 1 – Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and 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 student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU 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.

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.