Duties include answering 911 calls for service, identifying calls for service (non-emergency and referral), proper use of telephone and radio equipment, map reading, knowledge of civil and criminal law and department policies and procedures, and handling emergency calls for service. Recruits receive paid training within a formal classroom setting at the Sacramento Police Department's Communications Academy. Dispatchers work in a secure facility that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each dispatcher works a 10-hour/4-day week with three days off with variable shifts. While on probation during the first year of employment, dispatchers are rotated among shifts to provide them with experience in handling the various types of calls for service received throughout the day.

Dispatchers are a lifeline for citizens and police officers. They are often the first contact between the community and the Police Department. It is essential that Sacramento Police Dispatchers possess good judgment, a good work ethic, the ability to think and act quickly, and a desire to serve the community and assist those in need.

Requirements and Test Dates

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be 18 years old by the final filing deadline for the desired test date.
• Must be legal to work.

Dispatcher recruit test/orientation dates 2008

Final Filing Dates

• November 23, 2007
• December 21, 2007
• January 18, 2008
• February 15, 2008
• March 14, 2008
• April 11, 2008

Orientation Dates

• December 4, 2007 1500 – 2000 hrs
• December 8, 2007 0900 – 1400 hrs
• January 11, 2008 1500 – 2000 hrs
• January 12, 2008 0900 – 1400 hrs
• January 29, 2008 1500 – 2000hrs
• February 2, 2008 0900 – 1400hrs
• March 1, 2008 0900 – 1400 hrs
• March 8, 2008 0900 – 1400 hrs
• March 18, 2008 1500 – 2000 hrs
• March 22, 2008 0900 – 1400 hrs
• April 5, 2008 0900 – 1400 hrs
• April 15, 2008 1500 – 2000 hrs

Test Dates*

• December 17 – December 21, 2007
• January 21 – January 25, 2008
• February 11 – February 15, 2008
• March 10 – March 14, 2008
• April 28 – May 2, 2008

Dispatcher Recruit Orientations are offered for perspective applicants by invite only, applicants will be notified via US mail. While this is NOT mandatory, it is strongly encouraged. A mock test session will be offered during the orientation, as well as important information regarding the hiring and background process.

*Please note: The above posted testing dates are subject to change. It is highly recommended that applicants check the following link to ensure you have the most accurate testing dates and times.

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/saccity/default.cfm?action=viewjob&JobID=76482

Salary
While in the Communications Academy, Dispatcher recruits earn $2,927.22 per month ($16.8878 per hour).

Police Dispatchers earn $3,473 - $5,927 per month. Upon successful completion of training and graduation from the academy, a recruit is eligible for probationary appointment to the civil service classification of Dispatcher I. Educational incentives are available to Dispatcher II's who possess an AA degree and/or Bachelor's degree and the required years of service. For Dispatcher II's, an additional 9½% Communications Training Officer pay is awarded to appointed CTOs while training.

Application process
If you require reasonable accommodations in taking the test, it is necessary to inform the staff making the appointment prior to your test date. Staff will do their best to accommodate needs. Be sure to call to schedule this test well in advance of a cutoff or deadline.

Examination Process
A Candidate must attain a passing score on a P.O.S.T. Certified Public Safety Dispatcher Criticall examination administered by the City of Sacramento Police Communications Division. A Criticall Study Guide is available at the City of Sacramento Employment Office. The work simulated performace tests the following: verbal ability, written and oral comprehension, written expression, reasoning ability, deductive reasoning and information order, memory ability, perceptual ability, speed and accuracy, and time sharing.

Candidates who pass the computer based exam will be contacted to participate in an oral interview. Candidates successful in the computer based and oral examination process will be placed on a list used by the Police Department to fill vacancies.

Click here to return to listed positions