Job Description
Description The City of San Mateo is currently taking applications for the position of dispatcher (entry & experienced). Being a police dispatcher is an exciting career opportunity for those who thrive in fast-paced and dynamic environments. As the critical link between the public and law enforcement, dispatchers play a vital role in ensuring community safety by coordinating emergency responses and providing essential support to officers in the field. This position offers the chance to make a real difference in people's lives every day while developing valuable skills in communication, multitasking, and problem-solving. If you are looking for a rewarding career that challenges you to stay calm under pressure and be a part of a dedicated team, consider becoming a police dispatcher.
This is a continuous recruitment. Applicants are added to the employment list if they meet the minimum qualifications.
Ideal Candidate
Experience And Education Guidelines Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience Some telephone or dispatch experience is highly desirable.
Education Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
License or Certificate Entry level applicants are required to attach to their employment application verification of successful completion of the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Dispatcher Examination or verification of successful completion of a CritiCall Examination. If you have not taken the POST Written Dispatch Test or the CritiCall Examination, please visit to register.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate is required. For entry level applicants, this can be accomplished during the course of employment with the City of San Mateo and is not required to submit an application.
Ideal Candidate Knowledge Of English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Standard radio or telephone communications receiving and transmitting equipment. Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
Lateral Candidates
Experience using computer aided dispatch system, standard radio broadcasting procedures and rules.
Experience with policy and procedure pertaining to the dispatching of emergency equipment, public safety classification codes, and computer commands.
Ability To Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Learn standard broadcasting procedures and rules.
Effectively elicit information from callers.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Learn department procedures and policies pertaining to the dispatching of City emergency equipment and those of other user agencies.
Learn geographic features and streets within the area served and other user agencies.
Learn public safety classification codes and computer commands. Spell accurately.
Learn to operate a computerized dispatch teletype and other office equipment.
Learn to operate a sophisticated computer aided dispatch system quickly and accurately. Learn the uses and capabilities of the City's computer aided dispatch system.
Operate a computerized dispatch teletype and other office equipment quickly, accurately and, at times, concurrently.
Operate a sophisticated computer aided dispatch system quickly and accurately.
Pass a background investigation, medical evaluation, polygraph examination, and psychological evaluation.
Type at a speed necessary for adequate job performance. Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations with a minimum amount of supervision.
Work various shifts as assigned. Dispatchers currently work on one of the following two teams: - Team 1: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every other Wednesday.
- Team 2: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday.
Current Shifts - Day Shift: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Swing Shift: 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
- Night Shift: 6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
Benefits For information about MOU and compensation resolutions, please refer to the links below:
Police Unit: Memorandum of Understanding
Police Unit: Non-Safety Benefits
Dispatcher Careers Frequently Asked Questions
Job Tags
Work at office, Shift work, Night shift, Sunday, Day shift, Saturday, Afternoon shift,