Lateral Police Dispatcher

Lateral Police Dispatcher

Salary

$96,509.09 - $104,606.53 Annually

Location

BART Police Headquarters - MET, 3rd Floor

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600252

Executive Office

Police

Cost Center

Support Services

Opening Date

08/27/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Summary

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BART POLICE DEPARTMENT AT JOINBARTPD.COM!

WERE OFFERING A $15,000 HIRING BONUS!

Salary Information

This position is represented by the BART Police Officers Association (BPOA).

$46.399/ Hourly (Step 1) - $50.292/ Hourly (Step 3)

Note: External candidates will start at step 1.

Who May Apply

All current BART employees and qualified individuals who are not yet BART employees.

Reports To

Police Communications Manager

Days Off

As assigned. Must be willing to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Department

BART Police Department is a progressive agency and has been on the forefront - and in some cases the model approach to training in the areas of fair and impartial policing, bias-based policing, crisis intervention, cultural competence training, and de-escalation training. The mission of the BART Police Department is to ensure a safe environment within our transit system, reduce crime through a highly visible police presence, and proactive enforcement of the law, and to promote public confidence by working in partnership with our stakeholders and the communities we serve.

Current Assignment

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Police Department is seeking experienced, highly skilled, calm-under-pressure, and service-oriented individuals to join our team as Police Dispatchers. Working in a fast-paced, 24/7 public safety communications center, the incumbent will receive and prioritize incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and operate radio systems to dispatch patrol units and other police personnel to crime scenes, service calls, and transit-system emergencies. Dispatchers ensure accurate and timely information flow, maintain situational awareness, and support officers responding to a broad range of incidents, including safety hazards, quality-of-life concerns, medical emergencies, and criminal activity affecting BART's stations, trains, and facilities.

The most qualified candidates for this position will have highly developed competencies in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be clearly articulated during the selection process:

• Strong Communication Skills - Ability to clearly and effectively communicate under pressure, both verbally and in writing, to relay information to officers, the public, and other agencies.
• Decision-Making and Problem-Solving - Quick-thinking and sound judgment in fast-paced, high-stress situations to prioritize and dispatch resources appropriately.
• Multitasking Ability - Capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously, such as answering calls, operating radio systems, and inputting data into computers, while maintaining accuracy.
• Technical Proficiency - Skilled in operating dispatch software, radio systems, and law enforcement databases; familiarity with emergency communication systems is essential.
• Attention to Detail - Ability to accurately process and document critical information, ensuring nothing is missed during high-stress situations.
• Calmness Under Pressure - Ability to stay composed in emergencies, managing stress while maintaining control of the situation.

Selection & Application Process

This position is represented by BART Police Officers Association (BPOA). All applicants must apply online at www.bart.gov/jobs. Applications must be completed in full and include all requested information, including dates of employment, positions held, hours worked, and a detailed description of duties performed.

Applicants may attach a resume to provide supplemental information; however, the resume does not substitute for completing the application form in its entirety. Only information included in the application at the time of submission will be used to determine whether applicants meet the minimum qualifications for the position. All application materials must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received after the closing deadline will not be considered.

Applicants who require assistance with the online application process may contact the Talent Acquisition Division at (510) 464-6112 or employment@bart.gov.

The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement and may include one or more of the following: a skills or performance demonstration, written examination, and/or panel or individual interview.

All applications will be reviewed by the Talent Acquisition Division to determine whether applicants meet the established Minimum Qualifications (MQs). Applicants who meet the MQs may be referred to the hiring department for further evaluation as part of the selection process. Unsuccessful applicants may re-apply online by visiting our website at www.bart.gov/jobs for a listing of open positions.

The selection process for the Lateral Police Dispatcher will include 5 phases:

PHASE 1: Background Pre-Screening

PHASE 2: Minimum Qualifications Screening

PHASE 3: Typing Test (or typing certificate submission)

Typing Certificate Requirements:

• 5- minute timed test
• Must be able to type at a speed of 40 net words per minute
• Certificate must include gross and net words per minute with no more than 10 errors
• Typing certificates must be within the last six (6) months by a recognized college, public school, career center, or temporary employment agency.

Note: Current BART employees who are occupying positions which presently require a 40 Net WPM typing requirement will be exempt from meeting the typing certificate requirement for the Police Dispatcher Trainee program.

PHASE 4: Oral Board Interview

PHASE 5: Background investigation. (may include polygraph, psychological screening)

Please note that the entire selection process may take 4-6 months to complete.

The selected candidate must demonstrate a work history reflecting reliability and dependability and may be required to provide copies of certificates, diplomas, or other documentation required by law, including proof of authorization to work in the United States, and pass a pre-employment medical examination, which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include an extensive background check, a credit check, and successful completion of a polygraph exam. (Does not apply to current full-time BART Police Department employees unless a specific job requires additional evaluations).

If selected to proceed in the background investigative phase of the process, you will be asked to provide some essential documents. The following are some of the documents you may be asked to provide naturalization/citizenship papers, birth certificates, school transcripts, proof of Selective Service, DMV driving history documents, proof of automobile insurance, marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable), and POST certificates (if applicable).

Examples of Duties

• Receives and prioritizes incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency telephone calls.
• Operates radio to dispatch patrol units and other police personnel to crime scenes and other transit system emergencies and incidents.
• Operates computer terminal to access a variety of police information, assists in processing police warrants
• Provides radio assistance and information to Police Officers.
• Communicates and coordinates emergency response with other public safety agencies and emergency services.
• Maintains service records and logs other computerized information.
• Coordinates activities with those of central control for emergency train intercepts, power turn off and other revenue vehicle system emergencies.
• Provides police-related telephone information to District patrons; answers telephone inquiries from other law enforcement agencies.
• Provides records assistance to the Police Departments property unit; monitors District system alarm calls and coordinates response.
• Performs a variety of clerical duties, including typing on computer keyboard to input and retrieve automated internal records and local, state, and national criminal information.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent.

Experience

EITHER

Completion of the Police Dispatcher Trainee program for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District.

OR

Two (2) years (full-time equivalent) verifiable journey-level safety dispatching experience.

Other Requirements

• Must be able to successfully pass a detailed POST background investigation prior to appointment, including a psychological evaluation.
• Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Must type at 40 net wpm with no more than ten (10) errors.
• Must be able to move quickly from one workstation to another and perform any combination of duties or other related tasks at the same time.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• Basic law enforcement terminology, rules and procedures.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing documents and the operation of common office equipment.
• Law enforcement dispatch policies and procedures.

Skill in:

• Memorizing codes, names, locations and other detailed information; obtaining information from individuals in emergency situations.
• Understanding and following oral and written directions.
• Making rapid and sound independent judgments in emergency situations.
• Using two-way radio communication equipment effectively.
• Using an on-line computer to access a variety of information.
• Working under periods of stress and dealing with multiple activities simultaneously.
• Performing routine clerical duties.
• Communicating tactfully and effectively with the public, including with people who may be emotional or difficult to understand.
• Maintaining accurate files.

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) prides itself in offering best in class benefits packages to employees of the District. Currently, the following benefits may be available to employees in this job classification.

Highlights

• Medical Coverage (or $350/month if opted out)
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Insurance (Basic and Enhanced Plans Available)
• Retirement Plan through the CA Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
• 2% @ 55 (Miscellaneous Members - Classic)
• 2% @ 62 (Miscellaneous Members - PEPRA)
• 3% @ 50 (Safety Members - Classic)
• 2.7% @ 57 (Safety Members - PEPRA)
• Reciprocity available for existing members of many other public retirement systems (see BART website and/or CalPERS website for details)

Money Purchase Pension Plan (in-lieu of participating in Social Security tax)

• 6.65% employer contribution up to annual maximum of $1,868.65

Deferred Compensation & Roth 457 Sick Leave Accruals (12 days per year) Vacation Accruals (3-5 weeks based on time worked w/ the District) Holidays:

• Sworn Officers & Police Dispatchers: No floating holidays or observed holidays, but 6.6% pay differential provided above base pay rate
• Non-Sworn Staff: 9 observed holidays and 4 floating holidays

Life Insurance may be available through employee union Survivor Benefits through BART Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance may be available through employee union Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and Dependent Care Commuter Benefits Free BART Passes for BART employees and eligible family members.

01

Do you possess a high school diploma, General Education Development Certificate (GED) or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE?

• Yes
• No

02

Select your level of experience from the options below.

• I have successfully completed BARTs Police Dispatcher Training program.
• I have at least two (2) years of full-time verifiable journey-level safety dispatching experience.
• I do not meet the experience requirement for this position.

03

BART Police Dispatchers are required to type at least 40 net wpm with no more than ten (10) errors in 5 minutes. Do you possess or have the ability to obtain a typing certificate from a recognized college, public school, career center or temporary employment agency? Note: Current BART employees who are occupying positions which presently require a 40 WPM typing requirement will be exempt from meeting the typing certificate requirement for the Entry-Level Police Dispatcher.

• Yes
• No

04

For this position, you must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime. If you were offered this position would you be able to work any assigned shift?

• Yes
• No

05

Integrity is one of the BART Police Departments Core Values. Successful candidates must pass an extensive investigative background check. The pre-employment background investigative phase may include the following: • Criminal background check • Psychological screening • Successful completion of a polygraph exam • Home visit Additionally, you may be required to provide the following documents: • Naturalization/citizenship papers, birth certificates, school transcripts, proof of selective service (men only), DMV driving history documents, proof of automobile insurance, marriage, or divorce certificates (if applicable), and POST certificates (if applicable). Click below to acknowledge that you have read and understand the abovementioned statement about the investigative background process.

• Yes
• No

06

PRE-SCREENING BACKGROUND QUESTIONNAIRE: The hiring and background requirements are quite stringent for law enforcement personnel. Therefore, applicants are required to complete the following pre-background screening questions to be considered for this position. Note: If, at any point during the hiring process we discover that you intentionally omitted, lied, or minimized something in your background that we should have known about, it will most likely result in an automatic disqualification from the hiring process. Remember, we are not looking for perfect people, just perfect honesty. Click below to acknowledge that you understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have any felony convictions?

• Yes
• No

08

Have you committed any act(s) of domestic violence?

• Yes
• No

09

Have you committed any criminal act(s) against children?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have any outstanding warrants of arrests at the time of your application?

• Yes
• No

11

Have you had three (3) or more moving violations within the last three (3) years?

• Yes
• No

12

Have you received two (2) or more misdemeanor convictions as an adult?

• Yes
• No

13

Were you involved as a driver in two (2) or more chargeable (at fault) collisions within three (3) years?

• Yes
• No

14

Have you received any misdemeanor convictions within the last three (3) years?

• Yes
• No

15

Have you used a hallucinogenic drug within the last seven (7) years?

• Yes
• No

16

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART)

Address 2150 Webster Street

4th Floor

Oakland, California, 94612

Phone 510-464-6112

Website www.bart.gov/jobs