Police Communications Dispatcher - Tuc

Police Communications Dispatcher - Tucson Salary: $52,839.04 - $69,614.13 Annually Location: Tucson, AZ Job Type: Various Job Number: 6300-26E-01-Tuc Division: Technical Services Division Opening Date: 03/06/2026

Description Benefits Questions Summary Statement

This recruitment will be used to establish an 18-month eligibility list to fill current and future vacancies in Tucson. Under direct supervision during the training period, and under limited supervision thereafter, is responsible for simultaneously operating a multi-channel radio console and a multi-line telephone, while maintaining computer-aided dispatch systems and other computer systems. Responsible for receiving, coordinating, and disseminating critical information from various sources and maintaining radio contact with mobile/field units to monitor response, progress, and any needed support. This position works in the Communications Center, which is responsible for answering 9-1-1 calls in a 24/7 operation. Performs other duties as required. This is a competitive classification. Application period may close without notice. Must successfully complete the examination process. View the exam plan for more information.

Criticall (Data Entry) = Pass/Fail Criticall (Non-Data Entry) = 100% weighted

If you have a disability which may require an accommodation, please notify Human Resources in writing prior to the test date.

Essential Functions (not intended to be all inclusive)

1. Answers, evaluates, and prioritizes incoming telephone calls, communicating effectively with various callers to obtain complete information to determine urgency and need for dispatching police, fire, towing, and/or medical response using a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, telephones, multi-channel radio, TDD (text telephone device for hearing/speech impaired), numerous computer databases, and maps.

2. Simultaneously maintains close contact with field units, communicating with Department employees, other law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, emergency service providers, and the general public to obtain and disseminate information.

3. Retrieves information from automated files to respond to queries from a variety of sources by typing correct password keys, information masks, or special alpha-number string formats on computer strings.

4. Inputs, updates, requests, transmits, and queries information from a variety of sources to maintain current accurate records or to access databases for information, wants, and warrant checks, intelligence, and/or driver license and vehicle registration checks by typing on a computer keyboard.

5. Reads/interprets maps for the public, field personnel, and other law enforcement/criminal justice agencies in order to assist in locating certain geographical areas using an Arizona state map, U.S. atlas, city, and county maps, and various computer mapping systems. Interprets telephone or radio call locations from maps by applying knowledge of state highway system and geography in order to provide appropriate and timely assistance.

6. Greets visitors in person in order to provide assistance or refer to appropriate staff members/section. Provides educational or public relations tours and presentations of the dispatch center to members of the public, citizens academies, legislative personnel, other agencies, etc.

7. Provides back-up coverage for Department public safety call takers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:

1. Business English, spelling, grammar, and punctuation required to compose and proofread written documents (e.g., memorandum, letters, reports, studies, manual, training material, etc.) of moderate to complex difficulty on various subjects for various levels of leadership.

Skill in:

1. Communicating clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing.

2. The operation of a multi-channel radio with multiple frequencies, distinguishing, and recognizing a variety of radio voice transmissions.

3. The use of computer/keyboard devices to retrieve and/or enter information.

4. Effective decision making/problem solving based on a limited amount of information in crisis or emergency situations.

5. The use of modern office equipment (e.g., various keyboards, multi-line telephone system, photo copiers, radio devices, FAX machines, shredders, etc.).

6. Recognizing and monitoring communications equipment problems, and notifying appropriate personnel for repair.

Ability to:

1. Type at 40 net words per minute or equivalent acceptable keystrokes for accurate and timely information entry into CAD and other computer programs.

2. Operate computer-aided dispatch (CAD) equipment.

3. Establish, develop, and maintain courteous and effective working relationships.

4. Accept and apply constructive criticism and critiques.

5. Maintain emotional control and work effectively during emergencies, crisis situations, or extremely stressful conditions.

6. Consistently speak in a clear, well-modulated voice.

7. Memorize, retain, and accurately recall information and codes.

8. Multi-task, organize, prioritize, and adapt to constantly changing situations, and effectively take appropriate action.

9. Read, understand, and interpret moderately difficult to complex written information (e.g., policies, procedures, rules, regulations, statutes, etc.).

10. Understand verbal instructions in the use of specialized equipment.

11. Work independently with minimal supervision, exercising good judgment in the safeguarding of confidential or sensitive information.

12. Perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy, at times during stressful situations.

13. Accurately understand various transmissions (e.g., telephone, radio, etc.) and transcribe information (e.g., numbers, letters, names, and facts) from one source to another in a timely manner.

14. Effectively interpret a variety of maps and dispatch information to field personnel.

15. Accurately interpret and follow Department rules and guidelines (e.g., General Orders, Directors Management Regulations, Law Enforcement Merit System Council Rules, section policies/procedures).

16. Work within deadlines in order to complete assignments.

17. Calculate mathematical problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of simple to moderate difficulty.

18. Interact with visitors in person in a courteous, professional, and effective manner.

19. Develop, lead, and participate in team and work groups.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a high school diploma or G.E.D. and one (1) year of clerical, customer service, or public contact experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must obtain ACJIS Terminal Operator Certification within six months of hire and maintain certification throughout the course of this assignment with the Department.
• Must be able to type a minimum of 40 words per minute or equivalent keystrokes in CAD and/or other computer programs for accurate and timely information entry within six months of hire.
• Holidays, weekends, irregular hours, and shift work may be required with possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice.
• Limited travel is necessary.
• WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• 24 hour/7 day emergency dispatcher center operation setting.
• Work is performed in a confined area with limited mobility.
• May be required to sit for extended periods of time with limited or no breaks.

Progression to the next step requires an overall performance rating of at least "Standard" in the last 12 months.

A summary of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Benefits is linked here.

Application Questions

1. Do you possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent? Yes No

2. Do you acknowledge and understand you must be able to type a minimum of 40 net words per minute or equivalent keystrokes in CAD and/or other computer programs for accurate and timely information entry within six months of hire? Yes No

3. Do you possess at least one (1) year of clerical, customer service, or public contact experience? Yes No

4. Describe how you meet the clerical, customer service, or public contact experience required for this classification. (This experience should also have been included in the Work History section of your application. The statement "see resume" is not an acceptable response.)

5. Are you legally entitled to work in the United States? Yes No

6. Place a check mark next to each statement indicating you have read, understand, and acknowledge the working conditions/expectations with regard to the WORKING ENVIRONMENT for a Police Communications Dispatcher position.

• Be unable to physically leave your work site at any time other than a short restroom break.
• Be unable to schedule your own lunch or rest breaks.
• Be unable to smoke at your work site.
• Have limited opportunity to talk with your fellow workers during your work shift.
• Work within an organization structured on a "Military" model, i.e., work through a highly structured "Chain-of-command".
• Work at a rapid pace over which you have little control.
• Maintain intense concentration and attention for extended periods of time and then experience periods of very slow activity.
• Make decisions based on limited information.
• Receive a daily critique of your job performance during training, including criticism.
• Maintain control of your emotions while dealing with incidents/accidents involving serious injury and/or death.

7. Place a check mark next to each statement indicating you have read, understand, and acknowledge the working conditions/expectations with regard to the WORK SCHEDULE for a Police Communications Dispatcher position.

• Be required to work any of three (3) shifts.
• Be required to work weekends on a regular basis.
• Potentially have to work Thanksgiving Day, Christmas day, New Years Day, and any other or all holidays.
• Have no choice about which shift you are assigned to work.
• Have no choice on which days you work.
• During on-the-job training, work the same shift, days, and hours as your instructor.
• Change work shift, days off, or cancel holiday plans on minimal notice.

8. Place a check mark next to each statement indicating you have read, understand, and acknowledge the working conditions/expectations with regard to the CALL TYPES for a Police Communications Dispatcher position.

• Answer telephone calls where someone is rude or screams at you.
• Answer telephone calls where the caller directs obscene language at you.
• Answer and respond to telephone calls where the caller is drunk, irrational, confused,