- Salary
- $119k – $153k/yr
- Location
- Palo Alto, CA, CA, US
- Department
- Operations
- Education
- High School
- Source
- GovernmentJobs
Description

The Palo Alto Police Department is committed to providing exceptional public safety services and taking a leadership role in building community partnerships. We subscribe to core values that include integrity, accountability, trust, teamwork, a positive attitude, and the professional, impartial treatment of all. Our key responsibilities include:
- To provide police response to emergency and non-emergency requests for service in a coordinated and timely manner.
- To apprehend and prosecute offenders and/or resolve investigations in a timely and thorough manner.
- To minimize injury and property damage by promoting a safe and orderly flow of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic.
- To provide coordinated, responsive and reliable 9-1-1 dispatch services.
The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies:
- Comprehensive Dispatch Experience: Proficient in emergency response procedures and protocols across multiple agencies.
- Critical Thinking and Decision-Making: Quickly assesses situations to determine appropriate responses and actions.
- Effective Communication Skills: Clear and concise communicator in high-pressure situations, both verbally and in writing.
- Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using dispatch systems, databases, and communication equipment.
- Adaptability and Resilience: Maintains composure and efficiency in dynamic and challenging environments.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Works effectively with diverse teams and agencies to coordinate responses.
- Customer Service Orientation: Provides courteous and helpful assistance to callers and responders.
- Problem Solving Abilities: Identifies issues, gathers relevant information, and resolves incidents promptly.
- Attention to Detail: Ensures accurate documentation and information dissemination.
- Commitment to Public Safety: Demonstrates dedication to maintaining community safety and well-being.
Benefits: Fantastic benefits package, to learn more click, HERE.
Compensation (SEIU): Comprehensive compensation plan, to learn more click, HERE.
- Receives telephone complaints concerning crimes and police emergencies and dispatches appropriate police patrol units by radio to investigate. Relays instructions and questions for field units.
- Receives telephone information concerning fire and medical emergencies and dispatches appropriate fire and ambulance units by radio. Relays instructions and questions from field units.
- Receives telephone complaints concerning utilities and public works emergencies and dispatches appropriate service units to make repairs. Relays instructions and questions from field units.
- Receives telephone complaints concerning animals and dispatches appropriate animal control units to investigate. Relays instructions and questions from field units.
- Receive and transmit the above information by operating communication consoles, two-way radio, telephone, paging, various computers including both manual and computer-aided dispatch systems, voice intercom, fire alarm and intrusion alarm equipment and other public safety 911 equipment and applications.
- Maintain appropriate records, computer data base, maps, diagrams, and written procedures relating to such activities.
- Operate conventional/automated office machines and equipment.
- Prepare special reports as may be required.
- Assist Lead Communications Public Safety Dispatchers and Supervisor, Police Services in projects.
- High school graduate or GED,
- One year of public safety dispatching experience comprised of law enforcement or fire service dispatch responsibilities.
- Possession of a California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate.
- Experience with Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols.
- Experience with CLETS/NCIC Databases.
- Possession of National Academy of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certificate.
Work in an office environment; sustained posture and intense attentiveness for prolonged periods.
Selection Process:
- Completion of "CritiCall" Exam*
- Completion of the P.O.S.T. Personal History Statement – Public Safety Dispatcher
- Oral Panel Interview(s)
- Comprehensive Police Background Check
- Polygraph Test
- Psychological Test
- Medical Exam
More than one position may be filled from this posting.