Police Communications Dispatch Supervisor

Under direction of the Police Service Manager, supervises and directs the public safety dispatch center operations; manages the intake and prioritization of public safety calls, coordinates activities across city departments and outside agencies; and ensures 24/7 emergency response readiness through effective scheduling, training, and performance tracking.

• Plans, organizes, schedules and directs activities of the Police Communications Center.

• Manages unit scheduling, including rotating shifts, holiday coverage, and the authorization of overtime to ensure 24/7 operational readiness and minimum staffing levels.
• Performs the full range of Public Safety Dispatcher duties as necessary; assists staff with calls for service, radio dispatching, or handling of emergency calls/critical incidents as they arise; provides support and handles requests as needed.
• Monitors and evaluates the intake of emergency and routine calls for service to ensure staff collect accurate information and dispatch appropriate personnel according to established protocols.
• Provides high-level tactical support to dispatchers during critical incidents, assuming command of complex radio traffic and prioritizing department-wide resources when call volume exceeds standard capacity.
• Serves as the escalation point for inter-agency coordination, managing mutual aid requests and ensuring seamless communication between neighboring jurisdictions during large-scale emergencies.

• Supervises and audits the use of Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management Systems (RMS) and CLETS (California Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems) processes to ensure data integrity, technical proficiency, and compliance with law enforcement reporting standards. 

• Conducts regular quality assurance reviews of recorded calls and radio traffic to provide coaching, identify training gaps, and ensure staff maintain composure and professionalism under pressure.
• Maintenance of dispatch records; analyzes response data and call statistics to prepare comprehensive reports for executive leadership regarding operational trends and equipment needs as needed.
• Develops and updates standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training guidelines to ensure the dispatch center remains consistent with evolving state and federal law enforcement mandates.
• Mediates and resolves complex public inquiries or complaints regarding dispatch services, acting as the primary liaison between the public and the communications unit to maintain community trust.
• Oversees and implements the Communication Training Program.
• May complete requests for subpoenas of events, phone calls, radio recordings, and other requested items.

Education
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. 

And
 
Experience
Three (3) years of experience in public safety dispatching in a 911 system at a level equivalent to the City's Police Communications Dispatcher classification. One (1) year of lead or supervisory experience is desirable. 

Licenses and Certifications
Possession of a Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate by date of appointment. Possession of a valid California drivers' license with a satisfactory driving record by date of appointment.
 
Must be at least 18 years of age by date of appointment. 

Position also requires a background check and pre-employment medical examination.

Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of principles and practices of employee supervision; basic functions, principles and practices of law enforcementagencies; terminology and procedures used in public safetydispatching; operation of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone lines and radiosystems; techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic levels under hostile and emergency situations; methods and techniques of research, compiling and summarizing data, and preparing reports and correspondence; City geography, maps, streets, and landmarks; City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols; Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to plan, assign, supervise, train and evaluate staff; supervise, organize, implement, and direct public safety dispatching activities in response to a diverse range of emergency and non-emergency situations; assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independentjudgment; maintain confidentiality of information received during the course ofwork; understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed; operate various tools and equipment including police radio, multi-line telephone, and CAD/ RMSsystem; interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, policies, and procedures related to assigned functionalarea; direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems; Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments; obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergencysituations; read street maps; learn locations of streets and highways, residential and commercial areas of theCity; establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course ofwork; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines; effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform work tasks.Bargaining Unit:  CAMP - Confidential, Administrative, Managerial and Professional Employees 
Annual Hours:  2080 (40 hours per week)
FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

Created: July 2026 
Last Revised: N/A