Public Safety Dispatcher I

CSPD will be reviewing applications as needed to fill positions throughout the duration of the posting.  Applicants chosen to move forward in the selection process will be contacted by CSPD.

This posting is for a class scheduled to start in January 2027.

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Your starting pay will be within the posted hiring range based on your years of experience and education. As an employee with the City of Colorado Springs, there is Room to Grow! See the full potential of growth for this position here: 2026 Salary Schedule

About the Job: The purpose of this position is to receive and dispatch incoming calls for police, emergency medical and fire services and other emergency and non-emergency assistance. Prioritizes calls based on nature of emergency. Obtains critical information needed to ensure proper police, fire and medical response; dispatches appropriate units via the computer aided dispatch system (CAD), the radio and telephone; and performs a variety of duties relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

As a Public Safety Dispatcher I, you will:

• Uses radio to dispatch appropriate Police and Fire resources to respond to calls received.
• Prioritize calls based upon nature of request for services, availability of units, and other pertinent information.
• Maintains accurate data entry functions into CAD for documentation.
• Maintains accurate and current awareness of the locations and status of police and fire units for safety of respondingpersonnel.
• Maintains good customer service while following policy and procedures, general orders, and standard operatingprocedures.
• Utilizes various software and web-based systems to conduct research to respond to calls.
• Completes data entry functions.
• Runs checks for wants and warrants on vehicles, guns, boats, articles, and persons to complete requests for service.
• Assists officers in arranging tows for accident scenes. 
• Assists internal requests via administration line to process calls.
• Makes notifications to on call personnel
• Any other administrative duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of public safety dispatching and/or call taking protocols
• Ability to comprehend critical information to ensure proper resources are dispatched
• Ability to make quick and lucid decisions
• Ability to successfully pass the CritiCall testing series including keyboarding at 27 wpm
• Ability to handle stressful, negative, and aggressive interactions
• Ability to write a series of numbers, names, and addresses
• Ability to speak into radios and telephones
• Ability to receive and respond to incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance
• Ability to read computer screens
• Ability to function in a work environment with moderate noise level from several sources creating constant activity

Machines, Tools, Equipment, and Work Aids:  Fax, scanner, telephone, headset, workstation with moveable decks,ergonomic adjustable chairs, computer, and printer.

Specialized Computer Equipment and Software:  Quick Response, CAD, CCIS/NCIC, CJIS, LERMS, ProQA, MS Office,Contact Map, twitter, Facebook, Citizen Observer, 3si, CSU database, and BOSS3.

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade (high school diploma or GED).
• One year of full-time, professional experience in a related field.
• Successfully complete the CritiCall test series 
• Possess, or obtain within three months of hire the following certifications:  CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), CBICCIC/NCIC (National Crime Information Center), CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services), Incident CommandSystem 100, 700, and NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children).

Education and Experience Equivalency: One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR) one year of academic coursework specifically related to this position beyond the minimum requirement may be substituted for one year of required professional experience.

Ideal Candidates will also have:

• Experience working in a public safety setting, including public safety dispatch
• Experience using CJIS, CCIC/NCIC, and computer-aided dispatch systems
• Current CPR, EMD, EPD, and EFD certifications
• Bilingual in Spanish

Please contact CSPD Human Resources at [email protected] or 719-444-7447 for any questions about this position. 

Pre-employment Requirements: The job offer will be contingent upon successful completion of a polygraph examination, fingerprinting, extensive background check, and other pre-employment assessments.

Applicants that have used marijuana or CBD products within 3 months from the date of their application submission will not be eligible for hire. More information about the Colorado Springs Police Department’s Marijuana Use Policy can be found here.

Physical Demands:  This position requires the ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently. Must be able to sit/stand constantly.

Primary Work Environment:  Office environment with moderate noise level from several sources creating constant activity.

The City of Colorado Springs offers additional compensation depending on the position, area of assignment, and specific job assignments, including shift differential, pay differential, acting or lead, special assignment, hazard pay, longevity, cellphone allowance, uniform allowance, relocation, awards, standby, call out, compensatory time off, tuition, overtime, extra duty, incentive, holiday premium, proficiency, and vacation sell back.