CSPD will be reviewing applications as needed to fill positions during the duration of this job 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 April 2025.
Public Safety Dispatcher
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.
Job functions include:
- 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 responding personnel.
- Maintains good customer service while following policy and procedures, general orders, and standard operating procedures.
- 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.
We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:
- 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.
Successful candidates will have
- Have a high school diploma or GED supplemented by specialized training in dispatch communications or a related field
- Have one year of full-time experience as an independent dispatcher or call-taker in a public safety or emergency communication center
- Successfully complete the CritiCall test series including keyboarding at 27 wpm
- Possess, or obtain within three months of hire the following certifications: CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), CBI CCIC/NCIC (National Crime Information Center), CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services), Incident Command System 100, 700, and NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children)
One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR) one year of relevant academic coursework 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
Additional Information
Specific questions for this job can be directed to [email protected].
This is a shift position that requires the ability to work varied hours and days to include nights, weekends, and holidays in a closed, secure environment. The ability to work on-call and mandatory overtime is required.
This position requires the successful completion of a polygraph examination, an extensive background check, a typing proficiency test, 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.
Environmental Conditions
Primary Work Environment - Office environment with moderate noise level from several sources creating constant activity.
Please contact CSPD Human Resources at [email protected] for any questions about this position.
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, cell phone allowance, uniform allowance, relocation, awards, standby, call out, compensatory time off, tuition, overtime, extra duty, incentive, holiday premium, proficiency, and vacation sell back.
NOTE: This job announcement is not intended to include a complete listing of all responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the position.
The City does not sponsor applicants for work visas. If hired, you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the United States.
- Please visit City of Colorado Springs Careers page and review our opportunities. Click on Apply button to complete an online application for any position of interest. All job applicants will need to create a new login and online application (unless you already have a Government Jobs user ID and password).
- Completing your application in full, including the entire work experience section, will assist Human Resources in the applicant screening process. Your application may not be considered if all of the information requested for each employer you list is not provided.
- Applicants may redact information from their resumes, certifications, transcripts, or any other additional application materials that identify the applicant’s age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
- We encourage candidates with out-of-state credentials to inquire about expedited processing of Colorado licensing with the Colorado Occupational Credential Portability Program. More information can be found at https://dpo.colorado.gov/LicensingPortability
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The City's job classifications, including physical demands and descriptions, can be found on the https://www.coloradosprings.gov/human-resources/page/job-classifications-descriptions.
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