Police Dispatcher

Indio, CA
Indio Police Department

Salary: $56,813.28 – $84,121.32 Annually

Closing Date: 7/24/2025

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, learns to receive and process and receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches Police and other public service entities as required; enters, retrieves, and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; may assist in the training of less experienced personnel; learns applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs other related duties as required.

Essential Functions:

  • Under the direction of a Dispatch Supervisor and/or Communications Training Officer, learns to receive and process and receives and processes routine non-emergency and emergency calls for service; dispatches police and other public service entities as required; accurately enters, retrieves, analyzes and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate.
  • Learns and develops an understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; uses law enforcement terminology and cites code sections by number.
  • Screens incoming calls to determine necessity, priority and type of response required; interprets level of service needed through information obtained from field officers or citizens; works effectively with the public, and maintains a professional, customer service oriented demeanor; responds to questions and concerns from the general public, department staff, and other agencies; takes and records telephone and counter reports; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints.
  • Monitors radio frequencies specific to the operation of the Indio Police Department and the City of Indio; monitors other radio frequencies to be aware of incidents elsewhere that may affect City of Indio police operations; informs the Watch Commander of calls in progress; dispatches and monitors the status and location of field units; maintains calmness in radio transmissions during hectic, tense and dangerous situations; responds immediately to emergencies regarding the safety of field units.
  • Maintains accurate computer log of incoming service requests, information received and actions taken; maintains records of all pending and dispatched calls for service; prepares other reports and records as directed; maintains files necessary for dispatch as assigned; accurately enters, updates, and retrieves information from various computer networks; coordinates multi-agency responses when necessary; transfers calls to appropriate agencies if warranted; receives information and calls for service from other law enforcement agencies; researches county, state and federal national computer data banks to obtain information requested by officers or other law enforcement personnel as required; provides information to other agencies by telephone and teletype.
  • Monitors security for the police station, radio sites, and other city properties as necessary to detect unusual and potentially criminal activity.
  • Establishes positive working relationships with co-workers, employees within the department, outside agencies, representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management, and the public; works as part of a team, yet may work independently; may represent the Police Department and the City’s dispatching services on various work groups, interview panels and committees.

Requirements:

  • The required qualification is to possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • One year of experience in either public or telephone contact, customer service, or computer use (preferably involving radio dispatching) and a typing minimum net speed of 40 words per minute.
  • Must be 18 years of age at the time of appointment.
  • Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license.
  • Possession a Dispatch Certificate from P.O.S.T.
  • Must provide typing certificate with a minimum net speed of 40 words per minute.