Definition

The City of Colton is recruiting for a full-time Police Dispatcher I/II with the Police Department. Current and future vacancies will be filled from the eligibility list established from this recruitment and examination process.

Applications will be accepted until Monday, November 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., or until 75 applications have been received, whichever comes first. Recruitment may close earlier if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.

Salary Range: Police Dispatcher I: $4,994.17 - $6070.44Police Dispatcher II: $5,257.03 - $6,389.96

DEFINITION:

Under general and/or immediate supervision, performs a variety of public safety communications duties using computer-aided dispatch (CAD), radio, telephone, and related communications systems; receives and prioritizes 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls for police assistance and dispatches appropriate personnel and resources; provides communications support to field personnel; maintains related records; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Police Dispatcher I

The Police Dispatcher I is the entry-level, non-sworn class within the Dispatcher series with responsibility for performing the full range of dispatch assignments at a lesser skill level and with less independent direction and judgment regarding work procedures and methods. This class is distinguished from Dispatcher II in that the latter performs assigned duties at a journey level with minimal supervision and is expected to demonstrate a full understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods. Typically, after the requisite experience has been gained, incumbents can reasonably expect to progress to the next level.

Police Dispatcher II

The Police Dispatcher II classification is the journey level, non-sworn class in the Dispatcher series and is responsible for performing the full range of dispatch assignments at an independent level, demonstrating thorough and proper judgment and initiative. This class is distinguished from the Dispatcher I in that the latter is a learning classification with responsibility for learning policies and procedures associated with assigned duties.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Police Dispatcher I

Does not exercise supervision.

Police Dispatcher II

May occasionally exercise technical and functional supervision over lower-level dispatch staff.

Essential Functions

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.  

• Perform the full array of duties assigned to classes in the Dispatcher series including receiving emergency calls, dispatching emergency vehicles, maintaining records and equipment, and maintaining records.
• Receive and analyze emergency calls from the public requesting police or other emergency service; determine nature, location and priority of emergency; dispatch police units as necessary or transfer calls to appropriate agency; answer 911 calls; answer non-emergency calls and refer to appropriate contact.
• Transfer and/or place telephone calls, relay information, and request services as appropriate to other safety agencies, City Department’s, City Emergency crews, tow companies, ambulance services, coroner, telephone and utility companies, and others entities; maintain detailed records of the time and nature of each call.
• Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of police field units, checking periodically to very location, activity, and status, supply back-up personnel and taking other appropriate steps to provide for the safety of field personnel.
• Organize and coordinate activities to field units.
• Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies.
• Enter, update and retrieve crime-related information from computer and teletype networks, including faxes.
• Utilize investigative software as appropriate.
• Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work necessary to document dispatch activities and to provide updated resources to field personnel.
• Monitor security of police facility and alarm board.
• Test and inspect equipment as necessary; report faulty equipment; monitor on-going equipment maintenance.
• Demonstrate a full understanding of applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties.
• Respond to questions and concerns from the general public; provide information as is appropriate and resolve complaints.
• Provide back-up support to Record Bureau upon request.
• Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
• Testify in court.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Additional Information

Knowledge of: Basic office methods and procedures. Modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software. Methods and techniques for record keeping. Operations and standard operating procedures of dispatching. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations. Police-related computer and teletype networks. Operational characteristics of standard office and dispatch equipment. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices. Modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software. Methods and techniques for record keeping. 

Ability to: Learn and continue to follow standard broadcasting procedures and rules. Learn and continue to use a wide variety of codes and computer commands. Learn and continue to dispatch police units quickly and effectively. Learn and continue to operate a computer terminal and other office equipment quickly, accurately and, at times, concurrently. Work effectively and efficiently under pressure. Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations. Effectively and courteously communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens. Communicate clearly with field units. Spell accurately. Work various shifts as assigned. Understand and follow instructions. Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance. Establish and maintain effective working relationships. Speak Spanish highly desirable. Operate a dispatch console. Operate an office computer and applicable software. Operate a motor vehicle.

Working Conditions: Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily office activities.  The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in preparing statistical reports and data, using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading correspondence and using the computer, and acute hearing is required when providing phone and face-to-face service. The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. 

Recruitment and Selection Process: 

How to apply: Submit an original online application at governmentjobs.com/careers/coltonca. The filing deadline is Monday, November 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Recruitment may close sooner if a sufficient number of applications is received or when 75 applications have been received, whichever comes first. If you are requesting a waiver of the written examination, attach your POST Dispatcher Training Academy certificate to your application.

Selection steps:

1. Application review
2. Written examination, unless waived as described below
3. Oral board interview

Candidates who pass the written examination will advance to the oral board interview. Candidates whose qualifications support consideration at the Dispatcher II level and who meet the requirements for a written examination waiver may also advance to the oral board interview without taking the written examination. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list valid for one year.

Written examination waiver: Candidates who qualify as Dispatcher II and possess a POST certificate from a Dispatcher Training Academy may be eligible for a written examination waiver.

Conditions of employment: A job offer is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, Department of Justice fingerprinting, psychological evaluation, polygraph evaluation, pre-employment medical examination, and Chief’s oral interview.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an express or implied contract. The City may modify or revoke any provision without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Colton encourages applications from bilingual candidates, women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation is available to applicants with disabilities upon request.

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, new employees must provide documentation verifying their identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
• A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is:

Police Dispatcher I:

• Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required
• Some directly related college-level coursework is desired

AND:

• Experience: Six (6) months of part-time clerical experience, preferably in a law enforcement environment, or having passed probation in a similar position in a law enforcement agency, is highly desirable

Police Dispatcher II:

• Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required
• Some directly related college-level coursework is desired

AND:

• Experience: One (1) year of experience performing duties comparable to those of a Police Dispatcher I is required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid Class “C” California Driver's license and good driving record.
• Possession of, or successful completion within 1 year from date of hire, California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course is required. Incumbents who have satisfactorily completed a one-year probation in a Peace Officer capacity may submit a copy of the California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate in lieu of completing the California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course.

Work for Warriors is a no-cost employment program of the California Military Department for Service Members, Veterans, and military family members. The Veteran Staffing Consultant for Colton Police Department is Chuck Callahan.

See job description

California

No

5490031