Job Information

WESTMINSTER, CITY OF
8200 WESTMINSTER BLVD.
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA 92683
714-548-3450
https://www.westminster-ca.gov/departments/police

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Updated: August 13, 2026

Job Classification: Police Dispatcher (Entry-level, Full-time)

This position is scheduled for a salary range increase of $5,755 - $8,097 in January 2027

The City provides $1600/month medical benefits stipend - whether you enroll in a medical plan or not!

Department Overview: The Westminster Police Department has a variety of professional positions available to qualified men and women who seek a challenging career and stable future in law enforcement. Commit to making a difference with one of the most reputable agencies in the county.

We offer a variety of professional positions for both sworn and civilian applicants, whether you are a lateral employee or new to police work. We are looking for applicants who desire a career in public service, believe in community oriented policing and are willing to be part of a creative problem solving team.

Area Information: The City of Westminster is located in Orange County.

Population: 91,00

About the Position: Under general supervision, receives police and emergency calls, and dispatches Police units following prescribed procedures; answers non-emergency calls for public safety and other City departments; performs a variety of general administrative support duties including record keeping, typing, and filing; and performs related work as required.

This is a single-level classification that performs the full range of receiving and dispatching emergency calls for the Police Department. Responsibilities are centered on extensive contact with the public over the telephone, in both emergency and non-emergency situations to receive, transmit, and provide factual information, forms, and reports. All activities must be performed within specified legal guidelines. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Communications Supervisor in that the latter is the full supervisory-level class in the series responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of staff involved in police dispatch services.

The Ideal Candidate: Dispatchers are an integral part of police patrol operations. They are the primary link between the public and officers in the field. Making quick, accurate and sound decisions is crucial. The ability to learn new material and recall this information is extremely important.

The ideal candidate is someone who:

is comfortable talking to the public with a high volume of incoming calls
reacts quickly, efficiently, and calmly in emergency situations
speaks and types (35+wpm) in a clear and concise manner
has accurate listening and comprehension skills
is able to multi-task and exercise critical thinking skills
elicits information from persons in varied states of mind
is motivated, reliable, and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic
is able to learn, memorize, and utilize police codes, names, street locations, and other information
is proficient in computer/data entry with sufficient speed and accuracy
is able to work a flexible work schedule

Examples of Duties:

Receives and evaluates police and emergency calls, and related business calls for the City during an assigned portion of the 24-hours-per-day/7-days-per-week Police Department operations; provides information and/or transfers calls to the appropriate department, agency, or response organization; takes messages for Police Department personnel.
Dispatches public safety emergency units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system, including determining priority of emergency and contacting and sending appropriate response unit.
Maintains contact with field units, including accounting for location and status of units and maintaining records of field calls; sends back-up units, as necessary, ensuring the safety of field units.
Operates computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities; tests and inspects equipment as assigned.
Logs call data in a written or automated format; monitors calls after initial dispatch to provide additional coordination, support, or information.
Enters, updates, and retrieves a variety of records from teletype database, including stolen vehicles and property, vehicle registration information, guns and property, and warranted or missing persons.
Accesses Federal, State, and local law enforcement information databases to obtain information regarding outstanding warrants, criminal history, records information, and vehicle data; relays such information to sworn staff.
Acts as a liaison to the public and representatives of other agencies for the department; provides initial non-emergency contact with the public and representatives of other agencies for the requesting of police records or related services; determines the nature of the contact; provides factual information regarding services, policies, and procedures, which requires knowledge of legal guidelines, departmental policies and procedures, and the use of tact and discretion, or directs the caller to the proper individual or agency.
Maintains accurate departmental and law enforcement records and files; researches and compiles information from such files.
- Attends necessary training, shift briefing sessions, participates in drills, and test scenarios to prepare for unexpected emergencies.
- Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and one (1) year of general clerical experience involving public contact. Incumbents must be able to type at least 35 words per minute, and receive a passing score on the ECOMM Exam.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, completion of P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher course within one year of appointment. Twenty-four (24) hours of Continuous Professional Training (CPT) required every two (2) years.

Age:
18

Citizenship Required:
Yes

High School Grad / GED:
Yes

Ability to Read/Speak English:
Yes

College:
Not Required

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