Police Dispatcher - Denver 9-1-1

City and County of Denver•Denver, CO

6d•$31 - $49•Onsite

About The Position

The City and County of Denver’s 9-1-1 Communications Center is hiring Police Dispatchers for the February 22, 2027 Police Dispatcher Academy. The Denver 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Agency handles emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatches police, fire, and paramedic resources. Police Dispatchers support Denver Police Officers by entering information into the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and relaying information to first responders, primarily through direct radio communication. They also perform clearances and searches using systems such as NCIC, CCIC, and Denver court files, and support the Police Department during planned and unplanned events. The agency operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dispatchers must be able to work 8- or 12-hour shifts on day, swing, or graveyard schedules, including weekends and holidays, and must be available for overtime on short notice. The primary communication center is at 12025 E 45th Ave, Denver, CO 80239; the backup center is at 950 Josephine St, Denver, CO 80206. Swing shift (3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.) receives a 7% differential, and graveyard shift (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) receives a 12% differential above the current hourly rate. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and qualifying experience. CPR and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certifications are required before the end of academy training, with recertification as required. Employees must pass an initial pre-security clearance screening and maintain Colorado Bureau of Investigation certification. Licenses and certifications must remain current. The position is listed as unlimited, with a salary range of $31.33–$48.56; target pay depends on education and experience. Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization that does not require visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED, HiSET, or TASC certificate.
Meet one of the qualifying experience pathways: one year as a 911 operator or emergency dispatcher; two years in public contact by phone or in person; one year of high-volume call-center or general-dispatching experience; or one year as a paramedic on an emergency ambulance (not an air ambulance), firefighter, police officer, or military police officer.
Additional appropriate education may substitute for the minimum experience requirements.
Obtain CPR certification before the end of academy training and maintain recertification as required by the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch.
Obtain an EMD certification issued by NAED before the end of academy training and maintain recertification as required by NAED.
Pass initial pre-security clearance screening and maintain CBI certification, including passing an online test every two years to maintain certification.
Keep licenses and certifications current as a condition of employment.
Be able to work 8- or 12-hour shifts on day, swing, or graveyard schedules, including weekends and holidays, and overtime on short notice.
Communicate clearly and concisely over radio and telephone.
Manage multiple calls and dispatch officers simultaneously.
Assess situations and make quick, sound decisions, with awareness of officer safety and high-risk incidents.
Remain calm under pressure, including during high-stress or life-threatening situations.
Learn and use computer systems and software, including new technologies.
Accurately document events, caller information, and unit activity.
Work collaboratively with dispatchers, call takers, and first responders.
Have valid U.S. work authorization that does not require visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with dispatch software, multi-line phone systems, and radio operations.
Familiarity with the City and County of Denver’s streets, landmarks, and locations.
Bilingual skills.
Strong multitasking abilities and a team-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

Receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls by phone and radio for police services.
Dispatch police units to incidents while prioritizing officer and public safety.
Monitor and track field-unit activity, respond to requests, and provide critical information.
Use computer-aided dispatch systems to log and relay real-time information accurately.
Maintain communication with officers and provide updates and support as needed.
Assess emergency situations quickly and determine appropriate response levels.
Follow department protocols and procedures while maintaining confidentiality.
Coordinate with fire, EMS, and other emergency services when needed.
Enter information into the CAD system and relay it to first responders, primarily by radio.
Perform computer clearances and searches using NCIC, CCIC, and Denver court files.
Support Denver Police Department needs during planned and unplanned events.