Dispatcher II (Lateral)

Dispatcher II

You must have taken and passed the Dispatcher CritiCall examination for further consideration. To take the examination, click here.

You must have experience as a law enforcement Dispatcher in a Public Safety Dispatch Center to qualify for this position. Please review "Qualifications - Lateral Entry" within this job announcement before applying for this position.

Please note : a candidate must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and a drug use history to be considered for this position.

To receive incoming telephone calls and dispatch police units as necessary for assistance; perform a variety of general support duties related to communications activities.

Distinguishing characteristics : Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower class of Dispatcher I. Appointment at the higher class requires that the employee be performing the full range of duties assigned to the class. Work in this class is distinguished from that of the Dispatcher I class by the greater independence with which an incumbent is expected to operate. Dispatcher II is a journey-level classification and incumbents are expected to perform the full range of duties of Dispatcher without direct supervision.

Supervision received and exercised : General supervision is provided by a Dispatcher III.

Essential duties and responsibilities :

• Receive emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public requesting police, fire, and local government service; determine nature and priority; dispatch units as necessary; and / or refer or transfer callers to ensure excellent customer service.
• Maintain radio contact with all units on assignment.
• Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies.
• Query information from law enforcement communication networks relating to wanted persons, criminal history, stolen property, and Department of Motor Vehicle information.
• Query and enter stolen, stored, and repossessed vehicle information.
• Perform a variety of records keeping duties related to the computer aided dispatch system.
• Test and inspect equipment as required.
• Testify in court as needed.
• Prepare written responses or reports related to communication complaints, investigative follow-ups or police reports.
• Write daily work progress reports when training a new Dispatcher.
• Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, empathy, and excellent customer service in accordance with departmental policy and the community-oriented policing concept.
• Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification.

Qualifications : Knowledge of :

Ability to :

Experience and education :

Education : High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and completion of twelve (12) units from an accredited college or university.

Experience : Successful completion of the probationary period as a Dispatcher I with the City of Sacramento.

Substitution : High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent an additional four (4) years of customer service experience may substitute for the required education.

OR : LATERAL ENTRY : (1) Two years of experience as a dispatcher working with law enforcement agencies where duties included answering telephone calls and radio dispatching, which must include six months of experience within the last six months. (2) Successful completion of the California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course within twelve (12) months of appointment.

Proof of education should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and / or copies are acceptable. An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment. Probationary period : Employees hired as a lateral entry must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status.

The selection procedure :

1. Application : (Pass / Fail) All applicants must complete and submit an online City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline.

2. Online CritiCall Exam : (Pass / Fail) Candidates must have taken and passed the Dispatcher CritiCall Examination by 11 : 59 p.m. on October 31, 2025, for further consideration.

3. Screening Committee : (Pass / Fail) Human Resources will only evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications of candidates who have passed the CritiCall examination.

4. Eligibility : Candidates who pass the online CritiCall examination, submit a valid employment application, and meet the qualification standards will be forwarded to the department for further consideration.

5. Background Process : If considered for appointment, candidates must pass a background investigation, which includes a criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and drug use history.