FAQ's for Becoming a Communications Officer (Dispatcher)

What is the age requirement to join?: Applicants for our Communications Officer (Dispatcher) position are eligible to apply at the age of 18 years old.

How long is the hiring process: On average, the hiring process takes approximately three to four months.

Are any steps in the processed waived/can you use my information from other agencies?: We do not waive any steps in the hiring process, even for applicants who are Communications Officers at other agencies. Our agency requires that all applicants complete each step with us. This means we are unable to accept polygraphs, medical exams and/or psychological exam results from other agencies or the military.

What is the starting salary?: The starting salary for a Communications Officer I is $22.47/hour. Certified lateral applicants may be eligible to be hired in as a Communications officer II and receive an uplift equal to 50% credit for prior years of service. Communications Officers are on our public safety pay scale and would receive one step each year after completing training.

How long is Field Training?: Training starts with an in-house academy that is approximately 6-8 weeks long. Following completion of the in-house academy you will be assigned to a Communications Training Officer on a shift and begin completing the 4 remaining phases: NCIC/VCIN, call taking, Sheriff’s Office radio, and Fire Rescue radio. The process in its entirety could take up to 18 months before becoming an independent Communications Officer.

What are you shifts?: Our Emergency Communications Center has three shifts. They are 0700-1900, 1300-0100, and 1900-0700. These shifts are on a rotating basis of 3 on > 2 off > 2 on > 3 off. Communications Officers are assigned to permanent shifts, not rotating between days and nights once training has been completed. When Communications Officers are initially hired, they are in the office Monday – Friday, 0800-1600, working with our Training Coordinator. This shift assignment typically lasts 6-8 weeks and then they are put on a 12-shift assignment that may change throughout training.

Do you offer shift differential?: Our evening and night shifts do receive shift differential. Evening shift receives an additional $1.00/hour and night shift receives an additional $1.50hour.

Am I allowed to be on specialty teams?: Civilian employees are able to participate on some of our specialty teams.

Do you have mandatory overtime?: Communications Officers do have mandatory overtime shifts. However, you are able to sign up for the date and time of your choosing.