Gilbert’s Police Communications Dispatchers are cross-trained as call takers and radio dispatchers. As call takers, you process both emergency and non-emergency calls for service. You are often the public’s first point of contact for the police department. All calls, whether emergency or not, will be handled in accordance with our department’s customer service standards.  

Radio dispatchers typically assign calls to officers, monitor officer status and enter inquiries into various databases.  You are the lifeline to officers in the field.  Whether officers are dispatched to a potentially dangerous call or to something as simple as a dog barking, the officers rely on the dispatcher to supply them with quick and accurate information and to facilitate their safety.

• High school diploma or GED

• 1 year of experience in a customer service environment

• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work

• Requires ability to accurately type 54 keystrokes per minute (KPM)

• Possess and maintain a Level A Terminal Operator's Certification (TOC) within 6 months of hire date

• Dispatcher II positions work rotating shifts that include nights, weekends, holidays and overtime, as needed

Disqualifiers

• Felony conviction (or out-of-state conviction that would be a felony in Arizona)
• Previous revocation/denial of AZ POST certified status, or suspension of current AZ POST certified status
• Currently under investigation for violations of internal policy, procedure, or other administrative guidelines
• Dishonorable discharge from the United States Military
• Conviction for domestic violence incident involving the use of force, attempted use of force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon

• No illegal possession, use, sale, production, or cultivation while employed with a law enforcement agency

Marijuana:

• Personal possession, use, sale, production, or cultivation within the past one (1) year
• Professional possession, sale, production, and cultivation while employed for a licensed dispensary is not a disqualifier
• All forms of marijuana usage or its derivatives will be treated the same

Cannabidiol (CBD):

• Over-the-counter use of CBD products which contain a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) percentage of less than 0.3% is not a disqualifying factor
• The use of products with a THC percentage greater than 0.3% would fall under the marijuana guidelines

Steroids:

• Illegal use within the past one (1) year
• All forms of steroid usage will be treated the same

Adderall:

• Illegal use within one (1) year
• All forms of Adderall usage will be treated the same

Dangerous Drugs, Narcotics, Hallucinogens, and Prescription Drugs:

• Illegal use, sale, production, cultivation within the past five (5) years
• All usages of these types of drugs will be treated the same

• Not applicable to positions that do not require driving in their job descriptions.  Driving waivers may be required

• More than one (1) DUI conviction in a lifetime
• Any DUI convictions within the past three (3) years
• More than eight (8) current driving points
• More than two (2) “at fault” collisions within the past three (3) years

Once you have applied, you will be contacted with the next steps once your application is reviewed.  Please monitor your email for communication from the Town of Gilbert Human Resources department after you submit your application online.

Already a dispatcher? We welcome and encourage experienced dispatchers to apply.

Lateral Dispatcher Pay Considerations: Below you will find an estimated pay range for Lateral Dispatchers. Once you apply and pass the CritiCall exam your pay will be evaluated based on experience (other factors that will be considered are: similarity of job duties and responsibilities in comparison to our Dispatcher role, comparable size of agency, full time equivalent status).

The scale below is an estimate of the hourly salary range employees may fall under. Please note that this scale is dependent on an applicant's relevant experience and requires verification during the background process.

Step 1 – Apply

Step 2 – Complete the Criticall exam. The Criticall exam is designed to test your aptitude for a dispatch environment. Different modules test your typing speed and ability as well as multi-tasking, map reading, reading and spelling. There are many tools out there to assist you in preparing for this test. Look for one that tests your ability to type alphanumeric combinations and random information.

Some free resources to prepare include:

•CritiCall Test Preparation Guide

•CritiCall Resource Page

Step 3 – Complete the background process.

Training and Schedule – Training for the position of Police Dispatcher can take 9-12 months due to the complexity of the position. You are fully compensated with full benefits during your training. You will train with various trainers on various shifts. Dispatch works 24/7/365. Dispatch shifts are 4-10 hour days, with paid holidays and overtime opportunities.

The Gilbert Police Department offers a generous compensation and benefits package to employees.

The starting rate for dispatchers is $26.81.

For questions regarding the application process or compensation, email GPDRecruiting@gilbertaz.gov

Additional benefits include:

• Defined State Benefit Pension
• 4-Day Work Week
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• 4 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Health and Dental Benefits
• Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Promotional Opportunities
• Peer Support Team

For a complete list of the benefits offered by the Town of Gilbert, click here.