Answering the Call: 911
Become a Police Communications Operator with PHXPD and Receive a $7,500 Signing Bonus
Phoenix Police Department’s Police Communications Operators are the behind-the-scenes heroes who skillfully handle emergency and non-emergency calls, provide critical guidance, and dispatch police officers with precision and compassion. Their unwavering commitment to public safety and their ability to remain composed under pressure make them the vital link in the chain of emergency response. Discover the pivotal role our 911 operators play in keeping Phoenix safe and learn more about how you can join us in making an impact in our community.
- Minimum of one year of public contact, customer service and/or clerical work
- Computer knowledge using Windows-based programs
- Ability to spell accurately
- Ability to sit or stand while on the telephone and using multiple computer monitors for eight to twelve hours per day
- Ability to multitask using the telephone and radio
- Ability to react under time-sensitive, stressful and critical situations
- Ability to accurately follow directions in a fast-paced environment
- Work nights, weekends and holidays
Our hiring process is designed to identify individuals committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and service. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Apply online
Visit the City of Phoenix jobs website and search “Police Communications Operator"
Complete the required information and attach, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.
If eligible for the position you will be contacted via email to move on to the next step of the hiring process. Be sure to check your junk mail folder as well.
2. Computer Simulated Test - CritiCall
CritiCall is a computerized simulator software that tests the applicant’s skills and abilities in data entry and multitasking. Applicants will wear headphones and test in areas such as: multitasking, prioritization, memory recall, comprehension, data entry, and decision-making. The test takes about 75 minutes to complete.
Download the Communications Guidelines and Terminology to prepare for the computer-simulated test.
3. Panel Interview
4. Background Process
Those who successfully complete CritiCall and the interview will be notified via email when they are to begin the background process with the Phoenix Police Department Employment Services Bureau.
Please consider the following disqualifiers before applying for the position:
- Felonies: Conviction of a felony
- Misdemeanors: Conviction of a job-related misdemeanor within the last three years
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Drug Use: Illegal marijuana use occurring within the last 12 months
Other Illegal drug use occurring within the last five years - Financial: Job-related negative financial history occurring within the last five years
- Driving: Job-related negative driving history occurring within the last five years
- This is not an all-inclusive list. Other factors (poor driving record, immoral conduct, criminal activity, dishonesty, etc.) will also be assessed and may lead to disqualification. Individuals should consider all of these factors when applying. Exceptions may apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
5. Controlled Substance Screening
Applicants will be required to submit to a urinalysis at some point in the hiring process.
Download: 911 Recruitment Brochure
911 Recruitment Brochure
Competitive Salary and Benefits
Police Communications Operator:
$23.03-$35.46 hourly
$47,902-$73,757 annually
NOTE: All employees without previous full-time experience as an emergency call-taker start at Step one on the pay scale.
Police Communications Operator - Lateral:
$24.11-$35.46 hourly
$50,149-$73,757 annually
- Fully-Paid Training
- Eligible for college credits
- Tuition Reimbursement up to $6,500 per Fiscal Year
- Night and Weekend Shift Differential Pay
- Medical and Dental Coverage
- Life Insurance
- City of Phoenix Retirement Plan
- Deferred Compensation
- Vacation and Sick Leave
- Holiday Pay
- Military Leave Time
Requirements
- One year of continuous full-time experience as a Police 911 Call Taker and/or Police Radio Dispatcher after completing probation
- Applicants cannot have been separated from a police department for more than 12 months at the time of application
- To apply visit the City of Phoenix Employment page to see if you qualify for the “Police Communications Operator - Lateral” job listing and follow the instructions to submit your application
- Higher levels of starting pay depending on experience and other factors