Dispatcher
Be the calm voice in the storm. You're the vital link between the public and emergency responders.
Everything you need to know at a glance
HEAR IT FROM THEM
Why Become a Dispatcher?
Real Dispatchers. Real stories. No script.
KEY THINGS TO CONSIDER
REQUIREMENTS
Before applying, make sure you meet these basic qualifications. Dispatcher positions are civilian roles, no sworn officer requirements apply.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to provide proof
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must hold a High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution
- Must pass a comprehensive criminal background investigation Includes clean criminal history, credit history, and driver history
- Must pass a drug screening
- Must be able to type accurately and operate a computer
- Must demonstrate the ability to multitask under pressure
- Must have strong verbal communication skills
- No prior dispatch or law enforcement experience required All necessary training and certification is provided by DPS
CAREER PROGRESSION
Salary & Advancement
Your pay increases automatically at each milestone
LIFE AS A DISPATCHER
What You'll Do Every Day
No two days are the same. See what life in the communication hall really looks like.
Monitoring radio channels and dispatching Troopers and CVE Officers to incidents statewide — the voice that keeps the mission moving.
RADIO DISPATCH
Answering emergency calls and gathering critical information quickly and calmly — connecting citizens to the help they need.
EMERGENCY CALL HANDLING
Coordinating with Troopers across all 52 posts statewide — every screen, every channel, every unit accounted for.
THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
Maintaining accurate incident logs, running license and warrant checks, and entering data into the CAD system in real time.
RECORDS & DOCUMENTATIONTRAINING & CERTIFICATION
No experience required. Dispatchers are required to become state certified as a communications officer, and DPS provides all the training needed to get there. Your first year is a "Working Test" period, structured support from your Chief Communications Officer the whole way through.
Find a Communications Center Near YouYou're Almost There
Before You Apply
We want every candidate to walk into this process fully prepared. Review these four areas first — it takes about 10 minutes and will save you time later.
Reviewed everything above? You're ready.
You'll be directed to the official DPS application portal. Have your documents ready: driver's license, education records, employment history (past 10 years).