Police Assistant (Police Dispatcher)

Police Dispatcher

The South Pasadena Police Department is seeking a qualified professional to take on the role of Police Dispatcher. Current starting salary: up to $73,260 depending on qualifications (DOQ). Up to $76,352 DOQ as of 09/01/2025 and up to $84,522 DOQ as of 07/01/2026. This recruitment is open continuous and may close or be extended at any time without notice. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. The first review of applications will be September 1, 2025.

This is a non-sworn position with an assigned work schedule of 3-12, 4-10 or 5-8 work schedule depending upon assignment. Under the general supervision of the Watch Commander, handles communications responsibilities by receiving emergency and routine calls and dispatching law enforcement personnel, processes arrestees, including booking and transport to Pasadena Police Department or Sheriff's Central Jail, and performs other duties as required which are deemed beneficial to the Department.

Examples of duties include, but are not limited to, receiving emergency and routine calls for law enforcement service and dispatching appropriate personnel; maintaining radio contact and status of in-field units; coordinating with city departments, emergency services, and other government agencies; monitoring of other radio frequencies; entering, updating, and retrieving information from national, state and local computer systems; maintaining a daily dispatch log; training of other communications personnel; receiving reports and complaints from the public by phone and in person; providing for the processing, security, health, and welfare of persons in custody; transporting of persons in custody to court and from other law enforcement agencies; gathering information and completing reports of selected police incidents; providing parking enforcement by issuing citations and towing vehicles for California Vehicle Code and City ordinance violations; assisting with traffic and crowd control; processing of evidence and financial transactions; accurately preparing related forms and reports for all assigned tasks; performing clerical work as required. Police Assistants may be required to work additional or overtime shifts consistent with Department policies.

Education and experience: a high school diploma or equivalent. Prior dispatch experience (preferably in the public sector) is highly desirable. A valid California driver license; completion of a P.O.S.T Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course before or within one year from date of appointment. Knowledge of: English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation; typewriter/computer keyboarding; general office procedures and equipment. Ability to: understand and communicate tactfully with the public, persons in custody, and fellow employees; function appropriately in emergency and routine situations with the public, persons in custody, and fellow employees; accurately interpret codes and ordinances and apply investigative techniques to assess compliance; follow through on assignments; make logical interpretations, and come to conclusions from studying facts; operate specified Police Department equipment necessary for completion of daily tasks, such as, but not limited to, police dispatch and records equipment, police computer equipment, police vehicle and portable radios, and police patrol vehicles. Candidates must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time, climb at least five flights of stairs unassisted, coordinate eyes, hands, and fingers in typing; exert light to moderate physical effort, and exert sufficient force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and safely and legally control persons in custody. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate in the field.