Police Communications Dispatcher; Lateral

Overview

Job Description

Bring your dispatch experience to Avondale—now hiring Police Communications Dispatchers (Lateral).

To be considered a Lateral applicant, you must have been working in a public safety communications (Police, Fire, Medical) position within the last twelve (12) months and have a minimum of 2 consecutive years within a dispatch center.

• Apply Online:
  Submit your application between February 2 and February 16, 2026.
• Panel Interview:
  Successful candidates will be invited to a panel interview, tentatively scheduled for February 25, 2026. Dates are subject to change.
• Background Process:
  Finalists will undergo a comprehensive background investigation, fingerprinting, and psychological evaluation.
• Offers:
  Offers of employment are conditional upon successfully completing all phases of the selection process.

Answers 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls for the Avondale Police Department and facilitates fire and medical assistance, as appropriate. Obtains accurate, essential information to process each call according to established protocols and inputs all relevant details into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system for timely dispatch.

• Provides excellent customer service at all times. Dispatches responders by communicating information to police officers as well as facilitating needed medical and fire emergency services to people in distress.
• Monitors assigned radio channels; dispatches calls and information to police units via CAD and the radio system; maintains accurate status and location of police units; and maintains a computerized log of calls for service and units dispatched.
• Multitasks at a high level while utilizing the radio and phone system, and entering information into the CAD system; maintain up-to-date information on every call for service.
• Supports officers by looking up information in several computer systems, searching for data including vehicle information and warrants; monitors radio traffic, city alarm systems, security cameras, and dispatches emergency responders as appropriate to ensure officers' safety.
• Maintains critical records by entering, clearing, and verifying warrants, missing persons, stolen articles, and stolen vehicles; enters property into computer systems and completes all necessary paperwork.
• Performs tactical dispatch for SWAT team responding to incidents, as assigned.
• Operates and maintains various office equipment, including multiple computers, printers, copy/fax machines, and phone systems at a high level.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency is required.
• Knowledge of basic operational, technical, or office processes.
• Applicants must have at least two (2) consecutive years of dispatch center experience and must have worked in a public safety communications role (Police, Fire, or Medical) within the last twelve (12) months.
• Must be able to obtain a Terminal Operator Certification (TOC) within six months of hire. Certification must be renewed every two years and maintained for the duration of employment.
• Must be able to successfully pass a comprehensive background check and a psychological exam.

Employment offers are conditional upon the successful completion and passing of:

• Neo Gov Application
• Panel Interview
• Comprehensive Background Investigation and Fingerprinting
• Psychological Evaluation

To View The List Of Automatic Disqualifications, .

Human Resources Department
City of Avondale

hr-recruitment

The City of Avondale offers a comprehensive benefits package with health and wellness benefits, financial perks, work-life balance, and more. Explore our Employee Benefit Highlights and Benefits Guide for full details. For additional information, visit our website.