Sheriff's Dispatcher I
$4,136-$4,560

After 1 year promotes to Sheriff's Dispatcher II
$4,530-$5,244

| The Position | Typical Duties | Benefits |
| Minimum Qualifications | Hiring Process |

The Position
Sheriff's Dispatcher I is an entry-level position for which no prior public safety experience is required. Sheriff's Dispatcher Is receive intensive training during the initial 12 month probationary period, after which they are expected to qualify for advancement to Sheriffs Dispatcher II. The Sheriff's Communications Center operates on a 24-hour per day basis, and weekend, holiday and overtime work is required. 

Typical Duties
Once they have completed training, Sheriff's Dispatchers are assigned duties in the Office of the Sheriff's state-of-the-art computer aided dispatching facility which is located in Martinez, California. 

Sheriff's Dispatchers receive, assess, prioritize and classify calls for service on a variety of emergency and non-emergency lines, including 9-1-1, from a combined population of approximately 450,000 residents of 14 police jurisdictions in 2 counties. They also distribute calls for service to police units, process computer inquiries and other requests for field units, and accurately track the activities of 15-50 police units. 

In addition to law enforcement services, Sheriff's Dispatchers also provide ancillary dispatch services and call-out support to over 3 dozen municipal agencies and districts, including the Office of Emergency Services, Emergency Medical Services Agency and Animal Services Department.

Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, a career as a Sheriff's Dispatcher includes:
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Retirement, health and dental programs
• Paid vacations
• Holiday compensation (13 holidays per year)
• Uniform allowance
• Sick leave
• Bilingual pay for those fluent in foreign languages
• A variety of shifts

Minimum Qualifications
• Valid California Driver License
• High School diploma or G.E.D. certificate
• Ability to pass thorough background investigation
• Ability to accurately type 35 words per minute

Guide to the Sheriff's Dispatcher I Hiring Process

Step 1: Application
Submit a  completed Contra Costa County Application for Employment form. Please include with the completed
application a current Typing Proficiency Certificate.

Step 2: Written Examination
 The exam is a statewide standardized examination developed by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

The written examination consists of a battery of 11 individual tests. Each test is multiple choice and covers such areas as Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Problem Solving/Reasoning Ability, Ability to perform multiple tasks while under stress, and the ability to Communicate information received accurately.

2008 Testing Schedule

Click here for more information on the Dispatch Written Test

Step 3: Oral Board
Candidates successfully completing the written portion of the examination will be scheduled for an oral interview. The oral interview evaluates job-related factors such as motivation, interpersonal skills, problem-solving ability, use of sound judgment and oral communication skills. Applicants must receive a rating of at least 70 from a majority of the Board Members to pass the oral interview. 
 
Click here for Oral Interview Tips

Step 4: Background Requirements
A thorough background investigation, a polygraph examination and psychological testing shall be conducted according to the specifications of the State of California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training.

Step 5: Medical Examination
A physical examination performed by a County physician to ensure that the candidate meets the medical guidelines for employment.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE CREDITS

Veterans who have received an honorable discharge and disabled veterans may be allowed an additional 5% of their total earned score (providing the exam is otherwise successfully completed). To obtain this credit, veterans MUST provide a DD214 that indicates the applicant received an honorable discharge or proof of disability attached to their application at the time of filing..

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