Public Safety Dispatcher

The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others doesn’t always require a uniform. A career as a Public Safety Dispatcher/Operator for the California Highway Patrol requires a desire to serve the public, attention to detail, the ability to think fast on your feet, and is an opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others.

Your voice matters. You are the eyes and the ears of the department. You are the vital link. Every call you take has a profound effect on the safety and wellbeing of first responders and the community.

If you are made for more and you can be the vital link between the community and our officers, the CHP wants you on our team. It’s time to join the best of the best and make a difference every day.

Requirements to Apply: 

. Be 18 years of age 

. Successfully pass our CritiCall Exam. It will put you on the eligibility list to apply for the open positions

. Pass backgrounds, Medical, Drug, and Psychological clearance prior to hir

. Typing  certificate of 40 WPM

Either I - Six months of experience in California state service performing the duties of a Public Safety Operator, California Highway Patrol.

Or II - One year of experience in dispatching work involving the operation of radio communications equipment; or as an operator of a telephone switchboard or console.

Or III - Two years of experience involving substantial amount of telephone contact or three years of direct contact with the public or other employees. Such experience must involve the responsibility to perform numerous tasks simultaneously or progressively responsible experience in a field requiring decision-making ability and the exercise of judgment. (Thirty semester or 45 quarter units of college level courses may be substituted for one year of the required experience.)

Or IV - Successful completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units of college level courses. (Persons who will complete the required units during the current semester/quarter will be admitted to the examination, but they must produce evidence of successful completion of the units before they may be considered eligible for appointment.)

Or V - Successful completion of the POST Certified Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course and six months of experience involving a substantial amount of direct and/or telephone public contact.

Note: If you do not have a formal work history, you may still qualify to be a Public Safety Dispatcher if you have a consistent history of volunteer work (e.g., food bank, coaching, etc.,) or paid/unpaid internships.