La Mesa
About the City
City of La Mesa – “The Jewel of the Hills”
Announces an exceptional career opportunity.
Position Police Dispatcher
Compensation & Incentives Future Scheduled Salary Increases
3.0% increase effective July 1, 2026.
Educational Incentive Pay
Based on 5% of Step E of the Police Dispatcher pay range for a BASIC P.O.S.T. Certificate.
Dispatcher Training Pay
Any Police Dispatcher assigned as a “Training Officer” will receive an additional 5% in salary during the training assignment for increments of one hour or more.
Hiring Incentive Bonus for Lateral Candidates
$2,000 – Completion of hiring process
$3,000 – Successful completion of the LMPD Field Training Program
$5,000 – 2 years of service with successful performance & possession of Basic P.O.S.T. Certification at time of hire
$10,000 – 2 years of service with successful performance & possession of Intermediate or Advanced P.O.S.T. Certification at time of hire
Role Summary The La Mesa Police Department seeks your interest in a unique career opportunity as a Police Dispatcher.
A Police Dispatcher is responsible for all incoming telephone calls to the Police Department, including 9‑1‑1 calls; handling the Police Radio; and documenting all activities in a computer‑aided dispatch program while operating multiple computer systems.
Ideal Candidate
Exceptional multitasking ability
Strong decision‑making ability in a high‑stress environment
Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills
Attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness
A team‑player mentality and perspective; adaptable, dependable, and highly productive
Emotional maturity, patience, and a positive attitude
Shows initiative and professional assertiveness
A heart to serve the public in a highly rewarding, unique career
Thrives in a fast‑paced, intellectually challenging environment
Capable of handling the unexpected in a competent manner
Key Responsibilities
Receive emergency calls from the public requesting police or other emergency service; determine nature, location and priority of calls and dispatch units accordingly; transfer calls to appropriate agency in accordance with established procedures.
Obtain and dispatch other support services including helicopter support, tactical teams, bomb squad, canine, public works, fire department, medical response, highway patrol and border patrol.
Maintain contact with all units on assignment through computer aided dispatch; maintain status and location of police field units; maintain computer records of traffic stops and other officer‑initiated activity.
Operate a variety of public safety communications equipment including a multi‑channel radio, 9‑1‑1 emergency telephone equipment, computer aided dispatch systems, instant recall recorders, and paging and intercom systems. Type minimum of 40 nwpm.
Operate computer terminals and teletype machine to enter, modify, and retrieve data such as stolen and recovered property, towed and stolen vehicles, missing and unidentified persons, citations, field interviews, driver license and vehicle registration information, and warrants on wanted persons; compose and transmit messages to other agencies.
Retrieve information from State and National computer networks regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, restraining orders, criminal histories, parolees and other related information; relay information to officers in the field.
Perform minor routine maintenance on department equipment including dispatch and general office machines; request service and repairs as necessary.
Perform related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications Education / Training
Equivalent to completion of twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in communications, public safety dispatch or a related field.
Experience
At least one year experience in a law enforcement agency as an emergency call taker and radio operator (must be law enforcement dispatching). Experience in operation of a computer aided dispatch system (CAD) is required.
Certificates
A California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatchers’ Basic Course certificate is required. For out‑of‑state applicants, the successful completion of probation as a 9‑1‑1 Call Taker and Radio Dispatcher from a law enforcement agency is required.
Benefits & Conditions The City of La Mesa offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. For additional detailed information regarding salaries and benefits, please review the La Mesa Police Officers Association MOU.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment P.O.S.T. medical evaluation and psychological evaluation. Candidates under consideration for employment must undergo a polygraph examination and successfully pass a thorough background investigation.
Application Process Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire. This recruitment is open until the needs of the City are met and may close at any time.
Candidates who meet minimum qualifications and whose overall qualifications best meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in a CritiCall performance aptitude test. Candidates passing the CritiCall test will be invited to an appraisal interview. Selected candidates will begin the background investigation process.
Note: Candidates under consideration for employment must undergo a polygraph examination and successfully pass a thorough background investigation. Refer to the La Mesa Police Department Background Disqualifying Factors. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment P.O.S.T. medical evaluation and psychological evaluation, including an alcohol/drug screen.
Supplemental Questionnaire – Key Topics
Do you have experience as a law enforcement emergency call taker and radio operator (Experienced Dispatcher)?
Describe your experience as a law enforcement emergency call taker and radio operator. (If no experience, type “N/A”.)
Please indicate which systems, if any, you have experience in operating (e.g., ARJIS, e‑SUN, SDLaw, CLETS, San Diego/Imperial County 800 MHz Regional Communications System).
Do you have experience in operation of a computer aided dispatch system (CAD) (Experienced Dispatcher)?
Do you possess a California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatchers’ Basic Course certificate? If yes, attach a copy of your certificate. If no, please answer question 11.
Do you possess a typing certificate of 40 nwpm that is less than one year old? (Online typing certificates will not be accepted).
Dispatchers work both day and night shifts. Are you available to work any and all shifts, including nights, early mornings, weekends or holidays?
Additional Details
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries: Advertising Services
Additional Information Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at La Mesa by 2x.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Announces an exceptional career opportunity.
Position Police Dispatcher
Compensation & Incentives Future Scheduled Salary Increases
3.0% increase effective July 1, 2026.
Educational Incentive Pay
Based on 5% of Step E of the Police Dispatcher pay range for a BASIC P.O.S.T. Certificate.
Dispatcher Training Pay
Any Police Dispatcher assigned as a “Training Officer” will receive an additional 5% in salary during the training assignment for increments of one hour or more.
Hiring Incentive Bonus for Lateral Candidates
$2,000 – Completion of hiring process
$3,000 – Successful completion of the LMPD Field Training Program
$5,000 – 2 years of service with successful performance & possession of Basic P.O.S.T. Certification at time of hire
$10,000 – 2 years of service with successful performance & possession of Intermediate or Advanced P.O.S.T. Certification at time of hire
Role Summary The La Mesa Police Department seeks your interest in a unique career opportunity as a Police Dispatcher.
A Police Dispatcher is responsible for all incoming telephone calls to the Police Department, including 9‑1‑1 calls; handling the Police Radio; and documenting all activities in a computer‑aided dispatch program while operating multiple computer systems.
Ideal Candidate
Exceptional multitasking ability
Strong decision‑making ability in a high‑stress environment
Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills
Attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness
A team‑player mentality and perspective; adaptable, dependable, and highly productive
Emotional maturity, patience, and a positive attitude
Shows initiative and professional assertiveness
A heart to serve the public in a highly rewarding, unique career
Thrives in a fast‑paced, intellectually challenging environment
Capable of handling the unexpected in a competent manner
Key Responsibilities
Receive emergency calls from the public requesting police or other emergency service; determine nature, location and priority of calls and dispatch units accordingly; transfer calls to appropriate agency in accordance with established procedures.
Obtain and dispatch other support services including helicopter support, tactical teams, bomb squad, canine, public works, fire department, medical response, highway patrol and border patrol.
Maintain contact with all units on assignment through computer aided dispatch; maintain status and location of police field units; maintain computer records of traffic stops and other officer‑initiated activity.
Operate a variety of public safety communications equipment including a multi‑channel radio, 9‑1‑1 emergency telephone equipment, computer aided dispatch systems, instant recall recorders, and paging and intercom systems. Type minimum of 40 nwpm.
Operate computer terminals and teletype machine to enter, modify, and retrieve data such as stolen and recovered property, towed and stolen vehicles, missing and unidentified persons, citations, field interviews, driver license and vehicle registration information, and warrants on wanted persons; compose and transmit messages to other agencies.
Retrieve information from State and National computer networks regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, restraining orders, criminal histories, parolees and other related information; relay information to officers in the field.
Perform minor routine maintenance on department equipment including dispatch and general office machines; request service and repairs as necessary.
Perform related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications Education / Training
Equivalent to completion of twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in communications, public safety dispatch or a related field.
Experience
At least one year experience in a law enforcement agency as an emergency call taker and radio operator (must be law enforcement dispatching). Experience in operation of a computer aided dispatch system (CAD) is required.
Certificates
A California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatchers’ Basic Course certificate is required. For out‑of‑state applicants, the successful completion of probation as a 9‑1‑1 Call Taker and Radio Dispatcher from a law enforcement agency is required.
Benefits & Conditions The City of La Mesa offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. For additional detailed information regarding salaries and benefits, please review the La Mesa Police Officers Association MOU.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment P.O.S.T. medical evaluation and psychological evaluation. Candidates under consideration for employment must undergo a polygraph examination and successfully pass a thorough background investigation.
Application Process Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire. This recruitment is open until the needs of the City are met and may close at any time.
Candidates who meet minimum qualifications and whose overall qualifications best meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in a CritiCall performance aptitude test. Candidates passing the CritiCall test will be invited to an appraisal interview. Selected candidates will begin the background investigation process.
Note: Candidates under consideration for employment must undergo a polygraph examination and successfully pass a thorough background investigation. Refer to the La Mesa Police Department Background Disqualifying Factors. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment P.O.S.T. medical evaluation and psychological evaluation, including an alcohol/drug screen.
Supplemental Questionnaire – Key Topics
Do you have experience as a law enforcement emergency call taker and radio operator (Experienced Dispatcher)?
Describe your experience as a law enforcement emergency call taker and radio operator. (If no experience, type “N/A”.)
Please indicate which systems, if any, you have experience in operating (e.g., ARJIS, e‑SUN, SDLaw, CLETS, San Diego/Imperial County 800 MHz Regional Communications System).
Do you have experience in operation of a computer aided dispatch system (CAD) (Experienced Dispatcher)?
Do you possess a California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatchers’ Basic Course certificate? If yes, attach a copy of your certificate. If no, please answer question 11.
Do you possess a typing certificate of 40 nwpm that is less than one year old? (Online typing certificates will not be accepted).
Dispatchers work both day and night shifts. Are you available to work any and all shifts, including nights, early mornings, weekends or holidays?
Additional Details
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries: Advertising Services
Additional Information Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at La Mesa by 2x.
#J-18808-Ljbffr