Dispatch
We're Hiring
Are you looking for a rewarding career in police telecommunications?
The West Palm Beach Police Department is hiring telecommunicators who want to make a difference in our thriving community. We’re looking for dedicated individuals to join our team as Police Telecommunicators answering 911 emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatching
(PDF, 558KB) officers to calls for service. Starting pay: $26.22 per hour.
Applications being accepted April 7-18, 2025.
Learn more here!(PDF, 558KB)
Introduction
Our Dispatch center is available to the community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Employees perform a range of job functions to provide our citizens with outstanding and professional customer service. Our State accredited Dispatch Center mirrors the high standards of the City and the Police Department.
We take PRIDE in our performance and strive to answer and process all calls, both 9-1-1 and non-emergency, in a timely manner. Our 9-1-1 Public Education programs allow the community a better understanding of our operation through community events as well as an elementary and high school program.
Dispatchers are "Heroes in Headsets". They are first of the first responders. Dispatchers are good at handling challenging situations while being emphatic but objective; they have integrity and character and value their service to the community.
P = Professionalism
R = Respect
I = Integrity
D = Dedication
E = Excellence
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I call 9-1-1 vs the non-emergency number?
9-1-1 are for emergencies and in-progress incidents. The non-emergency number is for incidents that are delayed or not a priority.
The non-emergency number to our Dispatch Center is 561-822-1900.
What should I do if I accidentally dial 9-1-1?
Don't hang up; stay on the line and let the operator know it was an error. They will ask for your name to close out the call.
Can I text 9-1-1?
Yes. Text to 9-1-1 should be used when you are in a situation where you cannot speak but can safely text ("911- Call if you can, Text if you can't" is the slogan)
Why do the call takers ask so many questions?
To gather necessary information for the responding officer(s). Answers to the questions, provide the officers with description of persons or vehicles, direction of travel, etc.
Is my call being delayed when the call taker is asking me questions?
No. Questions do not cause delays. The dispatcher who answers the call is not the same one who is dispatching it.
Why don't you know where I am, why do I have to tell you?
Although advanced technology such as RapidSOS has the capability of providing us with accurate location, we ask you for confirmation. You are the best source of telling us where you are located, if you can.
Why do I have to be transferred to another agency sometimes?
Although we answer 9-1-1 for paramedics, we do not dispatch them; we must transfer you to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR).
If you are not in the City of WPB jurisdiction, we must transfer you so you can reach the correct agency.
Calls for I-95 or the Florida Turnpike are handled by Florida Highway Patrol. We must transfer those calls to their 9-1-1 call center.
If I don't want to have an officer come out, can I make a report another way?
Yes. Alternative Reporting allows you to make a report either online or by phone. In some instances, a CAD report is also possible.
The number to online reporting is 833-286-8296.
Celebrating National Telecommunicators Week
West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James and the City Commission honored telecommunicators for their dedicated service proclaiming National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, April 13-19, 2025. Joining Mayor James, center holding proclamation, are, from left, Deputy Chief Tony Shearer; Chief Tony Araujo; Shift Supervisor Tiffany Wilson, Assistant Manager Candace Pittman; Shift Supervisor Jack Wooten; Mayor James; Telecommunicator Manager Suzette Dodd; Telecommunicator Schadita Miller; Crime Analyst John Nguyen; Major Emily Wiggs; Major Andrew Clarke.
Looking for a Career as a Telecommunicator (Dispatcher)?
Visit the City's employment opportunity page.
What do I need to qualify?
- High School Diploma or GED
- 1 year customer service experience in a call center, dispatching or 2-way radio experience
How long does the hiring process take?
Up to 4 months
Is it shift work?
Yes, weekends and holidays included.
How long is training?
Up to 6 months with no experience. Can be less if you have some experience.
Is it paid training?
Yes
Is there room for growth?
Yes. There is a career progression plan in place.
- Telecommunicator I > II > III (Certified Training Officer)
- Telecommunications Shift Supervisor I > Telecommunications Shift Supervisor II > Assistant Manager > Manager
Interested in Volunteer Opportunities in the Dispatch Center or in the West Palm Beach Police Department?
9-1-1 Public Education Programs
For Citizens:
Residents and business owners within the city limits of West Palm Beach who are interested in learning and understanding the functions of the Dispatch Center and how calls for service are received and processed can attend an Open House presentation at the Police Department twice per year.
Elementary School Program:
For students (Pre-K through 5th) within the city limits of West Palm Beach who wish to participate in a program to educate students on the proper use of 9-1-1.
High School Program:
11th & 12th grade students are given the opportunity to voluntarily observe and receive training on the operations of the Dispatch Center. This opportunity can satisfy the requirements for community hours for graduation in addition to preparing them for a career as a Telecommunicator. High School students interested in volunteer opportunities in the Communications Center can call (561) 822-1900 and ask for the Training Supervisor.
Customer Satisfaction Survey