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IRVINE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Public Safety Dispatcher

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER

Dispatchers are the vital link between the public and emergency services.

As a Public Safety Dispatcher with the Irvine Police Department, you’ll play a critical role in keeping our community safe—answering 911 calls, coordinating emergency responses, and supporting officers in the field.

If you thrive under pressure, communicate clearly, and want to make a real impact behind the scenes, this could be the career for you.

SALARY

  • Public Safety Dispatcher I/II $62,649.60-$113,588.80
  • Public Safety Supervisor I/II $87,068.80-144,414.40
    (Contract effective July 1, 2025)

BENEFITS

  • Court standby time
  • Comp Time-240 hours max
  • Annual Personal Leave 120 hours
  • Benefits-Medical, Vision, Dental
  • Parenthood Leave-160 hours annually
  • CalPERS Classic 2.5% at 55
  • PEPRA 2% at 62

SPECIALTY PAY

  • Tactical Dispatch- 1.5%
  • Drone Operator-1.5%
  • MAIT Team-1.5%
  • Communications Training Officer pay additional 6%

INCENTIVE PAY

  • Bilingual Pay
  • 13-hour-shifts with no buyback required
  • Longevity Pay: 3% at 10 years, 6.09% at 15 years, 10.33% at 20 years of dispatch experience
  • Shift Differential
APPLY ONLINE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER

Salary

  • Public Safety Dispatcher I/II $62,649.60-$113,588.80
  • Public Safety Supervisor I/II $87,068.80-144,414.40
    (Contract effective July 1, 2025)

Specialty Pay

  • Tactical Dispatch- 1.5%
  • Drone Operator-1.5%
  • MAIT Team-1.5%
  • Communications Training Officer pay additional 6%

Incentive Pay

  • Bilingual Pay
  • 13-hour-shifts with no buyback required
  • Longevity Pay: 3% at 10 years, 6.09% at 15 years, 10.33% at 20 years of dispatch experience
  • Shift Differential

Benefits

  • Court standby time
  • Comp Time-240 hours max
  • Annual Personal Leave 120 hours
  • Benefits-Medical, Vision, Dental
  • Parenthood Leave-160 hours annually
  • CalPERS Classic 2.5% at 55
  • PEPRA 2% at 62

CAN YOU PASS THE TEST?

The Irvine Police Department uses CritiCall Dispatcher pre-employment testing software.

This software program is designed to test dispatcher and call-taker job applicants in job-related skills such as data entry, multi-tasking, decision making, position location, and more.

Take a Sample Test

The Hiring Process

Not just anyone can join our team. We have to have the best candidates for consideration to be a member of our team. To facilitate this, applicants must complete a series of examinations (not all exams are required for some positions).

Submit Application

This is the first step in forging your law enforcement career with the Irvine Police Department.

Written Exam

The written exam is designed to evaluate your skills of comprehension, retention, and interpretation.

Criticall Testing

Criticall is designed to test dispatcher and call-taker job applicants in job-related skills such as data entry, multi-tasking, decision making, position location, and more.

Oral Interview

We will be taking a closer look at who you are and what you are about. You should do the same for us!

Secondary Interview

During this meeting, you will discuss and review the Pre-Poly Questionnaire you completed previously.

Live Scan

Upon passing the Pre-Poly interview, front desk personnel will perform a free live scan by collecting your fingerprints.

Polygraph

Honesty is one of the most valued qualities in the law enforcement profession.

Background

This will be conducted along with a Personal History Statement (PHS) mandated by California POST.

Chief Interview and Conditional Job Offer

The Chief reviews every background file and interviews every employee of the Irvine Police Department.

Medical

Staff will perform a comprehensive exam to evaluate your fitness and health to perform the job.

Psychological Test

One of the last components of the hiring process is the completion of a psychological, or “pysch” exam. This is handled in two parts.

TOP 5 DISPATCHER FAQ'S

High school diploma or equivalent, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Successful completion of City of Irvine/POST certified dispatch training program is required after hire. 
The communications bureau works a 3/13 shift (three consecutive days, thirteen hours long; no buyback required). During training, hours and days may vary. Upon completion of training, you will choose a shift based off seniority.
The timeline can vary based on the employee’s ability to manage and demonstrate proficiencies of the job duties. Most trainees complete the program in nine months.
Typing Certificate: Net speed of 40 wpm (must be attached to your application).
Sit-alongs are included in the hiring process after successfully completing the secondary interview.
No. You do not need to be a resident of the City of Irvine, but you do need to be a resident of the State of California.
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