Job Summary

Under the administration of the Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police, the Cal Poly Police Department (CPPD) is responsible for the safety, health, and well-being of the university community. CPPD consists of two divisions: an Operations Division and a Support Division.

Department Summary

The Communications and Records section, which is within the Support Division, dispatches university police and other public safety personnel, and operates as the primary campus public safety answering point, using an enhanced 9-1-1 telephone system. Under direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Police, the Police Dispatcher performs initial caller interrogation to determine the appropriate level of service needed in emergency situations and allocates appropriate personnel and resources to incidents. Fire and emergency medical response are initiated by the Police Dispatcher and are transferred to allied agencies. The Police Dispatcher offers pre-arrival patient-care instructions and performs other duties of emergency medical dispatch, using guidelines established by the appropriate Emergency Medical Services Agency. The Communications and Records section is also the central records repository for the University Police Department and the law enforcement-related portion of the Transportation & Parking Services section.

Key Qualifications

• Determine appropriate personnel and resources to dispatch to incidents.
•  Summarize information for broadcasting using clear, concise and appropriate language in an organized, complete and accurate manner.
• Communicate effectively with field units, verbally and in written form (e.g., broadcasting, receiving, and exchanging information).
• Obtain complete, accurate and appropriate information from calling party.

Education and Experience

• • High school diploma or equivalent. 
  • Must be able to type 40 wpm.
  • Selected candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment background and fingerprinting check as well as a general medical examination, drug test, and hearing test.
  • One year of verifiable experience using a switchboard and two-way radio communication system in a law enforcement or comparable agency within the last ten years.
  • Must have completed or be able to attend and successfully complete the P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Course.  Incumbents who, upon hire, do not possess a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate also will be required to pass a written test related to essential dispatching skills. 
  • Must have successfully completed or be able to complete within one year of hire the P.O.S.T. Records Clerk Course.
  • Must successfully pass supplemental P.O.S.T. requirements for dispatchers such as a polygraph exam, a background check, physical and psychological examinations, drug testing and related requirements.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $64,896 annually

Classification Range: $44,160 - $79,308 annually

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Diversity Statement

At Cal Poly, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.

Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. Cal Poly is an equal opportunity employer. 

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.