Job Information

SANTA ANA POLICE DEPARTMENT
60 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA
SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92701
714-245-8670
http://www.santa-ana.org/pd/

Bookmark: http://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/fullJobDetails.cfm?agencyjobid=1042&jobid=6&agentid=656

Updated: April 09, 2026

Job Classification: Police Services Dispatcher

The Santa Ana Police Department is currently building an eligibility list for Police Services Dispatcher positions. To be considered for this position, all candidates are required to submit a department application, located here, as well as complete the ECOMM National exam through National Testing Network.

Salary Information: $6,875.00 - $8,356.00 Monthly

Benefits Information: Visit: https://www.santa-ana.org/documents/summary-of-benefits/

Department Overview:

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to the community.

The position is assigned to the Communications Unit, which is a 24-hour, seven-days-per-week operation.

Under general supervision on an assigned shift, receives emergency and other calls for service and dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment utilizing computer aided dispatch, telephone and/or radio communications equipment.

Applications are currently being accepted on a continuous basis, however this recruitment can close at any given time and without notice. You are encouraged to apply immediately.

Area Information: Santa Ana, Orange County

Population: 310,000

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

One year of clerical or other work experience involving public contact. Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent may be used in combination with experience to provide the knowledge and abilities listed below.

Ability to learn: principles, practices, and procedures involved in public safety communications work; operation of radio/telephone receiving and transmitting equipment; some of the geography of the City and the location of streets and important buildings.

Ability to: type 35 words per minute; differentiate basic colors; speak clearly in a well modulated voice using good diction; work under stress and exercise good judgment in emergency situations; adjust quickly to changing situations; keep records and prepare reports; hear accurately; effectively read and interpret maps; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL PERFORMERS:
Appropriate individuals prefer a fast paced, highly demanding work environment. They must be logical, level headed, and able to react appropriately and quickly in crisis and in routine situations. As the key link between the Police Department and citizens, dispatchers must be polite, patient and tactful with a focus on community oriented service in support of the Chief’s Community Oriented Policing Philosophy.

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To:

Receives 911 emergency calls and major emergency disaster calls from the public for police or other emergency services
Evaluates information to determine the location of the emergency and the appropriate personnel and equipment needed
Dispatches emergency units on the computer-aided dispatch
Maintains contact with all units on assignment to determine status and location
Provides assistance and explains response procedures
May coordinate with state, county, and other local agencies to provide information and coordinate call responses
Answers non-emergency calls for assistance, screens calls and routes calls to appropriate person or office
Inputs data into calls for service for police response
Coordinates with local, state and federal agencies for related information; perform entries into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System
Tests communications equipment and reports malfunctions
Performs other functions as assigned

Selection Process:

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online, as well as complete the supplemental questionnaire. Please note that resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.

NOTE: THE APPLICATION FORM MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. WORK HISTORY MUST GO BACK AT LEAST 10 YEARS (IF APPLICABLE). PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE 'REASON FOR LEAVING' FIELDS, AND 'DATES OF EMPLOYMENT (YEAR)' FIELDS. ANY APPLICATION WITH ONE OR MORE UNANSWERED FIELDS WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE.

Applications and answers to the supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly reviewed by the City staff. Those candidates who possess the most pertinent education, training, experience, and qualifications, will be invited to participate in the selection process, which will include the following (components 2 through 4 may be administered in different order):

1. Audio Typing Test (Performance Exam) (Qualifying): candidates are required to demonstrate a minimum net typing speed ability of at least 35 words per minute. This exam will be available to take online via the testing platform eSkill

2. ECOMM National Examination (Weighted 50%): includes multiple-choice video simulations and computer administered tests in which candidates must listen, multitask, analyze dynamic information, illustrate good judgment in controlling callers, determine the accurate response to callers, and perform accurate data entry. The examination is administered by the National Testing Network (www.nationaltestingnetwork.com). DO NOT TAKE THE FRONTLINE EXAM UNTIL YOU RECEIVE E-MAIL COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF STATING YOU MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS. (This component will be waived for qualifying lateral applicants)

3. Dispatcher & Background Orientation (Qualifying): hosted by Police Communications staff and covers important topics such as interview preparation, interacting with police personnel and the hiring process. Candidates will also meet with a background investigator and asked to prepare a personal statement and complete a background packet.

4. Sit-Along (Qualifying): allows applicants to shadow a Police Services Dispatcher to experience the day-to-day of the position.

5. Oral Interview Examination: (Weighted 50%) candidates will meet with Police Communications staff, who will evaluate each their training, experience, education, and personal qualifications for the position.

NOTE: Candidates must pass every component listed above in order to be placed on the eligible list. Following the completion of the aforementioned civil service recruitment process, the Police Department will receive the names of candidates eligible for hiring consideration and will contact candidates directly to schedule departmental selection interviews with the Police Communications Manager or designee.

Candidates who pass the departmental selection interview will be referred to the background unit for a thorough police background investigation. Contents of the background file and results of the background investigation may also be reviewed by the Police Chief prior to selection. The review of suitability for employment will include an examination by a licensed psychologist, a polygraph examination, and a medical examination.

Bilingual Oral Fluency Examination (If applicable): will evaluate ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish. This component may be administered prior to hire date. Bilingual fluency pay is an additional $300 per month, which is not included in the salary listed at the top of this bulletin.

The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.

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