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Become A Dispatcher

A Communications Officer, also known as a dispatcher, is a vital link between the troopers on the road and the citizens of Washington State. A Communications Officer’s mission and responsibilities include: 

Receive, relay, and dispatch emergency calls for service.

Dispatch services provided to line Troopers and other state agencies.

Provide assistance to the public via telephone or in person.

Answer emergency 911 calls.

Utilize computer-aided dispatch (CAD).

Work with other law enforcement agencies and communications centers.

Benefits

Communications Officer 1
$4,783 – 6,430 per month
$57,396 – 77,160 a year

We offer paid training, additional 5% geography pay for King County employees (Bellevue location), and shift differential.

Health Insurance
WSP offers more health care
options than almost any other
employer in the state.

Retirement Plan
We offer a variety of retirement
plans, so you can pick the one
that best fits your needs.


Loan Forgiveness

WSP Employees may also be qualified for the U.S. Department of Education’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for student loans.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent

At least 18 years of age

Work weekends, holidays, overtime, and rotating shifts

Must pass a typing test (40 WPM)

No felonies or DUIs

Moral character

Good communications skills

Creative problem solving skills

Must pass a hearing test

Passion for helping others

Pass background investigation

Pass polygraph

Pass a computerized skills test

Process

Apply

When a Communications Officer position is open, it will be listed on the state jobs website. All requirements and details for applying will be included in the announcement.

Testing and Beyond

A candidate must successfully complete each level of the testing sequence below before moving to the next. Additional tests will also be cited on each job announcement.

The first step is a skills and abilities examination designed to evaluate an applicant’s potential to be successful as a communications officer.

The second step is an oral interview that requires the applicant to formulate responses to questions concerning general knowledge, experience and abilities.

The third step is the pre-employment polygraph examination and background investigation.

Must attend 5 week Communications Academy (located in Shelton, WA). The training is broken up into two two-week sessions and one final one week session with time spent with on the job training in between.

Contact Us

To talk to a recruiter at headquarters, email CommunicationsRecruiting@wsp.wa.gov

Training Program

A communications officer is primarily trained on the job with a lead worker in the local communications center. Training includes:

• Orientation training
• Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)
• Call processing
• Radio procedures
• Area familiarization and ride-alongs
• ACCESS certification
• Additional training is conducted at the Washington State Patrol Academy in Shelton.

There are seven WSP communications centers located at each district headquarters, which have available positions for communications officers who are eligible to transfer after one year of service.

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