Public Safety Dispatcher/Operator

Golden Gate Communications Center - CHP VLOG Ep. 7

Get an inside look at the Golden Gate Communications Center, one of the many communications centers throughout the state for the California Highway Patrol. Here, CHP Public Safety Dispatchers and Operators work to provide an essential public service by being the vital first point of contact when someone dials 911. Learn how Dispatchers route incoming calls and communications to CHP Officers out in the field on patrol. Follow along and learn that it takes to be the voice of the CHP.

Rarely will you ever get a chance to meet the hundreds of people who call for help, yet they'll depend on your voice, your directions, and your knowledge to get through an emergency. No day is ever routine - one call may be a minor traffic accident, while the next is a frantic voice screaming for help. Both will be depending on your calm, firm voice and direction until help can arrive. Using state-of-the-art equipment and training, you'll provide the excellent service and security people have come to expect from the California Highway Patrol

You too can make a difference!

Join the many individuals who make up a vital part of the California Highway Patrol. Become a Public Safety Dispatcher or Operator. Your journey begins at dispatch.chpmadeformore.com

Job Responsibilities

Norma Tatum - Public Safety Dispatcher

Meet Norma Tatum, a Public Safety Dispatcher assigned to the San Luis Obispo area office. She like many other dispatchers throughout the state are an important vital component within the CHP, who provides an essential service to the community everyday. Are you Made for More? Visit chpcareers.com to start your journey with the California Highway Patrol.

Why I Wear The Badge - Chapter 5: Public Safety Dispatcher

When you think of first responders, you probably picture paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), firefighters and police officers. But there’s a first responder behind the scenes who handles things before those folks get involved: the 9-1-1 dispatcher. 911 dispatchers are the first voice one hears when calling to report an emergency. Many dispatchers have experienced the whole gamut, from the unending slew of dropped cellphone calls to hearing domestic or sexual abuse as it occurs. And yet, they return the next day, fueled by their desire to aid the community. “With each new crisis, dispatchers prove to be an indispensable link between our officers, the public, and vital support services,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “Without their commitment, devotion, and hard work, countless numbers of lives and property would be in jeopardy. The work of these highly trained women and men is so much more than just a job.”

​Salary

State salaries are based on a monthly compensated pay scale. New employees are appointed at the minimum salary rate and progress through the salary range to maximum with satisfactory job performance. Specialty pays include overtime, shift differential, and bilingual pay as assigned. Designated communications centers also receive retention and recruitment differential pay.

​​​​​​Incentives

  • $200 monthly Bilingual Pay for those who are certified.

  • Shift Differential for evenings / nights

  • Overtime with holiday pay

  • $300 monthly Retention Pay for Communication Centers in Barstow, Chico, State Capitol, Fresno, Humboldt, Indio, Monterey, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Ukiah.

  • $750 monthly Retention Pay for Communication Centers in Border Division (San Diego), Golden Gate Division (Vallejo), Los Angeles, and Orange County (Irvine)

​​​Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision package for employee and dependents.

  • A great state retirement system (CalPERS) with additional options of 401K / 457 thrift plans.

For more information contact CalPERS at www.calpers.ca.gov.

​​For additional information and applications, contact the CHP at:

To speak with the CHP Recruitment Unit please call (916) 843-3275

You can also email us at CCSS-Recruiting@chp.ca.gov

Click here to see the current examination schedule for Public Safety Dispatcher/Operator openings and download the STD 678 Examination/ Employment Application Form (PDF).

For upcoming exams:

Speak with a recruiter at 1-888-422-4756 or visit the State Personnel Board website here.