Police Dispatcher starting pay is $30.26/hour ($62,941 annually).

The City of Tempe offers a comprehensive benefits package.  Please visit the City of Tempe Employee Benefits webpage for a complete list. 

In addition to the comprehensive benefits package, the city also offers:

• Overtime Pay

• Shift Differential Pay

• Bilingual Pay (must complete competency exam)

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent; one (1) year of experience in public contact and clerical work.

Applicants must have the minimum amount of work experience. Education will not substitute for the required work experience; however, related unpaid and/or volunteer work experience may be used as qualifying work experience.

You should also review the Professional Staff Employee, Volunteer, and Intern minimum qualifications:

• Professional Employee & Volunteer Minimum Qualifications (.pdf)

There are no preferred degree programs or job history. Diverse education, military and work backgrounds are welcomed.  You must maintain high moral character, ethics, honesty, and integrity throughout your career.

To prepare yourself for the testing process, work on your typing skills with an emphasis on speed and accuracy.  Successful candidates can type at least 40 net WPM.

Applicants that meet minimum qualifications are invited to test. The hiring process takes approximately 20 weeks to complete. 

Candidates who are no longer on the eligibility list but are eligible to reapply, must complete all phases of the testing process, even if you have participated in the past.

The Communications Bureau does not have a ride-along program for the general public; however, candidates who move forward in the hiring process have the opportunity to participate in a ride-along.

Applicants who are invited to move forward after the initial application must submit their complete background packet to the hiring coordinator.  This includes the required documents:

• A completed and notarized the TPD Professional Employee PH application;
• Copies of a high school diploma, transcripts, or GED equivalent;
• A birth certificate, naturalization documentation or US passport;
• And a valid state or federal government-issued driver license or identification.

If you are unable to obtain copies of your high school diploma, transcripts or GED equivalent or your birth certificate, please contact a member of the Communications Hiring & Training Team at 911jobs@tempe.gov for further information.

Yes, the test is administered remotely so candidates can participate with no limitations on geography in the United States. The Communications Bureau will make every effort to limit travel for out-of-state applicants who progress further in the process.

Applicants that are invited to the CritiCall Assessment are notified at each phase if they are selected to move forward in the process or not. Applicants are notified via email so please be sure to check your spam folder.

Dispatcher training consists of three phases: Call-Taking, Information Channel, and Dispatching.  Completion of training in all three phases takes approximately 12 months.  Please visit our About 9-1-1 Testing webpage for more information.