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.
Roadway To Your Future
Have questions or need assistance? Chat with a Recruiter or contact our Talent Acquisition Specialists by phone or at jobs@wsp.wa.gov.
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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.
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.