Definition
Serves as a public safety law enforcement call receiver and dispatcher for the Washington State Patrol. Positions transmit, receive, and relay information concerning public safety and law enforcement activities to, from, and between State Patrol mobile units and stations, other state, county, and federal law enforcement agencies, and the public by means of radio, multi-line telephone systems, computer terminals, private line intercom systems, and other telecommunications devices.
Typical Work
Receives communications from the public by telephone; records, evaluates, and disseminates reports of accidents, altercations, shootings, domestic violence incidents, possible DUIs, traffic hazards, erratically driven vehicles, disabled vehicles, in-progress crimes, complaints, stolen vehicles, wanted persons, attempts to locate, and initiates appropriate action; makes appropriate computer entry as required; maintains appropriate files and records as required;
Dispatches ambulances, tow trucks, fire department, aid cars, and other aid as requested; maintains appropriate records;
Utilizes a computer terminal to obtain information pertaining to driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, wanted vehicles, wanted persons, articles, and impounded vehicles utilizing an out-of-state teletype system when appropriate;
Maintains current status of all mobile units;
Receives information and complaints and initiates proper corrective action; provides information to the public concerning road and weather conditions, directions, driver's license/registration information, motor code laws, and Game/Fish regulations and other information as requested;
Operates a multi-frequency radio console, multi-line telephone system, Computer Aided Dispatch system, teletype, private line intercom system, and other data recording equipment;
Answers inquiries received from the public related to law enforcement and emergency response agencies, e.g., road reports and accident information;
Maintains records, i.e., files for stolen vehicles, wanted person(s), messages, and impounding;
Receives and transfers telephone calls within the office and takes and relays messages when appropriate;
May assist in providing on-the-job training to the new communications officers/operators;
Reviews manual, publications, and bulletin board for information; coordinates current events with personnel arriving on shift;
Performs other work as required.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Desirable Qualifications
Ability to hear at an occupational level in both ears
Must pass a CritiCall Skills Assessment
Note: Minimum typing skill level is 40 words per minutes
Equivalent education/experience.
Class Specification History
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/30/2017, effective 7/1/2017; 38SP to 42SP.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/13/2019, effective 7/1/2019.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.
Revised definition, typical work, and desirable qualifications; base range increase from 49SP to 51SP: adopted June 23, 2025; effective July 1, 2025.
