Do You Want a Rewarding Career as a First Responder?
Consider applying to be a dispatcher with the Santa Maria Police Department. This position requires customer service-oriented people who have the ability to multi-task often under potentially demanding situations.
Dispatchers. The First Responders of First Responders.
What Do Police Dispatchers Do?
Answer 911 telephone and text calls
Communicate with officers via radio
Coordinate multi-agency responses
Provide life-saving instructions to callers
Complete criminal checks of subjects
Offer resources to the public
It is More Than Answering 911
As a Santa Maria Police Dispatcher, you will be part of the team who not only provides emergency services to the residents, business owners, and visitors of Santa Maria, but provides the highest level of community service.
Being The Lifeline
There is more to it when you speak the words, “911, what’s your emergency.” From the moment you answer someone’s call for help, the balance of life and death may be in your hands. From taking a call from someone whose family member has stopped breathing to assuring a frightened child home alone that police officers are on their way.
Seldom seen, but often heard, a dispatcher is always ready.
You’re a Member of The Team
Some people may believe dispatchers are just confined to a room with a myriad of computer screens, radios, and phones in front of them. The reality is they are an essential part of our team who serve our community in several ways. For example, their participation in the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit The Special Olympics, National Night Out, and many other community events held throughout the year.
Agencies Served
Calls Handled in 2021
Dispatchers On Duty
Salary and Benefits
The Santa Maria Police Department offers a generous employment package consisting of great salary and benefits.
Dispatcher
$5,163.12 – $6,275.82
Dispatcher Lateral
$5,989.21 – $7,279.91
Senior Dispatcher
$6,606.08 – $8,029.73
7.5% Education Incentive
We value education and will pay you extra for your degree.
230 Hours Annual Cash Out
Turn in your accumulated leave banks for pay.
2% - 5% Spanish Bilingual Pay
Your language skills can save lives and solve crimes.
15% Longevity Pay
You’ll receive extra pay for working nights
The Application Process
There are many steps to becoming a dispatcher with the Santa Maria Police Department. Though it might seem like a long road, it will be worth it in the end.
Apply
The first step in applying for our department is to make sure you meet the requirements for the position you are seeking. Those requirements can be found on the Available Positions page of our website.
Criticall Test
After the application process, entry-level dispatcher applicants are required to take the Criticall Test to be considered for an oral interview. This is a multitasking test designed to assess a variety of skill sets related to emergency dispatching. Click here to take a practice testInterview & Personal History Statement
After the Criticall test, you may be invited to an interview. Be well-rested, look sharp, and be at the top of your game. We want to see who you are and hear what you have to say. We will ask you a variety of questions about your personal history, what your goals are, and some hypothetical questions as well. If you are still in the running, you will complete a lengthy personal history statement which covers your education, credit, relationships, employment and business dealings.
Background & Polygraph Exam
A background investigator will review all information you have provided in your personal history statement and complete criminal and credit checks to validate the information you provided. The investigator will meet and speak with family members, neighbors, previous employers, and friends to learn more about you. We will send you to a polygraph examiner to review your completed personal history statement.
Psychological & Medical Evaluation
You will complete a written psychological examination test, as well as an in-depth personal meeting with a psychologist, who will determine your psychological ability to perform the duties of a police officer and ensure we have healthy women and men working for the department and serving the community of Santa Maria. You will also complete a thorough examination with a medical doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most frequently asked questions about the position of dispatcher can be found below.
Who is considered a "lateral dispatcher?"
An applicant is considered a “lateral” if he/she possesses their Public Safety Dispatcher POST Certificate.
What characteristics are you looking for?
How long is the training?
Once hired, the comprehensive training for a new (entry level) dispatcher can take as long as 12 months but is usually completed at the 8-9 month range. Dispatchers begin with learning the call-taking aspect of their job and gradually work up to operating busier radio channels for extended periods of time.
What other benefits to dispatchers receive?
On top of a generous amount of paid vacation time and a great CalPERS retirement, some additional benefits that our dispatch team members enjoy are educational incentive pay, a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, shift deferential pay, and many other benefits.
What is a senior dispatcher?
Serving With Pride Everyday
With a dedication to the safety and security of the residents, business owners, and visitors of Santa Maria, each member of the department performs their duties with selflessness and a genuine commitment to the community.
“During the oral interview, you might be asked what you know about the department.
Memorizing the names and assignments of key leaders within the organization demonstrates your memorization skills, your determination to become a member of the department, and your research skills.”
MORE GREAT TIPS…
- The Physical Agility
- The Written Exam
- The Oral Interview
- The Background