Police Dispatcher Training

Training takes place in the Communications Division, which is located within the San Diego Police Department Headquarters, 1401 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101.

SDPD Police 9-1-1 Dispatcher (Phone)

The Communications Division's Police 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatchers (phone) receive the following training:

• 160 hours - Basic Dispatcher Class
• 400 hours - Hands-on Training
• 120 hours - Dispatch Academy
•  = 680 total training hours

Phone trainees, upon completion of formal training, will be administratively assigned to a shift for approximately two to three shift changes. After completing the assigned shifts the employee participates in a seniority-based selection process for shifts and days off.

SDPD Police Dispatcher (Radio)

The Communications Division's Police Dispatchers (radio) receive the following training:

• 680 hours - Phone Dispatcher Training
• 800 hours - Radio Dispatcher Training
•  = 1,480 total training hours

Radio trainees, upon completion of formal training, will be administratively assigned to a shift rotation until they complete one year as a police dispatcher, and are then eligible to participate in the point/bump system for shift and day off selection.

The Communications Division operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The shift schedules vary and can change depending upon the season. Communications full-time staff work four ten-hour shifts with three consecutive days off each week.