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Police Dispatcher Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the disqualifying factors for Public Safety Applicants? 

  • Three (3) or more moving violations within three (3) years prior to the date of application
  • Involvement as a driver in two or more chargeable (at fault) collisions within three (3) years to date of application
  • Integrity: Any material misstatement of fact during any stage of the hiring process
  • Any prior felony conviction
  • Any misdemeanor conviction within three (3) years prior to the date of application
  • Two (2) or more misdemeanor convictions as an adult
  • Use of a hallucinogenic drug within 7 years of application
  • Use of any other illegal drug use as an adult not mentioned above within 3 years of application
  • Having any outstanding warrant of arrest at time of application
  • Admission(s) of any act of domestic violence
  • Admission(s) of any criminal act against children

Note: The hiring and background requirements are quite stringent. This is not an all-inclusive list of disqualifying factors.  

2. Are Police Dispatcher candidates eligible for a hiring bonus? Yes. Newly hired Police Dispatchers are awarded a $15,000 hiring incentive, with $5,000 disbursed within the first 30 days of employment and $10,000 upon successful completion of training.

3. What are the minimum qualifications for a Police Dispatcher?

  • Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent.
  • One (1) year (full-time equivalent) verifiable experience in a position requiring extensive public contact, communication skills and effective interpersonal relationships. Previous experience with computer terminals and safety dispatching is desirable.

4. What is the hiring selection process?

  • Step 1: POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery written exam: This is a standardized exam used to evaluate whether a candidate has the foundation skills to become a public safety dispatcher operator. It measures Verbal ability, Reasoning and Decision-Making, Memory Recall, Data Entry and Listening Comprehension.
  • Step 2: Typing Certificate: Dispatch candidates must type a minimum of 40 net words per minute over a 5-minute test, with no more than 10 errors.
  • Step 3: Oral Board Interview: Panel interview evaluating core competencies needed for public safety dispatchers.
  • Step 4: Background Investigation: Thorough review of a Personal History Statement. Also, includes polygraph, and full background check.
  • Step 5: Chief’s Interview: Formal interview with Chief of Police or designee.
  • Step 6: Conditional Job Offer: Pending job offer contingent upon successful psychological screening and POST medical exam.
  • Step 7: Final Job Offer: Official confirmation of your hire, including job title, salary, and start date.

5. How do I prepare for the selection process? 

  • Visit JOINBARTPD.COM and https://www.bart.gov/about/police to learn more about the BART Police Department.
  • Visit the POST website at https://post.ca.gov/applicant for information about the Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection process.
  • Do an on-line search for POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery
  • Take advantage of preparation courses for pre-employment testing and training at (https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/).

6. How to Request a Sit-Along? 

This is an opportunity to sit beside a working dispatcher in the communications center and quietly observe how they handle emergency calls and radio communications. You will listen, watch and get a real feel for the job.

  • You must have successfully passed the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery or meet exam waiver criteria.
  • You must have an interview scheduled.
  • To arrange a sit-along, call: 510-464-7681 or email ridealong@bart.gov 

7. What is the passing score for the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery?

You must receive a T-Score of 48 or higher.

8. What is an exam waiver?

If you meet the following criteria, you may be waived from the exam process administered by BART Police and eligible for an oral board interview:

  • Have a valid POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery T-Score of 48 or higher dated within the last 12 months AND a valid typing certificate
  • Have a valid POST Dispatcher Academy Certificate and/or POST Dispatcher Certificate AND a valid typing certificate, OR
  • You are currently or were employed as a Dispatcher for a POST Agency. (Note a typing test or certificate may be required)

Submit your exam waiver documents to BPDEmployment@bart.gov.

9. What are the requirements for the Typing Certificate submission?

  • 5- minute timed test
  • Must be able to type at a speed of 40 net words per minute
  • Certificate must include gross and net words per minute with no more than 10 errors
  • Typing certificates must be within the last six (6) months by a recognized college, career center, public school, or temporary employment agency.

10. How soon will I be invited to testing after I apply? The POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery written exam is administered approximately every other month or less frequently based on departmental needs.

11. How do I prepare for the Oral Board Interview? 

  • Research the BART Police Department on-line at JOINBARTPD.COM
  • Research the BART Police Department https://www.bart.gov/about/police
  • Take a course at South Bay Regional Academy - https://theacademy.ca.gov/prep_course/
  • Research sample interview questions for police dispatchers on-line and YouTube.
  • Attend BART Police Recruitment Open House and speak directly with BART Police Dispatchers 

12. If I am unsuccessful in the interview process, how soon may I submit another application? Applicants may reapply once the position is reopened for recruitment. This position is generally reposted every 60–90 days, depending on departmental needs.

13. How long does the hiring process take? The process takes approximately 4-6 months.

14. What should I know about the Police Dispatcher Academy? The Police Academy is 4 weeks long. Monday -Friday from 0800-1700. It covers a variety of topics related to police work / dispatching. There is a lot of group work, practical and presentations. Some topics covered:

  • What could happen?
  • Elder / Child abuse
  • Human trafficking
  • Critical incidents
  • Gangs
  • Police resources (K9 / DA / specialized departments)

15. What is the salary for a Police Dispatcher? The following is the salary range as of July 1, 2025:

$40.50/ Hourly (Step 1) - $49.30/ Hourly (Step 6)

Note: External candidates will start at Step 1.

16. Will I be able to select my work location and shifts? Once your probationary period is complete, you will be able to select your shift/location based on your seniority. Shift bids are in March and September as per the contract.

17. How long is the probationary period? One year after training has been completed.

18. What are the days off? Shifts are as assigned. Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

19. How does the BART Police Department support career development and continuing education?  

  • Tuition Reimbursement: BART reimburses eligible employees for tuition costs associated with approved courses from accredited institutions, or workshops and conferences.
  • Covered Expenses: Typically includes tuition, books, and required fees (not including supplies or travel).
  • Annual Limits: The reimbursement cap is up to $4,000 per fiscal year, depending on the employee’s education level.
  • Job-Related or Degree-Oriented: Courses must be job-related or part of a degree program that supports the employee’s role or future opportunities at BART.