Dispatcher Exam and Hiring

[cal911gal]

Greetings!

Normally, dispatcher testing is only done once a year, however we are doing a spot test for the following areas: Merced, Fresno, LA, and Ventura. There are numerous vacancies in each of these centers.

The job announcement can be found here: http://www.chp.ca.gov/recruiting//images/psd2_0506.pdf

If you, or someone you know, is interested in applying, please do so. We are desperately understaffed, statewide, and are needing qualified and interested applicants to recruit.

Please folks, get the word out to anyone you think might even be remotely interested. It's a great job, with good benefits - and we are really working hard at getting a better salary and benefit package....

Final filing date is June 15. Applications can be printed from the internet, you can call the number on the page at: http://www.chp.ca.gov/recruiting// OR you can pick one up at ANY CHP office.

Help us get qualified folks in the Comm Centers!!!

[retchp]

cal911gal,
Maybe you can elaborate on this. I found that being a dispatcher (or at least a good one) required a set of skills not generally found in just anyone. By that I mean the ability to multi task. That seems to me to be the difference between an also ran operator and a great one. The better at multi tasking the better and more professional the operator seems to me, at least from my perspective as a road officer.
I would never have been a good dispatcher because my thinking is linear and I am better at going in a straight line as I solve work problems. Too much side bar stuff makes me stress out.
I think if I were recruiting for com center personnel I would look strongly at that aspect and I think the place to find people with that skill set is in the restaurant industry. Waitresses, waiters, bartenders and short order cooks seem to have muilti tasking down pat. Has anyone ever looked at this from the perspective of trying to hire folks who already posess the skill set I mention, or is my observation from left field?
What say you?

[cal911gal]

Good point Ret....

Multitasking is VITAL in this position. Unfortunately, while multitasking ability is mentioned in the "experience and qualifications" section of the job announcement, it's not emphasized enough. In fact, it's really quite easy to establish yourself as qualified to take the test. (i.e. two years of substantial telephone contact with people (ha!) or three years with direct public contact; add to the above credit for college units in some manner....it's easy to qualify to take the test if you have 30 units of college courses and one year at McDonalds - which is absurd, but it is reality.)

The Department, to my knowledge, has never targeted a specific group for recruiting - as you suggested, food service industry folks would be ideal as they already multitask on several levels while at work. Unfortunately, our Department doesn't really actively recruit for this at all. We get token space on the CHP home page recruiting site....in my county, we actually help out with our county fair booth, and get the opportunity to talk about the job there...but that draws limited interest and usually from the wrong sort of folks. I don't know of very many centers that actually do this.

I am trying to get the local college (Crim Justice) instructors to put the word out in their classes, however we just got this notice and go figure, it's finals week! I'm going to try that avenue again in August, during the regular open filing period.


I think the biggest two issues with recruiting in general are thus: 1. The majority of folks out there don't know what we do and 2. CHP currently doesn't pay as well as some other agencies, which tends to lure experienced and overqualified candidates away.

For those of you not as familiar with what we do, the most basics of basics is this: We answer incoming calls for service and attend to the callers needs by directly handling the request, by dispatching a unit, by referring them to another person, or by referring or transferring them to another agency. The CHP communications centers are the primary answering point for ALL cellular 9-1-1 calls in the state. This is a LOT of calls folks. No matter where you are. We stay busy and no two days are ever like any other day. You never know what you are going to experience when you come in those doors at the start of a shift.
For those who enjoy helping people, who want to make a difference in someone's life, for those who like the ideal of the criminal justice system but who can't be or don't want to be an officer, dispatching could just be the right job for you.

The best person for the job has each of the following qualities:

Ability to multi-task - answering phones, typing into a computer, answering a radio and listening to the Sgt simultaneously
Courteous
Punctual - being late to work, or failing to show up, is NOT an option
Responsible - attention to detail is critical
Compassionate - you must truly desire to help people, otherwise this is not the job for you
Professionalism is a biggie - while ours is an often overlooked and sometimes undervalued part of the big picture, we ARE a vital part of the big picture. It is a job few can do and I expect my people to hold their heads up proudly. They are important, they are highly skilled, and they are very very critical to the mission of the CHP.

Every dispatcher is expected to uphold the same standards that every officer upholds : CHP PRIDE
Courage, Honesty, Professionalism, Principles, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Esprit de Corps

I could go on and on......check the job announcement for lists of specific duties this position performs. Please, please - post questions here so I can answer them. It's hard to distance myself from the position and think of it in terms of a person looking from the outside in. It's hard to see it with "new" eyes.
:smile:

[bluiis911]

Great post!! One thing that cal911gal didn't mention is the shifts. You must be available to work every shift. Most centers are on a seniority sign up for shifts, days off, and vacations. We lose a lot of dispatchers when they discover that, yes, they really do have to work the graveyard shift, weekends and holidays. In my center we are on a rotational sign up for shifts and days off, but most are seniority. We also lose dispatchers, after training, to other agencies because of the pay. Some come back to CHP. What other job can you transfer anywhere in the State (ask me, I've been in 5 Comm Centers!).

[flickster]

Hi. I applied to chp cadet and dispatcher position. I am currently in background in my chp cadet. My background investigator is handling my chp cadet and dispatch position at the same time.

As I got to know what is like to be a CHP Officer (went on a ride along etc), and its benefits and pay, CHP website does not really talk much about being a dispatcher and its benefits.

Does CHP Dispatcher has same benefit and pension plan as CHP officer? Or is it different? There was a link from CHP website under dispatcher section that links to some web site about benefits, but the website is too complicated and difficult to find any information.

Thank you in advance.

[Thehamburglar]

Hi, I have a question i havent yet applied to the CHP because i'm taking care of some debt before i do but if I did apply for the dispatcher position would I be able to transfer and or apply for the academy after a year?

[nobody33]

As a PD dispatcher, who has applied to be a CHP dispatcher in the past, I can attest to the extremely low pay you all get. I had to pull myself out of the process because it was over 20k less than what I would make with the city police, and the working conditions I saw on sit a longs were horrid.

Hopefully things will turn around for you all.

For those who are intrested it is a great stepping stone. I knew a couple officers who started at LACC, they were very squared away folks.

[pupdog]

I went through a dispatcher hiring process awhile back. The written test was the MOST stressful piece of LE hiring process I've ever been through! Holy cow! Did you know they could design a written test where you had to multi-task? AND you had to squeeze potty breaks into it! I don't know how many tested, but my estimate was 300. We were told only 64 made it to the next stage (typing test). How I passed the typing test, I'll never know. During the pre-oral board orientation, they played some calls, and it was tough to hear, because I just felt so helpless, sitting there listening, rather than driving off to help! It's tough work!

[wannabedispatcher]

I am interested in applying for a dispatcher position, but do not want to do so until I am fully informed. I know with the CHP cadet positions the hiring process is very extensive, especially the background investigation. I have heard that consists of truth verification, Social Security work history, criminal check, credit, medical, psych and everything under the sun for the past 7 years of your life. I can understand the need to be so in depth because of that job. But since the dispatcher is a non-sworn job is the hiring process the same? Do you have to jump through all those same hoops? Also, I have heard the written test is very hard to pass. Any of your personal experiences you can share on the entire process would be very helpful. I think I have the skills necessary to perform the job very well. I am used to multi tasking and dealing with irate people and stressful situations.

[cal911gal]

Hi, I have a question i havent yet applied to the CHP because i'm taking care of some debt before i do but if I did apply for the dispatcher position would I be able to transfer and or apply for the academy after a year?

Sorry I didn't respond on this sooner - somehow I hadn't seen the post.........once you complete probation as a dispatcher (1 year) you would be eligible to put in to transfer to another CHP comm center. As to the Academy, you would have to apply, test, and go through another background - you'd essentially have to jump through all the hoops just like you were applying from outside the Department.

A few years as a CHP dispatcher would be great experience though and potentially would look good in your QAP - it would also give your BI a great place to begin your background (internally). Consider it - I'd say it would be a great learning tool.

[cal911gal]

I am interested in applying for a dispatcher position, but do not want to do so until I am fully informed. I know with the CHP cadet positions the hiring process is very extensive, especially the background investigation. I have heard that consists of truth verification, Social Security work history, criminal check, credit, medical, psych and everything under the sun for the past 7 years of your life. I can understand the need to be so in depth because of that job. But since the dispatcher is a non-sworn job is the hiring process the same? Do you have to jump through all those same hoops? Also, I have heard the written test is very hard to pass. Any of your personal experiences you can share on the entire process would be very helpful. I think I have the skills necessary to perform the job very well. I am used to multi tasking and dealing with irate people and stressful situations.

The background process for dispatchers is similar, if not quite as intensive. As to the written, I don't think it's all that difficult. Reading and listening comprehension play a big part, as will map reading. I would apply to take the test, and go for it. You might just be suprised at how well you do!

As to an earlier comment about our pay......yes, CHP dispatchers are notoriously underpaid compared to some other agencies, however, I think in the near future, we are going to see that turn around a bit. The Department is finally realizing that we have been leaving in droves for a reason - or many reasons - the largest of which is a respectable rate of pay. Don't let that discourage you from applying - I still believe conditions will begin improving soon. In spite of the pay issue, its a great agency to work for.

[wannabedispatcher]

Could anyone provide more information on the hiring process for dispatchers? After you pass the written test what are the next steps? I would really like very specific info. so that I can make an informed decision on whether to apply. Thank you.

[dw]

Could anyone provide more information on the hiring process for dispatchers? After you pass the written test what are the next steps? I would really like very specific info. so that I can make an informed decision on whether to apply. Thank you.

Not sure if I have the details you're looking for, but following the written test, you will have an oral interview with a Communications Center Supervisor or Manager... If all goes well, you move on to backgrounds. Then I believe there is a medical exam.

[wannabedispatcher]

Thank you for the info DW. My fiance' is a CHP officer, but he didn't know the hiring process specifically for dispatchers. So I thought I would post on here to find out.

[Mac]

Thank you for the info DW. My fiance' is a CHP officer, but he didn't know the hiring process specifically for dispatchers. So I thought I would post on here to find out.
You may want to look at the job announcement for more information - http://www.chp.ca.gov/recruiting/images/psd2_20060615.pdf

There's also a page with much more information on the CHP website: http://www.chp.ca.gov/recruiting/html/communications.html

[kenny]

What if you only want to be a CHP dispatcher leverl one entry?Are they not hiring those?
-Kenny

[Mac]

What if you only want to be a CHP dispatcher leverl one entry?Are they not hiring those?
-Kenny
Doesn't look like we're hiring PSDI's right now. Perhaps cal911gal has more info, but I don't see anything about it on the recruitment page.

[cal911gal]

What if you only want to be a CHP dispatcher leverl one entry?Are they not hiring those?
-Kenny
Doesn't look like we're hiring PSDI's right now. Perhaps cal911gal has more info, but I don't see anything about it on the recruitment page.

It's been forever since I saw a flyer for only PSDI positions.

One thing you should know, Kenny, is that there are only a few centers in the State that have PSDI positions - LACC (Los Angeles), Sacramento, Golden Gate; Border (San Diego) may have some.

If you are interested in being a PSDI, I would call the Center you wish to work at directly, ask to speak with a Supervisor. Introduce yourself, and inquire if they have PSDI positions, openings, and what the testing process for that is. There will be statewide applications/testing beginning in August - they may advertise for both, or possibly only PSDII's.

I'm curious - if you are willing to share here (or privately) - why do you only wish to be a PSDI?

Whatever your decision, I wish you the best of luck. If I can help with any other questions, you know where to find me ;-)

[kenny]

Ohh it wasnt for me its for a friend. But I thout you could only enter as PSDI? To have PSDII didnt yoiu have to be one somewhere elese?
-Kenny THANKS!!!

[cal911gal]

Ohh it wasnt for me its for a friend. But I thout you could only enter as PSDI? To have PSDII didnt yoiu have to be one somewhere elese?
-Kenny THANKS!!!

Actually, no. We hire 99% of the time for a PSDII. Check out the job announcement associated with hiring for Susanville/Bishop (link on front page of chp.ca.gov webpage).

There are several levels of qualification you can have to qualify to take the test. Working as a PSDI is one way, but not the only way. As long as you meet qualifications in one area, or a combo of areas, you can apply....

[kenny]

Thanks.Yeah shede like to work some where close to San Jose beacuse she still have 3 teens
-Kenny

[cal911gal]

Thanks.Yeah shede like to work some where close to San Jose beacuse she still have 3 teens
-Kenny

The closest center to San Jose is Golden Gate Comm - and they have PSDI's there........if she didn't make it as a II, or chose to demote to a I out of preference, then that option might be available to her there...where it wouldn't necessarily be someplace else.

BTW GGCC is actually located in Vallejo........

Please tell her I wish her luck if she chooses to pursue a PSD career with the CHP :smile:

[kenny]

Will do thanks and yeah she hasnt been a disp[atcher before so I guess I would eb best but if she can past the test II

[cal911gal]

Will do thanks and yeah she hasnt been a disp[atcher before so I guess I would eb best but if she can past the test II

Kenny,

If she's interested...dont worry about the designator I or II. When you take the PSDII test, it's not about your "dispatching" skills...its about how well you follow instructions, map reading, reading comprehension, use of simple logic, etc.

She'll (theoretically) be hired as a II...she'll begin training first for "I" duties - phones and providing services.....after she masters those tasks, she'll go on to radio training.

But the whole time in training she's still considered a II - even if she's not working a radio yet.

I hope that helped to clear it up a bit.

[Jeablue]

When is the next exam date for Dispatcher? I heard the last day to turn in an application is September 7th. How long after that will the exam happen? oh, and where is the exam held?

Thanks for your help:smile:

[dw]

When is the next exam date for Dispatcher? I heard the last day to turn in an application is September 7th. How long after that will the exam happen? oh, and where is the exam held?

Thanks for your help:smile:

You may want to search or browse some of the prior threads on PDSII testing -- the testing done throughout the State on different "cycles".

[cal911gal]

When is the next exam date for Dispatcher? I heard the last day to turn in an application is September 7th. How long after that will the exam happen? oh, and where is the exam held?

Thanks for your help:smile:

The cutoff for the current application period is indeed Sept. 7th. Your completed application will need to be postmarked no later than that date.

On the application itself is a place to indicate where you'd like to take the test. You'd write in the name of the county. If there is no testing occuring in your county, they will send you to the closest test sight near your location. It's anticipated that the written test will be sometime in late September or early October.

I hope you'll apply!

[Jeablue]

I did apply and am very excited about the opportunity. Thanks for the help!

[chp36]

As a PD dispatcher, who has applied to be a CHP dispatcher in the past, I can attest to the extremely low pay you all get. I had to pull myself out of the process because it was over 20k less than what I would make with the city police, and the working conditions I saw on sit a longs were horrid.

Hopefully things will turn around for you all.

For those who are intrested it is a great stepping stone. I knew a couple officers who started at LACC, they were very squared away folks.

I agree with you on the extremely low pay they recieve for the job they do. As an officer who worked for over two years in LA, our dispatchers do not make enough money and are often unappreciated. When you looked at what they do on a rain night in LA, my hat is off to our dispathcers!!!

[cal911gal]

As a PD dispatcher, who has applied to be a CHP dispatcher in the past, I can attest to the extremely low pay you all get. I had to pull myself out of the process because it was over 20k less than what I would make with the city police, and the working conditions I saw on sit a longs were horrid.

Hopefully things will turn around for you all.

For those who are intrested it is a great stepping stone. I knew a couple officers who started at LACC, they were very squared away folks.

I agree with you on the extremely low pay they recieve for the job they do. As an officer who worked for over two years in LA, our dispatchers do not make enough money and are often unappreciated. When you looked at what they do on a rain night in LA, my hat is off to our dispathcers!!!

Unit 7 is sending out a contract modification/extension for ratification by members. They got CHP dispatchers a 20% pay increase over the next year. http://www.cause7.com/

Finally, a step in the right direction.

[Your Mentor]

I agree our dispatchers are grossly unappreciated. When I was the solo Death Valley resident officer they were the only contact with the CHP family I had, day to day. In the Tulelake R.P., they remain my primary contact with the department. And, in spite of some grumblings from malcontents, they have seriously taken care of me. Having worked major incidents entirely alone, they were my lifeline. I work in an area void of MDC's so I appreciate every 27 and 28 they give me. And I ask for quite a few each day. They deserve more kudos than I can articulate. They are also the nicest folks we have working for us; at least in the areas I've worked. Fortunately, they have a pending contract which is long overdue and will hopefully be ratified. Still, as good as the contract appears, it isn't enough.

PS-Lest we forget our ever diligent clerical workers as well. The CHP is an enormous team. Uniforms do not define members of the CHP family. Uniforms only define a few jobs.

[cal911gal]

PS-Lest we forget our ever diligent clerical workers as well. The CHP is an enormous team. Uniforms do not define members of the CHP family. Uniforms only define a few jobs.

Amen~ ASM's, CVIS, etc....we're all part of one big team - and it did my heart good to hear you say that YM.

Thank you :smile:

[PSDORBUST]

Hi everyone ! ... I recently had my oral interview for dispatcher. Does anyone know how long it may take to find out if you were selected, and do they notify you either way ? Plus what happens if you were not selected at this time ? I realize you keep your ranking for two years, so must you interview again once they have other vacancies? :think:

Thanks!

[cal911gal]

Hi everyone ! ... I recently had my oral interview for dispatcher. Does anyone know how long it may take to find out if you were selected, and do they notify you either way ? Plus what happens if you were not selected at this time ? I realize you keep your ranking for two years, so must you interview again once they have other vacancies? :think:

Thanks!


You should hear something in short order, usually in the form of a letter thanking you for your time and interest, yada yada. A lot of it depends on how many openings that center is trying to fill overall, how many they are filling immediately, how you scored, etc. Don't be discouraged if you get such a letter, it definitely does NOT mean you are out of the running.

If you don't hear anything within a month of your interview, give the supervisor in that center a call. Inquire how you did, and re-state your interest in the position. And then be patient.

We're desperately trying to fill a lot of vacancies but unfortunately some centers are limited how many trainees they can take at once, for a variety of reasons.

Your ranking on the state "list" is based upon your written test score. Where you come out on a given area's list depends on your interview score (which they will not disclose to you.....). It varies by center if they have you re-interview.

If for some reason you don't get offered a contingent position before your eligibility expires, don't despair. Take the test again.....

I wish you the best of luck!!!

[PSDORBUST]

Awesome information, thanks a lot ! I will keep my fingers crossed & hope to hear something soon.......

[huck]

Greetings from Oklahoma.

I am interested in applying for a position in SO Cal as we think thats were we want to move in the next year or so. Do they work with out of state applicants like some police depts do with testing (IE doing it over a span of days to cut down travel time and cost?). I have about 8 years of total dispatching time and looking for some change. Thanks!

Thomas

[PapaBear]

Greetings from Oklahoma.

I am interested in applying for a position in SO Cal as we think thats were we want to move in the next year or so. Do they work with out of state applicants like some police depts do with testing (IE doing it over a span of days to cut down travel time and cost?). I have about 8 years of total dispatching time and looking for some change. Thanks!

Thomas

Here is the information on CHP Dispatchers openings

http://www.chp.ca.gov/recruiting/html/communications.html

[smylex]

What if you only want to be a CHP dispatcher leverl one entry?Are they not hiring those?
-Kenny

Doesn't look like we're hiring PSDI's right now. Perhaps cal911gal has more info, but I don't see anything about it on the recruitment page.

The position of PSDI was phased out by the department earlier this year. Those who are currently PSDIs can still keep their position, but any PSDIIs looking to demote are not able to unless it's to go to a different job within the department.

Personally, I thought this was a lousy idea - we're really short-staffed at our comm center (OCCC) and can use all the help we can get. Just because someone doesn't make it through radio training or decides they don't like working the radio and we lose a good employee? What a bunch of bunk! :confused: