CSPD Communications Center FAQs

Here you'll find the answers to our most common and basic questions. We hope this information helps you during your application process. If you have any other questions about the 9-1-1 Communications Center, you can email our team at CSPDHiring@coloradosprings.gov. 

What positions are available with the Communications Center?

What are the qualifications to be an Emergency Response Technician?

High school diploma or GED

Possess, or obtain within six months of hire, the following certifications: CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation), CBI (Colorado Bureau of Investigation), Priority Dispatch Systems TM (Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Emergency Police Dispatch, and Emergency Fire Dispatch), and certification through the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch 

Receive, prioritize, and respond to 911 emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and medical assistance and information; determine appropriate jurisdictions and services needed; transfer callers to proper agencies; and provide public safety personnel with accurate information

Provide EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) self-help and pre-arrival instructions to callers; maintain continuous telephone contact with callers during emergency situations until police, medical, and fire personnel make personal contact

Use a CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) computer terminal or a manual system to notify dispatchers of needed police/medical/fire response; act as a link between police/fire personnel, dispatch, department personnel, and other agencies

Update personnel en route to calls by accurately relaying information and messages

Enter and retrieve information from computer systems such as the NCIC (National Crime Information Computer) and the CCIC (Colorado Crime Information Computer) through the CBI (Colorado Bureau of Investigations) network; place and receive calls for people who are deaf by operating TTY communications equipment

Deal calmly with the public in emergency situations; complete several tasks simultaneously

Enter information regarding towed and repossessed vehicles

Provide on-the-job training for new communications personnel

What are the qualifications to be a Public Safety Dispatcher?

High school diploma or GED

Possess, or obtain within three months of hire the following certifications: CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), CBI CCIC/NCIC (National Crime Information Center), CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services), Incident Command System 100, 700, and NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children)

To be selected as a Public Safety Dispatcher, you must possess, or obtain within twelve months of hire, and maintain EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch), EPD (Emergency Police Dispatch), and EFD (Emergency Fire Dispatch) certifications.

Public Safety Dispatchers (dispatchers) receive calls for service on the computer, radio, or telephone and dispatch a variety of emergency equipment.

They serve as a communication link in emergency situations until the situation is resolved; answer overflow emergency and non-emergency calls; provide emergency dispatch self-help; and make notification calls to police and fire staff, City departments, and other agencies on incidents as needed.

Dispatchers provide on-the-job training for new communications personnel on radio dispatching, notify ambulances and dual fire responders where they are needed, continually evaluate calls for service and identify tasks and objectives then dispatch appropriate resources, and follow-up on the safety status of police and fire personnel. Dispatchers process requests for wants/warrants through the CCIC (Colorado Crime Information Center) and the CBI (Colorado Bureau of Investigations) network, monitor robbery alarm controls in areas with crime patterns, and perform duties of an Emergency Response Technician as deemed necessary by the Public Safety Communications Supervisor, notify fire stations of street closures and sprinkler systems that are out-of-service, monitor the weather screen, and handle paging requests for administrative units. Dispatchers may perform supervisory duties during the absence of the Public Safety Communications Supervisor.

Dispatchers are expected to communicate effectively with the public and fire and police personnel using tact and good judgment especially during periods of extreme stress and time constraints; possess high memory retention and quick recall; possess the ability to type while talking on both the radio and telephone; make decisions under pressure; and effectively multi-task while maintaining a high degree of emotional self-control.

How long is ERT Training?

ERT training consists of 3-4 weeks of classroom training with the Police Department at the Police Operations Center (POC).  An additional 2-3 weeks of training will be spent at the 911 Authority Board to receive certifications for protocol, CPR, and basic telecommunications.  Once completed with the 6-7 weeks of classroom/protocol training there will be a minimum of 9 weeks of On the Job Training with a trainer.  This training is received by all new employees, dispatchers, and call takers. 

How long is PSD Training?

The first phase of PSD training consists of the initial 7 weeks of classroom training and 9 weeks of OJT as a call taker.  The second phase of training for a PSD will be 1 week of classroom training specifically for Police Dispatching and a minimum of 9 weeks OJT with a trainer.   The final phase of training for a PSD will be 1 final week in the classroom specifically for Fire Dispatching with a minimum of 2 weeks of OJT with a trainer.    

How do I complete a Ride-Along with the Communications Center?

Please contact a member of our Training Cadre to discuss a possible ride along with the Communications Center.  Communications.training@coloradosprings.gov

I live out of state. Can I still apply?

Absolutely! You do not have to be a resident of Colorado to apply.

Is there a maximum age limit?

No. However, there is a minimum age requirement of 18 years old.

I already have experience as a Police/Fire dispatcher or 911 Calltaker. Will I have to go through any training?

Yes, all employees will be required to complete the training requirements for the position hired for.

Do I get paid while I am in training?

Yes.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to work for your agency? Will your department help me apply for a Visa?

If hired, you will be required to furnish proof of your eligibility to work in the U.S. All applicants who are offered employment must provide documents to establish their identity and employment eligibility for authorization to work in the U.S. We do not offer sponsorship.

I am currently stationed overseas with the military. Can I still apply?

That depends on your timeframe. We cannot hold slots or suspend testing dates to accommodate anyone for any reason. You can apply while on active duty, but you must be out of the military by our academy start date.

What benefits does CSPD offer?

The City of Colorado Springs is a place where people want to come to work each day.  We have a culture of excellence and we strive to provide our employees with the very best overall career experience and Total Rewards.  We are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to meet the needs of our employees and their families..  Information about the Total Rewards can be found here.

What if I need an ADA Test Accommodation?

When advised, reasonable accommodations will be made for an “otherwise qualified applicant” with a disability to participate in the testing process (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991). Applicants who require reasonable accommodations to test should contact our agency by the close of the application process. Accommodations must be requested prior to taking any of the testing components. If you would like to request an accommodation, please contact CSPDHiring@coloradosprings.gov. 

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