State Police Dispatcher Trainee
Recruitment # 251215-6391CL-001
Location Bethany, CT Bridgeport, CT Canaan, CT Colchester, CT Hartford, CT Killingly, CT Litchfield, CT Middletown, CT Montville, CT Southbury, CT Tolland, CT Westbrook, CT Windsor Locks, CT
Date Opened 12/23/2025 3:30:00 PM
Salary New Hires $50,475 - Upon completion of all training requirements & working test period $57,949
Job Type Open to the Public
Close Date 1/23/2026 11:59:00 PM
Go Back Apply View Benefits (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=Benefits)
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Introduction
ANNOUNCING STATE POLICE DISPATCHER TRAINEE RECRUITMENT!
The State of Connecticut (https://portal.ct.gov/) , Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) (https://portal.ct.gov/despp) , Division of State Police (https://portal.ct.gov/DESPP/Division-of-State-Police/Home) is currently accepting applications for State Police Dispatcher Trainees (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=6391CL&R1=&R3=) for select shifts and locations.
Ready to be a real-life hero and be the calm voice in the storm for people across Connecticut? State Police Dispatchers are the "first-first" responders-the essential communication link between the public and law enforcement. This job is deep, wide, and absolutely essential.
Every day, you will take calls from citizens experiencing some of the worst moments of their lives, requiring you to remain composed and function under trying conditions. You'll experience the excitement of handling time-sensitive, critical emergencies and gain satisfaction in knowing you truly make a difference.
Your core mission involves gathering and disseminating critical information clearly and rapidly and requires you to expertly multi-task between the telephone, radio, and various computer systems. You'll be trained to handle critical incident management and be given the opportunity to help save a life until Troopers can respond.
If you crave a fulfilling career that demands split-second decisions and offers the reward of helping people when they have nowhere else to turn, becoming a State Police Dispatcher Trainee is your calling.
WHAT OUR DEDICATED HEROES HAVE TO SAY
"I have been a Connecticut State Police dispatcher for 23 years. The number one question I get asked often is 'How do you like your job?' My answer is always, I love it most days but because like any other job, there are always good and bad days. I have handled all @types of situations from simple routine calls to time sensitive, life or death emergencies. I think the most important thing to keep in mind, when you are dealing with highly stressful situations with angry and hysterical callers is to remember that this not about you. These people are having the worst day of their lives. The callers are looking to you for guidance and compassion. There is no better feeling than knowing that you helped someone in their desperate time of need."
-Dispatcher Darlene Hanna
"I have been a dispatcher with the Connecticut State Police almost 19 years. I started as a dispatcher at a municipal police department. The State Police was a faster paced environment and higher call volume than what I was used to, which made the job more interesting and has given me so much more experience. As a State Police Dispatcher, we have opportunities to work at any troop location in the state which gives you a broad experience from high paced call volumes to small town experiences. I enjoy my job as it entails helping people, when they have no one to turn to for assistance. Most of the time, you really can make a difference in someone's day. I find as a dispatcher we are the initial call for help in emergency situations until the Troopers can physically respond to the scene. When we help someone, it is very satisfying knowing you made a difference."
-Dispatcher Robert Ferone Jr.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
The State of Connecticut is committed to providing a safe and thriving environment for our community, and visitors. We believe our employees should receive comprehensive and competitive benefits for choosing to help us best serve our community, which include:
Numerous career opportunities across our beautiful state (https://ctvisit.com/) , with opportunities for promotional advancement and geographic transfers;
Adding to the attractive locations and upward mobility are excellent compensation and benefits;
Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their careers ;
A comprehensive retirement plan (https://osc.ct.gov/retirement/) (State Employees Retirement System Tier IV);
A top-notch health and wellness benefit package (More on that here! (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=Benefits) );
Eligibility to apply for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program (Learn more here! (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service) );
Bank holidays worked, shift differential for working evenings, midnights, weekends and overtime;
Receive a stipend for the life of the contract;
Six (6) of the thirteen (13) state holidays are considered premium holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day) and dispatchers have the option to request pay out;
Special duty assignments (ex. working Rentschler Field during activities);
If you are a certified EMT in Connecticut, you get an annual skills premium stipend for the life of the contract.
COMPENSATION GUIDELINES
Hires start at $50,475 as a Dispatcher Trainee. Upon completion of all training requirements & working test period, candidates are automatically promoted to State Police Dispatcher at $57,949.
We are looking for candidates with the ability to:
Calm individuals in crisis;
Make split-second decisions;
Gather and disseminate information clearly, accurately and rapidly in urgent situations;
Multi-task between the telephone, radio and various computer systems in stressful situations;
Maintain composure and function under the stress of an emergency situation;
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others;
Read and speak English in a clear and effective tone of voice;
Hear clearly and discern a variety of audible communications and signals simultaneously;
Understand and be knowledgeable with computers, typing, data input and be comfortable with using technology.
In addition, candidates must be able to work mandatory overtime with little to no notice. Candidates normal work schedule WILL include weekends and holidays.
ABOUT US
DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance, and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology. DESPP is structured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner Ronnell Higgins (https://portal.ct.gov/despp/division-of-emergency-service-and-public-protection/ronnell-higgins-biography?language=en_US) .
Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence - Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data - Challenging the "that's the way it's always been done" construct-i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve - Constantly seeking better results
Shared Fiscal Responsibility - Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources - Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests - Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges
Ethics and Accountability - Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies - Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement - Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments - Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways
Selection Plan
The Connecticut State Police Dispatcher hiring process is extensive: the time from application to appointment can take several months and the application to hire process is separated into 5 stages:
Application Period: How to apply for the State Police Dispatcher Trainee Job Opening
Please ensure that your application is complete. You are unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut. Applicant Support can be reached by email at DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
Candidates who submit an untimely, incomplete or inaccurate application will not be considered for this employment opportunity. Due to the large volume of applications, please do not call/email to confirm receipt or status of your application. If your application submits successfully, a pop-up confirmation displays, which is followed by a confirmation email. You can view all emailed notices on your Personal Status Board by clicking the date in the Last Notice column for this recruitment.
Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies.
In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate's obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks.
Referral Questions are designed to allow hiring managers to learn more about your abilities and skills related to the State Police Dispatcher Trainee position.
Referral questions will be asked during the application filing period. Applicants must respond to each to successfully complete their application.
Please do not call or email about referral questions or application status. If you successfully submit on time, you will receive a confirmation page immediately following your submission.
In-person interview where the hiring team will ask more in depth questions to gain better insight on candidates knowledge, skills and abilities related to the job, including work experience.
Background Investigation is a comprehensive review of employment, attendance, education, training, criminal, motor vehicle and credit history. Important note, selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation.
Medical Evaluation: Comprehensive physical examination, including vision and hearing tests.
STATE POLICE DISPATCHER TRAINING PROGRAM
When a candidate receives an offer of employment, they are required to successfully complete the Dispatch Training Academy. This consists of a two-phase training program. First, they must complete an in-person, classroom-based training and upon successful completion, will move onto the second phase. The second phase consists of a hands-on, companion/shadow-based training at the Trainee's assigned State Police barracks.
Phase I: Classroom-based Training
All Trainees will participate in an 8 week (320 hours) in-person training program held at the State Police Training Academy in Meriden, CT. Attendance is mandatory for the entirety of the program. Phase I provides Trainees with all the necessary certifications and will lay the groundwork for a successful career.
The Dispatch Training Academy utilizes the crawl-walk-run instructional design and builds upon the success of previous knowledge to advance the Trainee through the program. A large component of the training will be hands-on and "doing" the various aspects of the job. The Dispatch Training Academy is fortunate to have numerous simulators and training aids to help Trainees build muscle memory and work through real-world examples of what they will encounter in their career. H ighlights of this phase include the following:
All required certifications obtained (DSET, COLLECT, EMD, NIMS/ICS, 911 software)
Over 150 hours dedicated to CAD, telephone and radio training
Critical incident management training (Active Shooter, Suicidal/Barricaded, Vehicle Pursuits)
Anti-terrorism and intelligence training
Dedicated understanding of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) traditions, resources, and structure
Dispatcher wellness training and education
Phase II: Communication Training Officer (CTO) Training
After successful completion of the classroom-based training, Trainees will move on to the CTO Training. This training is 8 weeks and follows the traditional 5 days on, 3 days off schedule. Trainees will shadow a seasoned Dispatcher and gradually be given more independent responsibilities, enabling them to enhance their skills and learn Troop-specific knowledge.
Upon successful completion of both phases as well as the six-month working test period, Trainees are promoted to the State Police Dispatcher Job Class (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=6390CL&R1=undefined&R3=undefined) .
WORK LOCATIONS
Western District
Bridgeport - Troop G / Canaan - Troop B / Litchfield - Troop L / Southbury - Troop A
Central District
Bethany - Troop I / Hartford and Windsor Locks (Bradley International Airport) - Troop H / Westbrook - Troop F
Eastern District
Colchester - Troop K / Danielson - Troop D / Montville - Troop E / Tolland - Troop C
Contact Information: Should you have any questions pertaining to the technical filing of your application, please contact Benjamin Beaudry at Benjamin.Beaudry@ct.gov.
For any questions or inquiries regarding becoming a State Police Dispatcher, p lease email csp.dispatch.training@ct.gov.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection this class is accountable for receiving classroom and on-the-job training in providing communication links between law enforcement, emergency services and the general public.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Receives on-the-job training in answering calls from the public and responding to complaints and emergency situations by assisting in the dispatching of troopers to incidents within their jurisdiction;
Receives training in operating complex communications equipment;
Assists in contact of appropriate authorities;
Assists State Police Dispatcher by researching information for troopers on matters such as stolen vehicles and criminal records;
Receives training and assists with monitoring radio frequencies and emergency dispatching backup assistance to other police departments when needed;
Assists with maintaining records of communications received;
Receives training to record, code and enter pertinent law enforcement information and daily activity data into computer terminals and manual logs;
Completes various law enforcement forms;
Provides general information to the public;
Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Knowledge of
and ability to operate complex communications equipment;
basic first aid and safety procedures;
Skills
interpersonal skills;
oral and written communication skills;
computer keyboarding skills;
Ability to
think and act quickly in emergency situations with judgment and discretion;
speak proper English and to enunciate clearly;
follow oral and written instruction;
exercise discretion in handling confidential information;
maintain manual and electronic records.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Any experience or training which would provide the skills and abilities indicated above.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience managing competing priorities while meeting deadlines;
Experience working in emergency situations within a law enforcement agency;
Experience extracting information from individuals during emergency response communications;
Experience independently evaluating emergency and non-emergency situations and dispatching resources to respond to the situation;
Experience making immediate decisions in an emergency services environment;
Experience in operating a digital trunked police style radio system;
Experience operating multiple (more than one) computers, radios and recording equipment simultaneously;
Experience viewing and operating a security closed-circuit television (CCTV) system, including internal and external camera systems.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Incumbents in this class must successfully complete the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Connecticut State Police Emergency Dispatcher Training Certificate Program.
Incumbents in this class must receive certification as a Telecommunicator within three (3) months of appointment.
Incumbents in this class must receive certification in National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Connecticut On-Line Law Enforcement Communications Teleprocessing (COLLECT) systems within three (3) months of appointment.
Incumbents in this class must possess a high school diploma or certification of having passed the General Educational Development (GED) examination.
Incumbents in this class may be required to work a schedule that includes weekends, evenings and holidays.
CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the checking of references and facts stated in the application a thorough background investigation of each candidate will be made before persons are certified for appointment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
A physical examination may be required by the appointing authority.
Applicants for this class must possess normal hearing and vision.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents in this class may be required to work in tiring positions for long periods of time in a stressful environment.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.
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