Public Safety Dispatch Academy

Projected Start Date of Academy - Fall 2023

In September 2019 the State of Texas recognized Public Safety Dispatchers as First Responders. 

Are you interested in a rewarding career and finding a job that gives you purpose? Are you searching for something that allows you to make a difference in the lives of others? Then serving your community by becoming a Public Safety Dispatcher is the right choice for you! This career allows you to work in a team focused environment, driven by the desire to ensure the safety of the public, and work closely with members of the Wichita Falls Police Department, Wichita Falls Fire Department, the Wichita County Sheriff's Office, and many other agencies and departments. Each day is different, exciting and rewarding. This position answers multiple emergency and non-emergency lines and monitors radio channels. You will assist in gathering/disseminating information, answering questions, and dispatching or transferring calls to units, departments or other agencies. The foundation of our department is a close-knit, hardworking team of individuals who live to serve the public and our community. Our department promotes from within, and fosters development of our team. We are continually searching for diverse, positive, and motivated individuals who wish to start their career in public service. If that describes you, then come join our team!

Initial Timeline

  • Applications will be taken through the City Website.
  • Applicants will receive a Pre-Employment Questionnaire and a link to a Typing test with a submission deadline.
  • Applicants who submit the Pre-Employment Questionnaire and Typing certificate, and pass a soft background check will be invited to move forward with pre-employment skills testing followed by interviews.
  • Testing and interviews will be scheduled individually with candidates between January 2nd and February 9th.
  • Spring Academy projected start date is March 11th, 2024. 

Pre-Employment Skills Testing

  • Testing will consist of a typing test that can be taken at home or in person, and a critical thinking skills test that will be administered in person. This process will take approximately two (2) hours and applicants should be prepared to remain at the PS Training Center during the entire process. Below are links for potential applicants to practice before their skills test.
  • CritiCall skill testing will consist of Data Entry (audio), Call Summarization, Cross-Referencing, Memory Recall, Prioritization, Map Reading, Sentence Clarity, and Decision-Making.
  • 911 Dispatch Data Entry Practice Test
  • Online Typing Test
  • Criticall Practice Test

A typing speed between 25-35 WPM is required - Applicant should practice typing utilizing symbols and numbers, with a focus on speed and accuracy. Candidates who are hired will be required to meet a minimum typing speed of 40 WPM by the end of their Dispatch Academy. 

Interviews and Personal History Statement


  • Complete the packet to the best of your ability. There are very few automatic bases for rejection, and prior misconduct, terminations, or arrests may not in and of themselves be an automatic disqualifier. However, deliberate omissions and misstatements can result in a rejection of the application or failure of background investigation.
  • If there are questions about information needed, you may contact 940-720-5059 to speak with the Dispatch Training Coordinator. 
  • Personal History Statements must be notarized and turned in at the time of the candidate's scheduled interview. 

Background Investigation Process

  • Candidates who are selected to go through the background investigation process will be assigned a background investigator.
  • Candidates are encouraged to ensure the individuals listed as references are available to speak to the candidate's assigned background investigator. 
  • The candidate will also meet and have a background interview with their investigator on information in the Personal History Statement.
  • Legal review of the findings of the hiring process and a final decision will be made on applicants who will continue in the recruitment process.

Job Offer

  • If a candidate is provided a conditional job offer which is an intent to hire if the candidate passes a Psychological evaluation, Physicals, and Drug Screening. Each of these screenings will be scheduled individually with the remaining candidates.
  • Once passing results are received, candidates will be contact directly to be extended the official job offer. 

Any candidate selected for hire will begin their career as a Public Safety Dispatch Trainee. As they move through training, each level of training is paid for and each will move the Trainee closer to full certification with TCIC/NCIC, Basic Telecommunicator/TCOLE Certifications and finally become a licensed Public Safety Dispatcher. 

HOURLY RATE RANGE: $18.83 - 23.55


Upon successful completion of all required training and obtaining the required certifications named above, an incumbent will qualify for a pay increase. Individuals must successfully complete each level of training to move to the next level of training. Individuals who are unable to successfully complete any level of training may be released.

Individuals will be required to obtain TCOLE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) Telecommunicator Operator License within one year of hire or date. If you are already a licensed TCOLE Telecommunicator, please contact HR before you apply for details on applying for a licensed position.

THIS IS SHIFT WORK. The Police Department uses Bidding and Seniority and the department needs to determine schedules. Although initially training will take place during the day it will eventually progress to other shifts. An expectation of day shift and being off on weekends or holidays should not be taken by any applicant.

Regular and reliable attendance in compliance with given schedules is a mandatory requirement of this position. Schedules may be subject to change with or without advance notice.

Additional Compensation and Benefits can be viewed on the City Website - www.wichitafallstx.gov