FAQs: Dispatcher (GSP)

  • Where will I be working?

    There are nine Communication Centers located throughout the state. These are located in Atlanta, Cartersville, Gainesville, Newnan, Grovetown, Statesboro, Americus, Tifton, and Brunswick.

    Troop C Communications, Headquarters Radio Room - 959 United Ave. SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

    • Troop A Communications - 130 State Rt.20 Spur, Cartersville, GA
    • Troop B Communications - 2000 Cleveland Hwy, Gainesville, GA
    • Troop D Communications - 517 Turkey Creek Road, Newnan, GA
    • Troop E Communications - 2000 William Few Parkway, Grovetown, GA
    • Troop F Communications - 10723 US 301 South, Statesboro, GA
    • Troop G Communications - 113 William Bowen Pointe, Americus, GA
    • Troop H Communications - 3101 US Hwy 41 South, Tifton, GA
    • Troop I Communications - 160 Public Safety Blvd. Brunswick, GA
  • What is the hiring process?
    • Application
    • Oral Interview
    • Conditional Job Offer
    • Background Packet Completion
    • Criminal History Inquiry
    • Credit History Inquiry
    • Driver History Inquiry
    • Background  Investigation
    • Final Job Offer
  • Is there an age requirement to become a Dispatcher?

    Yes. The age requirement is 18 years.

  • Do you require any previous experience to become a Dispatcher?

    No previous experience is required. However, good communications skills, computer skills and multitasking skills are essential to the job.

  • What hours will I be working?

    Georgia State Patrol Communications is a 24/7-365 days per year job. As with most law enforcement dispatch, we are open nights, weekends and holidays.

  • Is there any opportunity for advancement?

    Yes, there are three levels of dispatcher. Dispatcher 1 is the entry level, Dispatcher 2 is the basic level after completion of one year as a Dispatcher 1.  Dispatcher 3 is the shift supervisor (Senior) and Level 4 is the Communication Chief that oversees the communication centers operations.  When a Level 3 job opens, any Level 2 dispatcher that meets the minimum qualifications may apply.  The same applies to Level 4 with the exception that only a Level 3 dispatcher may apply.

  • What is the pay?

    Starting salary for a Dispatcher is $35,647.00 annually.

  • How often are pay raises given?

    As with all state employees, pay raises are granted by the Georgia General Assembly and are not guaranteed at any interval.

  • Will I be required to work shifts? Weekends? Holidays?

    Georgia State Patrol Communications is a 24/7-365 days per year job. As with most law enforcement dispatch, we are open nights, weekends and holidays. Schedules are made at the Communications Center level and staffing levels are set to meet the needs of the department on any given shift. Everyone is usually required to work different shifts.

  • What is involved in the background process?

    The Background Investigator will:

    • Contact references
    • Contact past and present employers
    • Resolve any issues that may surface during the background investigation
  • How long does the background process take?

    The background process takes a varying length of time. Depending on many factors, including the number of backgrounds to be completed, the extensiveness of the background, etc. the background could take from a few days to a few weeks.

  • Is there a training process?

    Yes, dispatchers are required to become state certified as a communications officer and are provided the necessary training to obtain this certification. You will be considered on a “Working Test” for your first year with the department. There are many facets to the job. The Chief Communications Officer will oversee your training during this time and see that you are given attention in areas you may be having trouble and need extra help. Most training will be conducted locally and you will not be required to travel away from the communications center.

  • How can I check the status of my application?

    Email – [email protected]

  • How will I know if the position has been filled?

    Email us at [email protected] or call at (404) 624-7553.

  • Who can I contact about questions when completing the Background Packet?

    You can contact Human Resources via email at [email protected].

  • What are the job duties performed by a Dispatcher?

    Coordinates radio and data communication traffic according to established federal, state and local rules and regulations. Performs duties of sending, receiving, relaying, monitoring, logging, recording, reporting and interpreting emergency and non-emergency information to and from mobile units or computerized data bases. Operates radio and other data transmitting equipment. Performs administrative duties necessary for the operation of the communications center.

  • What Troops are you hiring for?

    Each of the nine centers has a designated staffing level. We post all vacancies immediately.

  • What type of clothing will I be required to wear?

    Once you have completed your “Working Test”, you will be issued uniform pants and shirts. You will be required to purchase your own black belt, black socks and black shoes to complete your uniform. Prior to this time, you may wear “Business Casual” clothing. This may include khaki pants, button up or golf type shirt, casual shoes, etc. Jeans and collarless shirts are not permitted.

  • Does the department pay for required uniforms?

    Uniform pants and shirts will be issued once you have satisfactorily completed your working test. Purchases of a black belt, black socks and black shoes are at the expense of the employee.

  • What is the tattoo and facial hair policy?

    The DPS Uniform and Appearance policy has changed to allow applicants with some visible tattoos in a short sleeve uniform to wear a long sleeve uniform shirt.

    Applicants with tattoos or brands will be disqualified for either of the following:

    1. Tattoos/brands that depict or support criminal behavior, drug usage, nudity, profanity, promiscuity, subversive groups, bigotry, etc.
    2. Tattoos/brands on the neck, face, head, hands, and fingers that are visible while on duty and/or in a long sleeve uniform shirt.  Tattoos on the arm must not be below the crease of the wrist. Exceptions include tattoos/brands that are covered by one ring per hand, or by a watch band on either the left or right wrist. Uniform members with tattoos visible in a short sleeve uniform shirt (generally, below the crease of the arm and tip of the elbow) will wear the class A uniform (long sleeve shirt). 

    DPS does not allow the use of a long sleeve cover-up to hide any visible body art, tattoos, brands, or images that are visible in the short sleeve uniform.

    No facial hair is permitted.

  • Are there different levels established for Dispatchers?

    There are three levels of Dispatcher:

    • Dispatcher 1 - Entry Level Dispatcher
    • Dispatcher 2 - Basic Level Dispatcher
    • Dispatcher 3 - Shift Supervisor (Senior)
    • Dispatcher 4 - The Chief Communications Officer responsible for overseeing the Communications Center.
  • Is law enforcement experience required?

    No law enforcement experience is required.

  • What benefits will I receive?

    State employees are also offered access to health insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance and many more benefits including a retirement plan. All state employees receive sick leave in the amount of ten hours per month. State employees also receive annual leave in differing amounts based on the number of years employed with the state. Minimum amount is ten hours per month going up to 14 hours per month.