KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department is hiring call-takers and dispatchers in its communications unit.
Tammy Bazzle, the communications unit staff development supervisor, said there are currently 17 open positions.
She said there are always openings, but 17 is a lot. The openings are the result of employees retiring, transferring within the department and quitting.
"It can be a difficult job, it can be a very demanding job. Sometimes the schedule doesn't always work for people, the work itself can be a little intimidating for some people," Bazzle admitted.
To help hire and keep employees, KCPD pays new hires during their training and now offers more support through a regional peer support program and by allowing dispatchers to go through debriefings with officers after stressful assignments.
"We really try to help people succeed and work with them every step of the way," Bazzle said.
One woman who has found success is Carrie Brown. She's worked in the KCPD's communications office for 28 years.
She said the keys to being a successful dispatcher or call-taker is to keep calm and don't take work home.
"I definitely think it's a good career choice if you like excitement and can handle stressful situations," Brown said. "If you're up to the challenge, you want something different, it's definitely not a boring job."
Starting pay with KCPD's communications unit is $18.20 an hour plus benefits with plenty of opportunities to earn overtime. The department requires a high school diploma. New hires typically work the evening or overnight shift.
To find an open position and apply online, click here.
Police departments in Overland Park and Raytown are also hiring dispatchers.
