201 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite 501
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5111
Fax: (714) 765-5215
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
DATE: APRIL 22, 2025
FROM: HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: POLICE DISPATCHER HIRING INCENTIVE PROGRAM
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): NO ITEM # 14
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Motion, approve a hiring incentive to attract qualified lateral Police Dispatcher II candidates, effective April 22, 2025 through July 1, 2026.
DISCUSSION:
Police dispatchers serve a critical role in the daily operations of law enforcement by receiving calls for emergency assistance, coordinating and dispatching sworn personnel and equipment, and monitoring ongoing police activity to support officers in the field with additional resources. The importance of dispatchers to our community is critical as they are the first point of contact and serve as a vital link between the community and first responders.
As is the case throughout the industry, the City of Anaheim is experiencing the same challenges as other agencies in recruitment and retention of experienced dispatchers (Dispatcher II). To address retention, the City already took steps to provide greater lateral movement by reclassifying six current Dispatcher II positions to Senior Dispatchers (a total of 11 Seniors). It is expected that this action will support the retention of qualified dispatchers since the City has not experienced turnover at the senior level. The City also converted three (3) vacant part-time positions to two (2) full-time Dispatcher II and one (1) full-time Communications Supervisor, which will provide the communications unit with greater qualified staffing resources, thereby reducing overtime requirements. As a result, the Communications Unit now consists of 40 full-time authorized positions [(1) Police Communications Manager, (6) Police Communications Supervisors, (11) Senior Police Dispatchers, 20 Police Dispatchers I/II, and two (2) Communications Operators; and two (2) part-time positions].
With the additional full-time positions (two upcoming based on PT conversion and two current vacancies), there is a need to encourage and attract quality lateral Dispatcher II candidates to seek employment with Anaheim, which can be accomplished through a hiring incentive program. Dispatcher II have the required qualifications and POST Police Dispatcher Hiring Incentive Program
April 22, 2025
certifications to work independently thereby resulting in savings on training and overtime.
The program will include:
POLICE DISPATCHER II HIRING INCENTIVE:
Newly hired Police Dispatcher II would be eligible for an incremental $10,000 incentive payment. The payment will be received in two installments:
The first installment of $5,000 will be paid the first full pay period following the first date of employment
The second installment of $5,000 will be paid after the first full pay period following successful completion of probation
Requirements:
Candidates must have a minimum of three (3) years of prior experience performing public safety dispatching duties and using computer-aided dispatch equipment prior to their date of hire with the City of Anaheim to qualify for the hiring incentive.
The hiring incentive for Police Dispatchers shall be effective after City Council approval and shall only apply to those candidates who have submitted an application during the approved program dates (April 22, 2025 – June 30, 2026).
The incentive is not pensionable income and subject to amounts payable under federal, state, and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
The estimated cost to implement the hiring incentive program is approximately $70,000 based on four vacancies and anticipated retirements and/or separations. The amount will be included in the Police Department’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025/26 General Fund budget for consideration in June.
Respectfully submitted, Respectfully submitted,
Linda N. Andal Rick Armendariz
Human Resources Director Chief of Police