911 Dispatcher — Qualifications

You must complete an application on-line using the Human Resource Department's LINC program. If you do not have access to a computer, computers are provided for this purpose in the Human Resource Department offices at Town Point Center and City Hall or you may visit any Newport News Public Library. After you fill out an on-line application, you must call the Communications Division of the Newport News Police Department to schedule yourself for CritiCall testing. Testing is given on an as needed basis. The test lasts for approximately 1 1/2 hours and is preceded by a job briefing and a question and answer period, which lasts approximately one half-hour, dependent on the number of questions asked. A pictured identification is also required.

Call the Communications Division at 926-3881 to schedule your test. Have several dates in mind when you call. If you do not call to schedule testing within thirty days of your application date, you will not be considered for the position and will need to reapply after six months if still interested in the position.

The CritiCall test is a computer-based test. You will be seated in a training room with up to two other applicants in order to take the test. You will be required to wear a headset in order to hear and respond to verbal instructions and scenarios and will be required to type answers on a computer keyboard. A standard computer volume control is provided.

Background Investigation

Comprehensive background investigations are conducted to include employment verification, personal reference, financial and neighbor contact. A background investigator will schedule the applicant for a pre-employment polygraph examination during this process.

Criminal Convictions

Applicants must never have been convicted of any felony or any Class I or Class II criminal misdemeanor (misdemeanors that could require a jail sentence), or equivalent offense for non-Virginia laws. Fingerprint checks are required. Applicants must report any pending traffic violations, arrests, or receipt of any summons to appear in court, criminal or civil, in any political jurisdiction anywhere received during the application process. Further, they must report any contact with any law enforcement authority which results, or may result, in completion of a police report where the applicant is a suspect, victim, or complainant.

Selection

When a vacancy exists, the Chief of Police will consider those applicants who have satisfactorily completed all the steps in the process. Candidates selected for appointment must successfully complete a physical and psychological examination, provided at the expense of the city.