Do I Qualify?
To maintain a highly qualified, professional complement, Henrico County Department of Emergency Communications prides itself on employing individuals of the highest caliber – those who exceed our stringent standards. This ensures the Department exemplifies integrity, character and respect in our service to the public
No application for the position of 911 Dispatcher will be considered if there is an indication of any of the following:
- Conviction of any felony
- Conviction of or pled guilty or no contest to any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude including but not limited to petit larceny, drugs or other controlled substances, sex offenses, or domestic assault
- Sale, transportation, or illegal use of any Schedule I or II drugs (i.e. cocaine, crack, heroin, opiates, LSD, PCP, Psilocybin Mushrooms, barbiturates, ecstasy, amphetamines, etc.) within the past 10 years
- The sale, transportation, or illegal use of any Schedule I or II drug beyond 10 years will be considered on a case-by-case basis with the following criteria: Age at the time the behavior occurred, passage of time, patterns of past behavior, severity of behavior, probable consequences if past behavior is repeated or made public, likelihood of recurrence, relevance of past behavior to public safety employment, aggravating and mitigating factors, and other relevant considerations
- The illegal sale or use of a prescription drug, which may also be a schedule drug, is considered separately
- Use of marijuana or THC products from the date of application
- Applicant is not 18 years of age by the hire date
- Applicant is not a high school graduate or has not completed a GED program by the date of hire
- Applicant is not a United States citizen by date of hire or has not been a lawful resident of the United States for the past 10 consecutive years prior to date of hire
An applicant may be eliminated from further consideration on a case-by-case basis, for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
- Illegal use, sale, or transportation of Schedule III drugs or of prescription drugs (including Adderall)
- Commission of undetected crimes of a serious or repetitive nature
- Continual or unexplained poor financial responsibilities
- Uncorrected hearing and vision that falls below our physical audiometric device, the applicant does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the audiometric dence is calibrated to the National standard. The applicant must have 20/40 acuity or better in one or both eyes, with or without corrective lenses.
Although individuals with minimum qualifications may apply, only those with the greatest job-related experience, education, qualifications, and brightest background history will be selected.
Becoming a 911 Dispatcher:
Becoming a 911 Dispatcher in Henrico County doesn’t happen overnight. To be the best, we have to hire the best. That is why we thoroughly vet the qualification of each applicant, in addition to conducting a series of tests and interviews throughout the hiring process.
Hiring Process
Hiring Process
It is necessary to successfully complete each task within the established time frame to continue in the hiring process.
Step 1: Apply Online
Complete an Online Application.
Click Search/Apply for Job, then run keyword search “911 Dispatcher.”
If you’ve never applied for a job with Henrico County, it’s best to register before filling out your application. Provide a current email address since this will be the main point of contact during the hiring process.
STEP 2: CRITICALL 911 Dispatcher TEST
The Hiring Process Coordinator will provide you with a link and instructions on how to complete your CritiCall 911 Dispatcher Test. You will be able to complete the test remotely, on a computer of your choice. If you do not have access to a computer, you will have an option to test onsite. You can use the link below for the 911 Dispatch Data Entry Practice Test.
https://thepracticetest.com/data-entry/criticall-911-dispatch-test
Step 3: Background Investigation
A thorough background check is conducted to ensure there are no personal or professional issues precluding you from police service. Background investigators review your employment history, character references, academic records, residency history, illegal drug uses, criminal history, and credit history. It is imperative that you are thorough and truthful with the information you provide during your background investigation, or you could be disqualified from continuing in the process.
- Complete a Personal History Statement
- Have four completed Character Reference Questionnaires turned in (the form will be provided to you)
- Meet with the Hiring Process Coordinator to turn in your Personal History Statement, complete a preliminary interview, and sign background forms
- Background investigation completed by an assigned Background Investigator
- Polygraph Examination
- Background file reviewed through the chain-of-command
To speed up your background investigation, you can start gathering your background documents now.
- Applicants may provide either:
- Your Passport issued by the United States or
- A valid State ID card and either your Social Security Card or Birth Certificate (original or certified copy only)
- Original or Certified copy of your high school transcript or GED (you can start by contacting your high school)
- College transcript if applicable
- Copy of out of state Department of Motor Vehicle Driver’s Transcript’s (from states in which you have been licensed within the past 10 years)
- Military Separation Papers, DD214, if applicable https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/
Step 4: STAFF INTERVIEW
The next step of the hiring process is staff interviews. You will meet with a panel of DEC members to discuss your qualifications and gauge your fit for the Department of Emergency Communications. You will be evaluated on a variety of competencies and skills, including communication and critical-thinking skills, understanding of and interest in a 911 Dispatcher career, as well as your response to questions and scenarios. This is your chance to prove why we should hire you!
Step 5: CHIEF’S REVIEW
The Chief of Emergency Communications is presented with each applicant’s file. The Chief and his executive team discuss each applicant’s candidacy, qualifications, and evaluations. The Chief makes the final decision on all offers of employment. Those selected to move forward in the hiring process will be given a conditional offer of employment.
Step 6: PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AND CLINICAL INTERVIEW
To ensure you are psychologically stable and mentally fit to handle the stresses of emergency communications work, you will undergo a psychological evaluation. The assessment includes an online questionnaire as well as a clinical interview with a licensed psychologist.
Step 7: HEARING AND VISION EXAM AND DRUG SCREEN
The hearing and vision test determines if you are medically fit to meet the physical requirements of the job. A drug test will also be administered to check for the presence of illegal substances.
Step 8: FINAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT!
A final offer of employment will be extended to you by the Chief of Emergency Communications if you successfully complete all steps of the hiring process.
Recommendations
- Be honest and thorough
- Frequently check your email for information regarding the hiring process
- Respond to your hiring process coordinator and background investigators in a timely manner
- Meet set deadlines
- Arrive on time to scheduled appointments or make proper notification if you are going to be late or unable to attend
- Carefully read any information or instructions provided to you by agency members
- Practice your typing and data entry skills
- Maintain a good employment history
Prepare Today, Succeed Tomorrow
