Police Communications Officer I (SR-17)

February 16, 2026

The salary listed on this recruitment DOES NOT include incentive pay of $2.00 per hour, for every hour worked. This incentive pay is not guaranteed and can be removed at any time. The Police Communications Officer I (PCO-I) receives formal and on-the-job training in police communications operations to perform police communications duties independently. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:<ul style="list-style-type: disc;padding: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 40.0px;color: inherit;font-style: normal;text-align: left;text-indent: 0.0px;"><li style="list-style-type: inherit;padding: 0.0px;margin: 0.0px;">Operation of emergency 911 communications equipment and Computer Aided Dispatch System (CADS).<li style="list-style-type: inherit;padding: 0.0px;margin: 0.0px;">Answering emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the general public and other public safety agencies for the protection of life and property.<li style="list-style-type: inherit;padding: 0.0px;margin: 0.0px;">Gathering information from callers to identify proper classification, prioritization and required resources to ensure officer and public safety.</ul>This recruitment is NOT for 911 Emergency Response Operators that receive, screen and route telephone requests for 911 emergency assistance. The primary duties for this position include receiving emergency and non-emergency 911 calls for police assistance in Honolulu's Emergency Operations Center. CAREER PROGRESSION After passing the initial 6 month probation for the PCO-I position, employees may express interest in attending dispatch training to obtain radio certification. Dispatch/radio certification training will be offered by seniority, as vacancies occur in the dispatching section. After a PCO-I successfully completes this training, they will progress to the Police Communications Officer II (SR-19) position and perform dispatching duties in addition to call-taking duties. For more information, <a href="https://www.joinhonolulupd.org/salary--benefits1.html" style="color: inherit;text-decoration: none;font-style: normal;text-align: left;text-indent: 0.0px;">please click here.</a> <div style="color: inherit;font-style: normal;text-align: left;text-indent: 0.0px;">ONLINE PERFORMANCE TEST</div>Those who meet the minimum qualifications will be emailed instructions to take the online Performance Test (usually within 2-3 business days). Applicants should take the exam as soon as possible! This is a computer-based work simulation test that measures the general aptitudes needed to be a Police Communications Officer. No prior experience is necessary to pass the test, which may include the following areas: oral comprehension, reasoning ability, decision making, data entry, speed and accuracy, call summarization, cross referencing, memory recall and map reading. This test is NOT administered in person. All applicants who pass the test will be required to take a confirmatory test later in the process. Any signs of cheating or receiving assistance will result in a permanent disqualification from employment with the Honolulu Police Department. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION Applicants who pass the Performance Test will automatically move into the Background Investigation phase and have 10 days to complete an online Personal History Statement and get fingerprinted. For more information on the remaining steps, please <a href="https://www.joinhonolulupd.org/application-process1.html" style="color: inherit;text-decoration: none;font-style: normal;text-align: left;text-indent: 0.0px;">click here</a>. At the time of application, applicants must meet the following:<ul style="list-style-type: disc;padding: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 40.0px;color: inherit;font-style: normal;text-align: left;text-indent: 0.0px;"><li style="list-style-type: inherit;padding: 0.0px;margin: 0.0px;">High School Diploma or General Educational Diploma (GED).<li style="list-style-type: inherit;padding: 0.0px;margin: 0.0px;">Ability to type accurately at a rate of 35 words per minute (WPM).<li style="list-style-type: inherit;padding: 0.0px;margin: 0.0px;">One (1) year of work experience which involved interaction with others for the purpose of providing information, answering questions and inquiries, and/or explaining policies, rules and regulations in person or by telephone.<li style="list-style-type: inherit;padding: 0.0px;margin: 0.0px;">Familiarity with personal computers and Windows-based applications; proficient at using a keyboard; ability to perform multiple tasks while simultaneously using a computer.<li style="list-style-type: inherit;padding: 0.0px;margin: 0.0px;">US Citizen, US National, Permanent Resident Alien of the US, or Non-Citizen with unrestricted employment authorization.</ul>SPECIAL WORK REQUIREMENTS<ul style="list-style-type: disc;padding: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 40.0px;color: inherit;font-style: normal;text-align: left;text-indent: 0.0px;"><li style="list-style-type: inherit;padding: 0.0px;margin: 0.0px;">This is a critical public safety position which is considered "essential." Extended hours (pre-shift, post-shift and/or on days off) may be required to meet minimum staffing requirements.<li style="list-style-type: inherit;padding: 0.0px;margin: 0.0px;">This position requires varying work locations and schedules (evenings, weekends, holidays, etc.)<li style="list-style-type: inherit;padding: 0.0px;margin: 0.0px;">Regular and reliable attendance is critical due to operational needs, to ensure public safety and prompt emergency service to the community.</ul>In addition to meeting these minimum qualifications and special work requirements, you will be required to meet additional selection standards related to your character and background once in the HPD's selection process. To review the automatic disqualifiers, <a href="https://www.joinhonolulupd.org/disqualifiers.html" style="color: inherit;text-decoration: none;font-style: normal;text-align: left;text-indent: 0.0px;">please click here.</a> All notifications will be sent via email. Applicants are responsible for monitoring instructions and correspondence by checking email accounts in a timely manner. To ensure proper delivery, please use a valid email account, verify a correct email address is entered into the GovernmentJobs account that is used to apply, and check spam folders on a regular basis. Paper applications are not accepted for this recruitment. For questions regarding this recruitment, contact the Honolulu Police Department's Career Center at (808) 723-7788. Please DO NOT contact the City & County of Honolulu's Department of Human Resources.

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