Civilian Members

• Secondary school education or its equivalent
• Be of good moral character and habits
• Good computer and typing skills
• Able to communicate both written and verbal
• Well developed interpersonal skills
• Organization and time management skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy

These are just the general minimum requirements for a civilian position with the Durham Regional Police Service. Depending on the position applied for, there may be other requirements (i.e. Valid Driver's License).

1. Applicants must apply online by uploading a cover letter and resume as one PDF to an open job posting.

2. Find the open job posting here and upload the PDF when resume is requested.

Human Resources is unable to accept e-mail, FAX, or in-person applications.

Upon submission of your application, a review of your resume will then be conducted to ensure you meet all requirements.

If an applicant meets all requirements, an interview will be scheduled to determine their suitability for the position applied to with the DRPS.

If successful, a criminal record check and background investigation will be conducted including: CPIC check, Records check, character references, professional references and a fingerprint check.

If successful through this step, all information gathered will be reviewed and determined if you are deemed suitable for the civilian position.

Looking to become a 9-1-1/Communicator?

The primary role of a 911 Communicator is to receive and assess emergency and non-emergency calls, prioritize them according to urgency, and coordinate the timely dispatch of the necessary resources. This process is guided by the circumstances of each situation and the details provided by the caller, ensuring an effective and appropriate response.

This position also assigns and dispatches police units to calls for service and provides support by way of CPIC inquiries, obtaining other emergency and non- emergency services and monitoring officer activity especially as it is related to officer and public safety.

The demanding nature of this work may not be suitable for everyone. The role requires intense focus and the ability to work at a fast pace for extended periods. Communicators face difficult situations, including responding to suicidal callers or tragic incidents. The ability to switch from life-threatening emergencies to routine inquiries while maintaining professionalism and respect for all callers requires discipline. Every call must be treated as if it is the most important of the day

However, the strong sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing you’ve made a meaningful impact on the safety of your community is truly invaluable. Whether it’s by gathering essential information, coordinating emergency services, or providing critical communication and support during a crisis, your contributions are essential. The gratification of being the crucial link between emergency responders and those in need, and serving as a lifeline to the officers, establishes you as a true leader in community safety

The training program includes 8 weeks of classroom instruction, followed by an intensive hands-on phase with a trainer on the operational floor. Trainees undergo regular performance evaluations to track their progress over an estimated six-month period.

The Communications 911 Unit is fully operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Shifts consist of twelve hours, with a two-day, two-night rotation, followed by four days off.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

911 Calls: Receive emergency calls from the public and determine which emergency service (Police, Fire, Ambulance) is required and ensure calls for service are acted upon and/or transferred to the appropriate agency.

Calls for Service: Receive, prioritize and act on all calls for the police service; ensure all necessary information is obtained; obtain and co-ordinate services of outside agencies (i.e.: fire, ambulance, tow trucks, hydro, etc.); be fully aware of support services and the means of alerting these services (i.e.: explosive disposal, tactical support, air/sea rescue).

Receive/Dispatch Calls: Prioritize and organize calls according to standard operating procedures, identify available units and assign them to calls for service; during a major incident, monitor and react to requests from the scene commander.

Monitor Systems: Oversee a multi-channel radio system, keeping account of all units, their locations, and responding to any officer emergency signals; monitor emergency alarm systems and take necessary action; monitor officer activities through the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, prioritizing officer and public safety; identify and report any system malfunctions.

Computer: Obtain and provide CPIC and local check information as requested by field units; collect relevant data from sites through the DRPS internal computer system.

9-1-1/Communicator Skills:

• Proven accurate alpha and numeric data entry skills
• Demonstrated active listening skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills with multiple levels and sources for listening and comprehension
• Proven accurate alpha and numeric data entry skills
• Well-developed time management, prioritization, multi-tasking and organizational skills
• Ability to gain cooperation and influence other to maintain calm and de-escalate conflict until assistance arrives
• Demonstrated ability to control personal emotions and interact and respond to irate and emotional members of the public while working in a dynamic, face-paced, stressful environment
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment, deal with diversity and conflict resolution
• Proven ability to interact diplomatically, tactfully and confidentially with all levels of the Service and public
• Must gain cooperation and influence others to maintain calm and de-escalate conflict until assistance arrives
• Ability to interact and respond appropriately to irate and emotional individuals
• Exhibit exceptional multitasking skills, such as typing and listening simultaneously
• Interpret maps and deliver precise directions quickly under pressure

9-1-1/Communicator Requirements:

• Completion of secondary school plus additional related coursework up to and including 1-year community college or equivalent
• Completion of an Emergency Services college program will be considered an asset
• Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) certificate will be considered an asset
• Proficiency with Versaterm CAD 7.6, AVL and Harris Radio System will be considered an asset
• Recent and relevant Communications/9-1-1 and Dispatch experience will be considered an asset
• Minimum 6 months previous experience in a related field including experience call taking in a call centre, or equivalent customer service experience
• Must be 18 years of age and legally eligible to work in Canada
• Must not have been convicted of a criminal offence for which a pardon has not been granted
• Must not have any charges before the courts
• Must be of good moral character
• The ability to work shift-work, including weekends and statutory holidays is an absolute requirement
• Typing skills of a minimum 40 words per minute with 90% accuracy

Selection Process

As part of the selection for this position, qualifications and skills will be assessed to measure the suitability of all applicants.

Assessments include, but not limited to: resume review, computer typing test (minimum 40 words per minute at 90% accuracy), Criticall Software Assessment of dispatching and call taking skills (minimum 85% result required), panel interview, medical assessment, psychological assessment and an extensive background investigation.

Successful candidates will be hired on a part-time contract, where once trained, will be restricted to 1450 hours annually. There are full part-time positions on a regular basis, covering leaves of absence.

Completion of both Call taking and Dispatch training is necessary to be eligible for Full time positions, as they become available.

New Communicators are invited to apply to the Call Taker posting, click HERE

Experienced Communicators.

Applicants must possess:

• More than 1 year experience (current) in a Communications/9-1-1 environment and signed off (or equivalent qualifications) in a Call Taker and Dispatch capacity
• Current experience in a police Primary Public Safety Answering Point (PPSAP) will be considered an asset

To view the Experienced Police 9-1-1 Communicator posting, click HERE

Employment information sessions for those interested in careers in the Communications/9-1-1 Unit are open to the public and scheduled as required. 

Check our event calendar to see upcoming sessions.
When there is an open session, you can register here.