FAQs • San Mateo • CivicEngage

Are there housing programs for dispatchers?: The City of San Mateo created barracks for employees. We have sleeping quarters at headquarters and the substation for employees to refresh themselves between shifts or before their commute home. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the San Mateo Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding (SMPOA MOU).

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Police Department Recruitment: Dispatcher Incentives

Dispatchers currently work on one of the following two teams:

Current Shifts

2. What is the base salary range for dispatchers, not including qualifying incentives?: Effective July 9, 2023, the base salary for Dispatcher I/II ranges from $85,543 - $112,284 per year. This does not include incentives. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the San Mateo Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding (SMPOA MOU).

3. What incentives do you have if applicable?: The Police Officers’ Association negotiated the following incentives for dispatchers: Shift Differential (5%), Bilingual ($3,599/year), Uniform Allowance ($208/year), Training Officer (8%), and a PORAC Trust account funded by the City. The City of San Mateo also offers free fitness classes through Parks and Recreation for employees. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the San Mateo Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding (SMPOA MOU).

4. Do you offer a pension?: Yes. CalPERS retirement 2% @ 55 with 3-year average final comp for “Classic” members and 2% @ 62 with 3-year average final comp for “New” members. Dispatchers also participate in the Social Security Program. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the San Mateo Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding (SMPOA MOU).

5. Is there lifetime medical for dispatchers?: The City of San Mateo contributes $500 per month into the PORAC Medical Trust account for members of the Police Officers’ Association; this includes dispatchers. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the San Mateo Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding (SMPOA MOU).

6. What medical benefits are available?: A choice of medical plans with individual coverage of 100% and City paid family coverage up to 90% of the Kaiser family plan or $160 per month if waived. City paid premiums for dental, vision, and life insurance. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the San Mateo Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding (SMPOA MOU).

7. How many vacation, and sick time hours would I receive?: 88-200 hours of annual vacation (depending on years of service), 13 paid holidays per year, and 96 sick hours per year. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the San Mateo Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding (SMPOA MOU).

8. Are there housing programs for dispatchers?: The City of San Mateo created barracks for employees. We have sleeping quarters at headquarters and the substation for employees to refresh themselves between shifts or before their commute home. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the San Mateo Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding (SMPOA MOU).