As a Radio Communications Operator (RCO), you will be the first point of contact for residents, visitors and agencies seeking public safety services. RCOs are critically important to the State Patrol because they are the link from people in need to State Patrol services. As an RCO, your duties will be to communicate with the public, gather facts, analyze, prioritize, send the right resources and help people through times of crisis. Every day is different, and you will directly affect the lives and safety of Minnesota residents and visitors. 

RCO training academy 

State Patrol RCOs receive 160 hours of classroom training prior to beginning their field training. Classroom training includes Crisis Management, Computer-Aided Dispatch Operations, Media Relations and other courses. During 12 weeks of field training, you will work directly with an RCO trainer who will ensure you are competent and well-trained to handle emergency calls. Learn more about RCO training.

Dynamic work environment 

RCOs are on duty across the state 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Every position is full-time. We have a variety of shifts and schedules; twice each year, the standard shifts are requested and assigned based on RCO seniority. There is opportunity for overtime based on demand for service; overtime is paid at 1.5 times the hourly wage. 

Dispatch locations 

The Minnesota State Patrol has two regional dispatch centers, called Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). They are located in Roseville and Rochester. The Roseville center handles all metro and northern Minnesota 911 calls. The Rochester center handles 911 calls placed in the southern third of the state. 

How to apply 

Open positions are posted on the Minnesota Government careers website. 

For more information, email Patrol.Dispatcher@state.mn.us.