Frequently Asked Questions

To apply for current open positions follow this link to the Riley County Police Department's Career Center: https://bit.ly/38OsYxE 

In the Career Center, you will find current position openings, and/or you can "Join Our Talent Community" to be notified as soon as a position becomes available.

If you're looking for a career, not just a job, the Riley County Police Department is the place for you. 

The RPCD Communications Center offers regionally competitive salaries, health insurance,  dental insurance, and retirement benefits We are proud to offer education incentives, training opportunities, and supervisory roles.

Dispatcher II:

A Dispatcher II is responsible for taking, processing and dispatching calls for service received on the department's 911 and administrative lines. Dispatchers utilize the county's digital radio system to maintain communication with the Riley County Police Department, Riley County EMS, Manhattan Fire Department and Riley County Fire District #1. This position requires 6-7 months of training, to include certification in the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch medical and fire call handling protocols. 

Current starting hourly rate for Dispatcher II: $19.10

To help foster a positive relationship with the community and to help citizens better understand what our dispatchers do on a daily basis, the Riley County Police Department has a sit-in program that puts citizens in the communication center with dispatchers. People can get a first-hand look at the work dispatchers face each day and hopefully come away with a better understanding of the services we provide.

Sit-in participants only act as observers. They do not perform any law enforcement work that the dispatcher would normally do. They do not wear a uniform, handle department equipment, or complete any official paperwork. To apply for a sit-in, complete this Ride-Along Application. Next, save as a PDF  and then submit by e-mail to the address posted at the bottom of this page (this form does contain personal and contact information). 

Authorization

• The Communication Center Manager, or designee, may allow civilians and law enforcement personnel from other jurisdictions to do a sit-in with dispatchers.
• Juvenile participants under age eighteen must secure additional approval from their parents or legal guardian.

Program Eligibility

• No more than 2 participants may sit-in during the same time period.
• Participants will complete and submit their Application and Waiver of Liability at least 14 days in advance of their preferred sit-in date and time. 
• Applications will be routed to the Public Information Officer for processing.
• A local background check and criminal history check is completed on all applicants.
• Upon final review, the Public Information Officer or shift supervisor will contact the participant to notify them of their eligibility status.

Waiver of Liability

• Required for all participants;
• Must be signed by all participants age 18 and over;
• Must be signed by all parents of participants under 18 years of age;
• Will reflect inherent risks of the sit-in program and the participant/parent's acceptance of these risks;
• Will reflect participant restrictions and instructions.

Dress Code

• Clean, casual clothing in good condition is acceptable;
• Shorts or sleeveless shirts are not allowed;
• Open-toed shoes are not allowed.

Guidelines

• Conduct themselves in a civil and courteous manner at all times;
• At all times obey the directives of the dispatcher with whom they are observing;
• Not interfere with dispatchers while in the performance of their duties;
• No photograph or recording by any means, any activity, person or area without permission of the dispatcher;
• Not become involved in the arrest or physical control of any person;
• Not carry weapons while participating in the sit-in program, unless you are an active Law Enforcement Officer.

For more information or to schedule a sit-in contact: