Coronado police dispatcher candidates must now hold a state telecommunications certification before accessing law-enforcement databases. The previous rule gave new hires six months to earn it.
The Coronado Civil Service Commission approved the updated Police Dispatcher classification 3-0 at its Aug. 13 meeting, according to meeting minutes in the commission's Oct. 1 agenda packet. The police chief requested the change to prepare for recruiting. The city has one open dispatcher position and expects a second vacancy. The opening is listed as accepting applications.
Chair Lisa Lombardo, Dawn Dugas and Julie Lowell voted yes. Glen Crawford was absent.
The change follows what the agenda packet describes as a September 2025 update to California Department of Justice rules governing the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS). Under the updated standards, all sworn and non-sworn personnel must complete basic CLETS training before accessing criminal history and personal identification databases. The DOJ's published document is labeled as proposed revisions to those rules.
Beyond the certification change, the revised classification updates the job's essential functions to reflect duties dispatchers currently perform, particularly involving modern software and technology systems.
Engineering classification change heads to Oct. 1 vote
A separate classification revision goes before the commission at its Thursday, Oct. 1 special meeting at Coronado City Hall, 1825 Strand Way. The commission will consider changes to the Assistant Director of Public Services & Engineering job specification, last updated in 2022.
Personnel Officer John J. Kim recommended the changes in a Sept. 10 memo. The revised spec keeps a single job title but spells out different qualifications depending on whether the role is assigned to engineering or public services work.
The engineering track requires at least five years of experience managing public works or civil engineering projects, a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a valid California Professional Engineer registration. That assignment also requires the incumbent to serve as city engineer and sign engineering plans.
The public services track calls for at least seven years of experience in areas such as waste collection, water and wastewater systems, and public works maintenance. It requires a bachelor's degree in public administration or a related field but does not require a Professional Engineer license.
The city listed eight active recruitments in the Oct. 1 report, including openings for a police captain, senior engineer, lead pump mechanic and information technology analyst.
