REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the City Manager to execute the Side Letter Agreement between the City of Santa Clara and the Public Safety Non-Sworn Employees Association (Unit 10) that provides a pilot program for training pay for Senior Public Safety Dispatchers who are assigned to train newly hired lateral Public Safety Dispatchers.
Report
BACKGROUND
The City has experienced recruitment challenges for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher in the Police Department (Department). Public agencies across the State are experiencing similar recruiting challenges. In the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Adopted Operating Budget, there are 21.0 budgeted Dispatcher positions (16.0 Public Safety Dispatchers and 5.0 Senior Public Safety Dispatchers). As of January 2026, the City has 4.0 FTE Public Safety Dispatcher vacancies and 2.0 FTE Senior Public Safety Dispatcher vacancies. The City is continuously recruiting for these positions. While many applications are received, many applicants are screened out during the Police Department's background process. For this reason, it is essential for those hired to be trained comprehensively by existing Senior Public Safety Dispatchers and meet the standards set by the Department and the City of Santa Clara.
The City has taken several steps to ensure efficient supervision and operation of the Communications Dispatch Center. Further, the City has implemented several efforts to attract candidates to apply for the Public Safety Dispatcher positions. This includes, but is not limited to: increased emphasis on the benefits of working for the City and Police Department; implementing the Public Safety Dispatcher Retention Bonus Program; implementing the Lateral Public Safety Dispatcher Hiring Incentive Program; and revamping and updating the new employee training program.
Since these efforts have been implemented, the City has hired 6.0 FTE lateral Public Safety Dispatchers with an 18-month probationary period. A lateral hire ...
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