Emergency Communications Unit

Please be advised, Leander residents who have an emergency should dial 911 to report their emergency, where a 911 operator will answer your request with the following statement:

Leander 911 What is the address of your emergency?

In addition, you will be prompted for the following information:

• Describe the emergency situation
• Where is the emergency? (Street address and nearest cross street)
• What phone number you are calling from

Remember, depending on the type of emergency, you may be asked other questions to obtain additional information.

As a call-taker and Emergency Communications Operator (ECO), you are often one of the first voices that someone needing help will hear. If you are interested in a career with this department, we are looking for mature, level-headed, fast-thinking, and problem-solving individuals who understand a "service first" philosophy.

Leander Police Department ECOs are the vital link between members of our community and the help they need, and the vital link between officers and the support they need. You will coordinate calls for service using our CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system and dispatch emergency calls to police officers on patrol. You will perform information searches for officers and detectives in the field using the National Crime Information System (NCIC) and Texas Crime Information System (TCIC).

We are one of the fastest growing communities in one of the fastest growing regions of Texas, so if you have a vision for the future and want to get in on the ground floor of a rapidly expanding department, the Leander Police Department is the place to be.

We offer a high level of specialized training and opportunities for advancement with an ECO career plan that allows progression to ECO I, ECO II, ECO III, and ECO Supervisor positions. Communications operators with relevant and related experience may be able to laterally enter our program with a higher designation and pay. We also offer a number of quality pay incentives for our ECO personnel not available at other agencies.

If this sounds like something you are interested in, see our Recruiting page for the latest posting information on any open positions.

Leander Police Department Pay Ranges for Emergency Communications Operators (ECO)

Communications Progressive Rank Changes - Progressive rank changes require passing a written exam.

• Key Note 1: 
  • Emergency Communications Operator I to Operator II
    • Must have 1 year of continuous successful service.
  • Emergency Communications Operator II to Operator III
    • Must have 2 continuous years of successful service as Emergency Communications Operator II and possess a T.C.O.L.E. intermediate Telecommunicator's license.
• Key Note 2: 
  • Applicants with prior T.C.O.L.E. licensed Telecommunications Service:
    • Entry Level Emergency Communications Operator II
      • Must have 1 continuous year of successful previous service as a T.C.O.L.E. licensed telecommunications officer.
    • Entry Level Emergency Communications Operator III
      • Must have 3 continuous years of successful previous service as a T.C.O.L.E. licensed telecommunications officer.
      • Requires approval by the Chief of Police.

Police Communications Pay Incentives

Spanish Language or American Sign Language Proficiency Incentive Pay

• $100 monthly to TCOs who demonstrate proficiency in Spanish Language or American Sign Language through a departmental testing and certification process.

Communications Training Officer Incentive Pay

• An additional $2 an hour to designated C.T.O. (Communications Training Officers) when they are actively training new personnel.

Educational Incentive or T.C.O.L.E. Certification Incentive Pay

• This pay is awarded monthly. Those with a degree, or at least 60 credit hours, or have earned a T.C.O.L.E. Intermediate/Advance/Master's certification are eligible for a single education or incentive pay based on the highest for which they qualify.

College Reimbursement - All college reimbursements require chain of command approval.

• Mandated College courses - Generally reimbursed for 100% of tuition and associated Costs.
• Approved Elective courses - Reimbursement based on final grade:
  • A - 75% of Tuition
  • B - 50% of Tuition
  • C - 25% of Tuition

Moving Expenses Reimbursement - Specific Requirements must be met to qualify

• Up to $1,500 to cover the costs associated with moving specifically, travel expenses, lodging, as well as the moving of household goods and personal effects.

Additional Communications Benefits

• Health and Wellness Program/Gym Use - Emergency Communications Operators are permitted to use the Leander Police Department Gym during authorized shift times.
• Uniforms - All uniform items are provided to TCOs; this biennial boot replacement.

City of Leander Annual Performance-Based Pay Increases

• The actual annual amount will be determined by the City Council during the annual budgetary process.
• Annual pay increases are based upon performance as a reward to employees for their ability and efficiency in performing their duties.

Annual Longevity Pay

• After 1 year of employment, all employees are eligible for an additional rate of $5 per month for each full year of continuous service; this is paid annually, most often in the Fall, shortly after the start of the new budget year.