Police Dispatcher Lateral

Under general supervision, receives requests for law enforcement services and dispatches units via radio; maintains contact with department personnel in the field; performs related duties as required.

This is a journey level class and incumbents are required to perform the full range of dispatching duties. In addition, Police Dispatchers may assist with the training of less experienced personnel.

Essential Functions

Receives requests for police or other emergency services over the phone; answers 911 calls; screens incoming calls to determine necessity, priority, and type of response required; monitors other radio frequencies to be aware of incidents elsewhere that may affect City police operations; monitors cameras throughout the building.

Dispatches, as necessary, police units in response to calls for service or request from officers in the field; uses law enforcement terminology and cites Code sections by number; calls public and private agencies, such as allied law enforcement, hospitals, towing services, and utilities and requests mutual assistance when necessary.

Keeps track of police unit locations and status; maintains constant radio communication with personnel in the field; runs warrant checks on subjects, registration checks on vehicles, and property checks; relays information and instructions to personnel in the field.

Maintains accurate log of incoming service requests and actions taken; prepares other reports and records as directed; maintains files necessary for dispatch as assigned; enters, updates, and retrieves information from the computer and teletype networks.

Provides general information to the public; as necessary, refers callers to appropriate agencies; calms angered or distraught callers; maintains calm in radio transmissions during hectic, tense, and dangerous situations; may assist citizens and police officers with translation related needs.

Provides temporary and vacation relief for other staff as necessary; may search prisoners on an as needed basis and supervise and care for infants and children awaiting transportation.

Marginal Functions:
These are position functions which may be changed, deleted or reassigned to accommodate an individual with a disability.

Qualification Guidelines

Education and/or Experience:Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for satisfactory job performance. Example combinations include graduation from high school or equivalent AND two (2) years of experience in typing and general clerical work including one year of experience with required considerable public contact.
Preferred Knowledge, Skill and Abilities :
Considerable knowledge of office procedures, record keeping system, forms correspondence, reports and other materials common to operation of a police department; police dispatching procedures and the laws and regulations governing the use of dispatching equipment in a law enforcement agency; agencies involved with police activities; Penal Code, Vehicle Code, and local municipal code; 911 system and TDD Deaf Translation System; computerized systems used in municipal law enforcement agencies.
Ability of communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; type accurately at a speed of not less than 40 net words per minute; understand and follow oral and written instructions; learn and follow standard broadcasting procedures and rules; learn and utilize a wide variety of codes and computer commands; spell accurately; work various shifts; operate computer terminal and other office equipment quickly; accurately, and at times, concurrently; respond to emergency and problem situations in an effective manner; understand, explain and apply policies and procedures; dispatch police units quickly and effectively; speak clearly and precisely; work under pressure and exercise good judgment; effectively communicate and elicit information from upset and irate citizens; work with minimum supervision.