Public Safety Dispatcher

Examples of Duties

• Dispatches emergency and non-emergency police personnel in response to calls for service; receives information, questions and requests for service; determines nature and priority of calls for service, routes calls as needed and dispatches appropriate units for response.
• Handles inquiries involving public emergencies; recognizes sensitive information and handles accordingly; provides information to field units, other agencies and the public.
• Alerts other agencies and coordinates mutual response radio traffic and information distribution.
• Operates computer aided dispatch system and other telecommunications devices; performs routine equipment testing, upkeep and maintenance.
• Operates computer equipment using designated systems and programs such as word processing, desktop publishing, databases and spreadsheets; makes inquiries and entries through local, State and Federal computer information systems.
• Sends, receives and routes a variety of law enforcement reports, warrants and other materials.
• Reviews and records case information; maintains logs and records including automated record files; prepares reports and other related forms and records.
• May assist in training new dispatchers and participate in various Police Department activities and operations as assigned.

Education/Experience
Any combination equivalent to education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: Graduation from high school.
Experience: Two years of responsible full-time work experience involving public contact, computer usage, and/or heavy telephone traffic. Experience in public safety, or dealing with stressful, multi-task oriented situations is highly desirable.
Other Requirements

• Passing CritiCall Exam or ECOMM score dated within 1 year of application (lateral transfers from other agencies do not need to submit) (see below).
• Ability to obtain a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate within one year of employment.
• Willingness and/or ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, holidays and weekends; work on an on-call basis; work irregular duty assignments; wear a uniform and safety equipment; work outside in inclement weather; work under undesirable and hazardous conditions; conform to department grooming standards; successfully pass a background investigation; work alone; attend educational sessions as required; travel out of town for one day or more.
• Candidates considered for appointment must successfully pass job related post offer, pre-employment medical and psychological examinations including a drug screening, and have vision correctable to 20/30 and normal color vision and hearing. Incumbents must demonstrate a state of physical and mental health consistent with the ability to perform assigned duties.
• Selected positions require possession of a valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment.

Knowledge
Knowledge of organization and functions of a municipal law enforcement agency; modern office practices and procedures; application of modern computer technology including designated operating programs and software.

Ability
Ability to effectively coordinate the work of safety enforcement personnel in the field; assess and prioritize emergency situations; make rapid and sound independent judgements in stressful emergency situations; perform clerical work and basic mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy; operate computer equipment, a variety of office equipment and specialized police department equipment including computerized telecommunications and dispatch equipment; read, interpret, apply and explain various codes, regulations, manuals, maps, etc.; establish and maintain accurate records; prepare reports; communicate effectively; act with resourcefulness, courtesy and initiative; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public.

Typing Skill
Ability to type from clear printed copy at a speed of 35 net words per minute.