Police Dispatcher Trainee

Police Dispatcher Trainee

Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Police Department is seeking highly motivated, service-oriented individuals to begin a career in public safety communications as a Police Dispatcher Trainee. This entry-level training classification provides candidates with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, technical skills, judgment, and confidence necessary to support police operations within one of the nation's largest and most dynamic public transit systems.

Working under close supervision as part of a formal training program, Police Dispatcher Trainees learn to receive, evaluate, prioritize, and transmit emergency and non-emergency calls for police services. Trainees receive hands-on instruction and guided experience in departmental procedures, radio protocols, applicable laws, codes and regulations, computer-aided dispatch (CAD), telecommunications systems, emergency communications, and police radio operations. This position is well suited for individuals who can remain composed in high-pressure situations, process information quickly and accurately, communicate clearly, and successfully manage multiple priorities at the same time.

The ideal candidate is a motivated and adaptable learner who can quickly absorb, retain, and apply complex information, including radio protocols, dispatch procedures, law enforcement terminology, CAD systems, and telecommunications technology. They are receptive to training and feedback, committed to continuous improvement, and demonstrate increasing confidence, independence, and proficiency as they progress through the training program.

The most qualified candidates for this position will have highly developed competencies in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be clearly articulated during the selection process:

• Communication and Active Listening Communicates clearly and professionally while listening carefully, asking appropriate questions, and gathering essential information.
• Composure and Stress Tolerance Maintains focus, professionalism, and emotional control in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Multitasking and Prioritization Manages multiple tasks and information sources simultaneously while prioritizing effectively and maintaining accuracy.
• Critical Thinking and Sound Judgment Quickly evaluates information, identifies priorities, and makes appropriate decisions within established procedures.
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy Accurately receives, records, and communicates critical information that may affect public and officer safety.
• Teamwork and Collaboration Works effectively with colleagues and agency partners while remaining receptive to coaching, feedback, and development.
• Public Service and Interpersonal Effectiveness Provides professional, respectful, and responsive service to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Adaptability and Reliability Adapts to changing priorities and emergency conditions while demonstrating consistent dependability in a 24-hour public safety environment.

The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement and may include one or more of the following: a skills or performance demonstration, written examination, and/or panel or individual interview.

All applications will be reviewed by the Talent Acquisition Division to determine whether applicants meet the established Minimum Qualifications (MQs). Applicants who meet the MQs may be referred to the hiring department for further evaluation as part of the selection process. Unsuccessful applicants may re-apply online by visiting our website at for a listing of open positions.

The selection process for the Police Dispatcher Trainee will include 6 phases:

PHASE 1: Background Pre-Screening Application Questionnaire

PHASE 2: Minimum Qualifications Screening

PHASE 3: POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery written examination.

Applicants may be waived from the written exam if they possess one of the following:

• Have a POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (T-Score) of 48 or higher dated within the last 12 months
• Have passing CritiCall scores dated within the last 12 months
• Have a valid POST Dispatcher Academy Certificate and/or POST Dispatcher Certificate

PHASE 4: Typing Test (or typing certificate submission)

Typing Certificate Requirements:

5- minute timed test Must be able to type at a speed of 40 net words per minute Certificate must include gross and net words per minute with no more than 10 errors Typing certificates must be within the last six (6) months by a recognized college, public school, career center or temporary employment agency.

Note: Current BART employees who are occupying positions which presently require a 40 Net WPM typing requirement will be exempt from meeting the typing certificate requirement for the Police Dispatcher Trainee program.

PHASE 5: Oral Board Interview

PHASE 6: Background investigation. (may include polygraph, psychological screening)

Please note that the entire selection process may take 4-6 months to complete. The selected candidate must demonstrate a work history reflecting reliability and dependability and may be required to provide copies of certificates, diplomas, or other documentation required by law, including proof of authorization to work in the United States, and pass a pre-employment medical examination, which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include an extensive background check, a credit check, and successful completion of a polygraph exam. (Does not apply to current full-time BART Police Department employees unless a specific job requires additional evaluations).

If selected to proceed in the background investigative phase of the process, you will be asked to provide some essential documents. The following are some of the documents you may be asked to provide naturalization/citizenship papers, birth certificates, school transcripts, proof of Selective Service, DMV driving history documents, proof of automobile insurance, marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable), and POST certificates (if applicable).

Examples of Duties:

1. Receives and screens incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency calls under supervision.
2. Observes and assists with radio dispatch operations, such as dispatching patrol units and other police personnel to crime scenes and other transit system emergencies and incidents.
3. Trains on the operation of radio, telephone, computer terminal systems, and other communication systems.
4. Gathers, evaluates, and relays critical information to police personnel and other agencies.
5. Monitors and controls the District system alarm calls under supervision.
6. Responds to inquiries and provides information and assistance to the public and other agencies.
7. Maintains logs, records, and reports related to calls for service and other dispatcher activities.
8. Learns applicable laws, codes, and departmental policies related to dispatch operations.
9. Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education :

Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent.

Experience :

The equivalent of one (1) year of full-time experience in a position requiring extensive public contact, communication skills and effective interpersonal relationships.

Other Requirements:

• Must be able to successfully pass a detailed POST background investigation prior to appointment, including a psychological evaluation.
• Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Must type at 40 net wpm with no more than ten (10) errors.
• Must be able to move quickly from one workstation to another and perform any combination of duties or other related tasks at the same time.

Knowledge of :

• Basic law enforcement terminology, rules, and procedures.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing documents and operation of common office equipment.
• Methods and techniques for communicating effectively with the public.

Skill in :

• Learning and applying new information quickly, including complex radio, computer-aided dispatch (CAD), and telecommunications systems.
• Memorizing codes, names, locations and other detailed information; obtaining information from individuals in emergency situations.
• Performing multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and composure.
• Following oral and written directions precisely.
• Written and verbal communication, including clear and concise documentation.
• Working effectively under periods of stress and emergency situations.
• Performing routine clerical duties and maintaining accurate files.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be