Police Dispatcher

Police Dispatcher

The City of Bell Gardens Police Department (BGPD) is seeking a highly motivated and public service oriented individual for the position of Police Dispatcher. The City of Bell Gardens Police Department is committed to providing the highest level of service to the community, while working with the residents and our members, demonstrating professionalism, integrity and accountability.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Under general supervision, the Police Dispatcher receives emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment utilizing computer aided dispatch, telephone and/or radio communications equipment in accordance with department policies and procedures.

WORK SCHEDULE: An applicant for this position must be willing and available to work any assigned shift, including weekend and holiday hours, and may be subject to call-ins during emergency situations and staffing shortages.

This City is only accepting online applications for this recruitment. As such, you must complete and submit an online application, submit typing certificate, and completely answer all supplemental questions to be considered for this position.

Examples of Essential Functions

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receives emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public for police, fire, or other emergency services; determines the nature of the call and the resources necessary to respond.
• Communicates with callers to determine the nature of the call and provide appropriate assistance; maintains composure to ensure that complete and accurate information is transmitted.
• Screens non-emergency calls for service; provides requested information or directs callers to the proper person, department or agency.
• Monitors police radio communications; maintains contact with police units to track officer status and respond to need for additional resources.
• Assists police personnel in the field quickly and accurately researching and relaying criminal history information and other requested data.
• Updates and maintains electronic records and logs of data pertaining to calls and activities.

Minimum & Desirable Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Any combination of education, training and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for successful job performance. A typical way to obtain the requisite qualifications to perform the duties of this class is as follows:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent; and
• Two (2) years of experience in typing and general clerical work, including one year of experience which required considerable public contact.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The ability to analyze situations and adopt an effective and reasonable course of action; work well under pressure and in stressful situations. College level courses in Criminal Justice, Public Administration or a related field.

POST Dispatcher Certificate highly desirable. Ability to speak Spanish highly desirable. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: Computer aided dispatch preferred. Prioritizing and multi-tasking skills; excellent writing skills; analytical skills.

Ability to: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Speak clearly and precisely; Effectively communicate and elicit information from upset and irate citizens; Type accurately at a speed of no less than 40 net words per minute; Understand and follow written and oral instructions; Learn and follow standard broadcasting procedures and rules; Learn and utilize a wide variety of codes and computer commands; Spell accurately; Operate computer aided dispatching (CAD) equipment 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; Work with minimum supervision; Read maps; Accomplish tasks in an organized, effective manner while working under stress; and sit for prolonged periods of time.

Other Important Information

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record may be required for some assignments. Ability to type 40 wpm either on a typewriter or computer keyboard. A CERTIFICATE OF TYPING PROFICIENCY MUST BE ATTACHED TO YOUR APPLICATION. Typing certificates must be a 5-minute timed typing certificate noting a net typing speed (after errors) of 40 wpm or more. This certificate must be dated no later than 6 months before the application due date and provided from an accredited school, agency, facility or institution that is deemed acceptable by the City's Human Resources Department.

SELECTION PROCESS: Following a review of all applications, the best qualified candidates will be invited for further assessment. The examination components listed below will be used to evaluate the qualifications of those who are invited. Applicants must achieve a passing score on all examination components in order to be placed on the eligible list. Eligible lists are valid for one (1) year, unless extended by the City Manager for an additional six (6) months. The examination components will conducted in the following order:

• Application Review: Qualifying
• Written Exam: 30%
• Oral Appraisal Interview: 70%
• Polygraph, Background Investigation
• Psychological Screening & Medical Examination

Successful applicants will be invited, via email to take a written exam. The City of Bell Gardens will accept POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery T-Score of 42 or higher taken within 12 months of application filing date. A copy of your POST Dispatcher Test T-score must be submitted with your application.

NOTICES: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. This position is subject to and dependent on the continued availability of funds and the manpower needs of the City of Bell Gardens. Under the California Government Code, Chapter 8 of Division 4 of Title 1, Section 3100 and the City of Bell Gardens Municipal Code Chapter 2.34, all City employees are designated as official disaster workers in the event of a declared disaster. In a declared disaster City employees may be required to report to work at times other than their regularly scheduled shifts and work extensive overtime during the emergency period. Selected candidate will be designated as a "Disaster Services Worker" and will be required to submit to an Oath of Office.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Bell Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.