Police Dispatcher

Dispatcher

Definition: Receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches Police as required; enters, retrieves, and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; adheres to applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties. Supervision received: Immediate and/or general direction from the Police Communications & Records Manager

Essential functions: Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Independently receives and evaluates 911, police emergency and business calls; transfers calls to appropriate parties; dispatches police units to emergency or non-emergency locations; handles inquiries and complaints regarding services from the public
• Obtain complete and accurate information from individuals in emergency situations, including those who are emotionally distraught, angry, or difficult to understand; remain calm and make rapid and sound independent judgments in stressful emergency situations; communicate tactfully and effectively with the public, public safety personnel and others
• Operates computer consoles for call input, dispatching and continuous update of suspect information and officer locations; enters call information in written or computer-based format; logs and fills out call forms
• Maintains records of radio calls; operates multi-channel radio systems; monitors other channels while maintaining radio traffic on main channels; maintains radio contact with mobile and portable units; recognized units from other agencies and assists them with City units or supplies requested information
• Responds to officer-initiated radio traffic and requests and disseminates suspect information from roll call boards, prior calls, and bulletins; assists public safety personnel in the field by relaying information; keeps command staff and field supervisors apprised of emergency situations and dispatches additional personnel and equipment as necessary
• Maintains and accesses business and premise history and index files for emergency and other necessary contacts; handles in-house and radio paging, crime-stopper, animal control and other after-hours phone lines
• Receives non-emergency calls for information and directs callers to the proper person, department, or agency
• During non-business hours, receives emergency and non-emergency calls for non-safety departments such as, Animal Control, street maintenance, public utilities, park maintenance, building maintenance, graffiti control, crime prevention, and City Hall
• Prepares records and reports, such as stolen vehicle reports, tow truck requests, etc.
• Makes DOJ entries in a timely, accurate manner as per DOJ mandates, missing persons, stolen vehicles, PPI's repo's, firearms, and all types of stolen property
• Establishes positive working relationships with co-workers, employees within the department, outside agencies, representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management, and the public; works as part of a team, yet may work independently; mentors and assists other dispatchers in the techniques and procedures of dispatching, operating radio equipment, and operating CAD equipment
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing

Occasional functions:

• Provides court testimony related to calls as required
• Participates in updating public safety procedures manuals, computer aided dispatch system and service area maps
• Participates in the Quality Improvement process by evaluating calls and providing feedback to Dispatchers, a variety of training courses, and/or certification sessions
• May represent the Police Department and the City's dispatching services on various work groups, interview panels and committees
• May assist other staff as needed and with overflow work as assigned

Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent And One year of public safety dispatch experience License/Certification: Type a minimum of 35 wpm Possession of POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate Possession of POST Communications Training Certificate or enrollment in the 40-hour course within 6 months of hire Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) Certification within one year of hire Valid California driver's license with a good driving record at time of appointment