Dispatcher I - Lancaster Police Department

Police Dispatcher I

The City of Lancaster Police Department is seeking a dedicated and skilled Police Dispatcher to join our team. As a Police Dispatcher I, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community by effectively dispatching various services, including police, fire, and medical personnel, and providing crucial support in emergency and non-emergency situations. In addition to call taking and dispatching, Dispatchers perform varied record keeping, information retrieval, and similar work in support of law enforcement/public safety activities. We are seeking an experienced Police Dispatcher with a minimum of two (2) years of continuous dispatch experience with a POST-Certified law enforcement agency. Dispatchers are expected to exercise independent judgement in the performance of their duties with minimum supervision.

Some duties include, but are not limited to:

• Receives and processes emergency, non-emergency, and transferred calls for service, including traffic-related incidents and other public safety matters; dispatches appropriate personnel and resources in accordance with established procedures.
• Operates radio, automated telephone, and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems to receive and transmit non-emergency and emergency calls from the public.
• Evaluates, prioritizes, and sequences incoming information and determine the number and type of units to send to an incident; determine the nature and priority of calls and/or transfer calls to the appropriate agency.
• Dispatches police personnel and equipment to incidents according to established procedures.
• Maintains radio contact with police units on assignments; notifies other departments of needed support services.
• Monitors the status of police units and their locations.
• Monitors radio frequencies for mutual aid.
• Keeps appropriate supervisory personnel informed of the situation and dispatches additional personnel and equipment as directed.
• Notifies other jurisdictions when necessary.
• Responds to field unit requests via radio or telephone for information, tow truck, paramedic/fire department, animal control, and notification of hospitals or other law enforcement agencies.
• Performs inquiries via CLETS, DOJ, National Crime Information Center, FBI, and Stolen Vehicle Systems.
• Receives, enters, and relays situational information such as suspect descriptions, location updates, and other responders in the area to field units.
• Notifies other agencies and departments by telephone or radio to coordinate activities.
• Testifies in court as necessary.
• Enters, maintains, retrieves, and interprets data in police department computer systems. (e. g., Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management System).
• May perform emergency call-out dispatch duties for several municipal entities, such as Public Works, Code Enforcement, etc.
• May train Dispatcher Trainees and, provide daily and weekly input on progress and performance to supervisors as needed.
• Collaborate with other emergency service agencies, such as the Sheriff's Department, fire and medical personnel, to facilitate efficient emergency response operations.
• Performs related administrative/clerical work as needed.
• May work on a rotating schedule, which may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed to ensure 24/7 coverage.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (associate or bachelor's degree preferred).
• Minimum of two (2) years of continuous dispatcher experience with a POST-certified law enforcement agency. Possession of a Peace Officer's Standards and Training (POST) Basic Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to handle high-stress situations calmly and efficiently.
• Proficient computer skills and the ability to learn and use specialized dispatch software.
• Ability to operate radio equipment and speak English in a clear and understandable manner.
• Knowledge of law enforcement procedures and protocols (training will be provided).
• Excellent multitasking and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and follow departmental policies and procedures.
• Must pass the LPD Dispatcher Test.
• Must pass a comprehensive background check and drug screening.
• Must pass a psych evaluation and/or polygraph.
• Must pass a medical evaluation.

Special Requirements:

• Successful completion of the state-mandated CLETS training program as required by the California State Department of Justice within six months of the date of employment and ongoing maintenance of CLETS certification.
• Must pass the LPD Dispatcher test.
• Successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation is required which may include a review of employment history, criminal conviction record, credit history, use of intoxicants and/or other controlled substances, psychological evaluation, ad medical evaluation.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, which may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Public Safety Dispatchers are required to complete satisfactorily a minimum of 24 hours of POST-qualifying Continuing Professional Training (CPT) every two years, based on the statewide CPT anniversary date.
• Completion of in-service training may be accepted to satisfy this requirement, when applicable.

Core Competencies:

• Problem Solving – Analytically and logically evaluating information.
• Learning Agility – Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to work.
• Handling Stress – Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity.
• Professional Integrity & Ethics – Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.
• Safety Focus – Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards.
• Customer Focus – Attending to the Needs and expectations of customers.
• Informing – Proactively obtaining and sharing information.
• Teamwork – Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
• Valuing Diversity – Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace.
• Allocating Resources – Prioritizing the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness.

Guiding Principles:

1. Put people first.
2. Be visionary.
3. Be an ambassador for Lancaster.
4. Be Fiscally Responsible.
5. Be Creative.
6. Always Improving.
7. Be Adaptable and Resilient.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Ascend/Descend stairs/ladders/balance (frequent).
• Position self to bend or twist (frequent).
• To move, transport, position items up to 75 lbs. (frequent).
• Exposed to outdoor weather conditions (frequent).
• Operate Equipment (moderate).
• Stationary or squatting position (frequent).

Environmental Factors:

• Work under time pressure (moderate to frequent).
• Interruptions (frequent).

Essential Cognitive Functions:

• Analyze (continuous).
• Computations (frequent).
• Generate Written Work Product (moderate).
• Independent Problem Solving (continuous)
• Interruptions (frequent)
• Maintain Positive Public Relations (continuous)
• Organize (frequent)

Disaster Service Worker:

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100-3109, all public employees are declared disaster service workers subject to disaster service activities as may be assigned to them in the event of fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural or man-made disaster.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time;

The City of Lancaster is an Equal Opportunity Employer.