Police Dispatcher Trainee

Police Dispatcher

Work is performed under the direction of a Police Dispatcher I, II, III, IV, or V. Responsibilities will include receiving and screening telephone calls in a communications center by utilizing a computerized telephone system. Work performance is evaluated by observation of results obtained and reviewed through periodic oral and written reports. Upon successful completion of a 6-month training period, the Trainee will be promoted to Police Dispatcher I. Police dispatchers are responsible for the accurate, rapid, and effective evaluation of, and response to, telephone calls for information and emergency requests for Police and Fire assistance, and for the accurate and timely dispatching of all messages over the radio network and recording of each transmission, according to police practices and within guidelines established by the Federal Communication Commission. It requires the operation of two-way radio transmitting equipment to law enforcement personnel. Work involves critical decision-making skills, relaying orders and information to and from police personnel, managing radio traffic, and operating computer and telecommunications equipment. Work is performed in accordance with prescribed law enforcement procedures and departmental regulations; however, independent judgment is exercised in determining the scope of dispatch for police units. Reports To: Shift Commander Supervisory Responsibility: None

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Receives telephone calls from the public relative to the reporting of accidents, alarms, crimes, disturbances of the peace, suspicious persons, emergency illnesses, and a variety of unusual incidents.
• Evaluates the need for police assistance by determining the exact nature of the incident, geographic location, governmental jurisdiction, and, if required, priority code to be used in dispatching units to the scene.
• Receives and answers requests for information from other law enforcement agencies, ambulance companies, hospitals, automobile wreckers, and the general public.
• Prioritizes calls for service, selectively assigning and dispatching of police emergency and non-emergency calls via radio communication technology.
• Coordinates multiple tasks simultaneously, using judgment to make operational decisions based on information regarding available units and calls holding within policy and procedural guidelines.
• Maintains constant knowledge of location and status of mobile units.
• Monitors radio traffic; places call for aid and assistance to other mobile units, fire, and ambulance services.
• Operates teletype communications, sends messages to other law enforcement agencies, requests and receives information relevant to police operations. Reviews pages of various data-based documentation to determine the existence of outstanding pick-up orders, misdemeanor and felony warrants, validity of driver's licenses, and the status of stolen vehicles, vessels, articles, vehicle and vessel registrations, firearm permits, and criminal backgrounds to relay to field units.
• Telephones automobile wrecker companies to request removal service at the scene of traffic accidents.
• Safeguards assigned equipment.
• Maintains listing of emergency telephone numbers.
• Monitors all fire alarm calls; dispatches police unit to scene.
• Participates in internal staff meetings.
• Performs other job-related duties as required by supervisor.

All of the above information is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. This description is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Type of Appointment/Work hours: Full-time/Regular in-person position. Standard workweek, which is forty (40) hours of work per week consisting of five (5) days of eight (8) hours per day. The workday may be varied for the efficient delivery of public service. Will be required to work other than the standard workweek on occasion, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Will be required to work occasional overtime or shift assignments, if applicable.

Requirements

• Must possess a high school diploma or its equivalency.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays.
• Bilingual is desirable.
• Must be able to type approximately 30 w.p.m. Basic computer knowledge is preferred.
• An educational background including office skills would be helpful.
• No felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude.
• Must take and pass a computer-based skills and abilities test, which will evaluate the ability to follow verbal and written instructions, decision-making, data entry, data entry from audio, cross-referencing from audio, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills.
• As a condition of continued employment, the ability to handle stressful emergency communications will be assessed during the training and probationary period.
• Must have a valid Florida Driver's License with a clean driving record.
• Must pass an extensive background investigation which includes, but is not limited to, criminal history screening, a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, and a Driver's License review.

Core Competencies

• Judgment - Sound decisions based on fact; uses logic to solve problems.
• Quality of Work - Performs work thoroughly, accurately, and professionally.
• Reliability - Timely and consistently completes assigned work; consistently reports to work and is punctual.
• Safety - Committed to ensuring a safe environment and complies with applicable safety standards.
• Technical Capability - Applies knowledge to identify issues and works to develop skills; demonstrates knowledge of techniques, skills, and equipment.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance: The employee must successfully pass a background screening process and comply with the City's Drug-Free Workplace policy. The City will also verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired so the proper completion of Form I-9 is required, which includes the employee providing documents evidencing identity and employment authorization. Equal Opportunity Statement: The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Qualifying individuals with disabilities may be provided reasonable accommodations to enable them to perform the essential functions. Veteran's Preference Policy: In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, the City of Homestead complies with Florida law by providing Veterans' Preference in hiring. Qualified applicants, including veterans, spouses, widows/widowers, parents of service members, and current reserve or National Guard members, may receive hiring priority if they meet minimum qualifications and can perform the duties required. Veterans' Preference includes additional points on exams, prioritized placement on employment lists, and education waivers for certain qualified individuals. This preference ensures eligible candidates are considered fairly at all stages of the hiring process. For questions, contact the Human Resources Department.