Police Dispatcher

About the Position

This recruitment will close on 5:00 P.M. Thursday, September 24, 2026. This is a full-time position and will be required to work a variety of hours including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Under general supervision, operates multiple communication systems to receive emergency and routine calls requesting police or fire services; provides information to the public; dispatches safety personnel and equipment; maintains records of activities related to service requests; performs related duties as required.

Class Characteristics: This classification is a non-sworn member of the Police Department characterized by responsibility for communications and dispatching duties related to safety emergencies. Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of a Police Lieutenant. Supervision Exercised: Does not exercise supervisory responsibility.

Examples of Essential Functions

Essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; and reasonable accommodations will be made as required. Receives, screens and directs telephone calls, messages and complaints; secures and records information as to exact location and circumstances of emergency and non-emergency calls. Determines priority of calls; provides assistance, information and directions to non-emergency callers. Uses voice radio to dispatch personnel and necessary equipment in accordance with established procedures to scenes of fire, police incidents, accidents, rescue operations and other emergencies; monitors resources in the field to determine location and incident status; maintains radio contact with officers on assignment and maintains status of activity with the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system; keeps supervising police personnel informed of situation and dispatches additional officers and equipment as instructed and appropriate. Relays information, via multiple communications systems between citizens, City personnel and other related agency personnel. Assists personnel in the field with information relating to subjects (e.g., criminal and driving records, warrants, etc.); vehicles (e.g., wants and warrants); and property (e.g., guns) in order for field personnel to determine the appropriate action to be taken. Provides the public with basic instruction to safeguard persons in hazardous conditions and emergencies prior to the arrival of emergency personnel. Prepares reports, correspondence and related documents; maintains logs and records of all calls and related files. Monitors and responds to multiple systems including computer aided dispatch software (CAD), facility surveillance systems, alarms, radio console, scanner and related electronic systems and devices. As needed, serves as matron for female prisoners for such activities as removing handcuffs, taking property, performing pat downs and strip searches, escorting, conducting jail checks, feeding meals and witnessing procedures. May train and evaluate new dispatchers and police officers in dispatch procedures. On occasion, testifies in court related to records or as a procedural witness.

Minimum & Desirable Qualifications

Training and Experience: Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary. A typical way of obtaining the knowledge and abilities would be graduation from high school or equivalent. Must obtain and maintain a valid Public Safety Dispatcher POST certification within one (1) year of hire. This classification requires a one (1) year probationary period. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of: police terminology and police office procedures; basic radio and telephone communications procedures and equipment; operations of computer-aided public safety dispatch systems; emergency medical dispatch protocols; geography of the City; principles and practices of customer service and public contact; automated technology and office equipment. Ability to: communicate with the public in situations requiring diplomacy and tact; speak clearly, concisely and distinctly; work independently and calmly under stressful situations; work rapidly and accurately with names, numbers, codes and symbols and to deal with issues which lack clarity; think quickly, exercise sound judgment and take appropriate action in emergencies; have a memory for details; be flexible with changing priorities and multiple simultaneous tasks; perform accurate clerical and record keeping work; understand and follow oral and written policies, rules and instructions; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; evaluate sensitive situations quickly and initiate appropriate action to diffuse situations and resolve problems; interact tactfully and sensitively with a variety officials, members of other agencies, the media and the public; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; willingness to work rotating shifts and holidays and occasional overtime. Skill in the operation of a variety of office equipment, including computer; ability to type 30 words per minute net.

Other Important Information

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of South Gate. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles. Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee sits for long periods of time and is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; stand, kneel, climb, squat, bend, twist, use hands to operate, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Incumbents may be exposed to repetitive motion. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment varies from quiet to multiple conversations and radio noise. Incumbents are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Recruitment Process: Application Packets Must Include: A fully completed online employment application which: Covers at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience). Responses to the supplemental questionnaire. Must be specific in describing your qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

Selection Process: All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.

Application Review: The first phase will be a detailed review and appraisal of each candidate's application and typing certificate (individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the selection process must make such request during the application process by notifying the Human Resources Office). This phase is for qualifying purposes only. There is no weight assigned to this phase. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to the next phase of the testing process.

Typing Certificate (qualifying): A typing certificate of 30 wpm net is required and must be submitted on the date of the written examination. Online and remotely completed typing certificates will not be accepted. Typing test must be a minimum duration of five (5) minutes and have been taken within six (6) months of the City's Employment Application due date (September 24, 2026. Any tests dated prior to March 2026 will not be accepted. Typing certificate must be issued from an acceptable agency (Government agency, temporary employment agency, learning institution). Failure to submit certificate by the deadline will result in disqualification.

Written Examination - (weighted 30%): The second phase shall consist of a written examination. The exam will be waived for anyone who provides either a passing National Testing Network (NTN) Emergency Communications Operator Test (ECOMM) OR a POST Entry Level Dispatcher Test score of T- 48 or higher obtained within the last 12 months. Candidates must pass the written examination, which will include an audio component, to be eligible to continue in the selection process. However, only candidates passing the written examination with a test score of T-48 or higher, may be invited to the next phase.

Oral Appraisal Interview - (weighted 70%): A minimum of 70% must be obtained for Oral Appraisal Interview for placement on the Employment Eligibility List.

Employment Eligibility List: The Employment Eligibility List will be established after completion of the examination process. Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list. Lists typically last for 12 months but may be extended or abolished in accordance with the City's hiring policy.

Pre-employment Process Candidates who successfully complete all phases of the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list. Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list. Lists typically last for 12 months but may be extended or abolished in accordance with the City's Civil Service rules and regulations. All potential employees are required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation, polygraph examination, fingerprinting, and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical and psychological examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening). New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America. The City supports a Drug-Free Workplace.

Hiring of Relatives: Relatives of existing employees by blood or marriage will not be eligible for employment with the City if potential