Public Safety Dispatcher I/II

Public Safety Dispatcher

All applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be issued a remote typing test by the City. Applicants will have a total of 7 days to complete the test. A successful completion of at least 40 words per minute (WPM) is required to move on to the next step in the recruitment process.

Be the vital link between the community and emergency response. Public Safety Dispatchers serve as the first point of contact for individuals seeking emergency and non-emergency assistance. In this high-responsibility role, you will receive and prioritize 911 and business calls, assess critical information, and dispatch police, fire, and other emergency personnel to ensure timely and effective response.

Dispatchers operate advanced telecommunications and computer-aided dispatch and computer systems, maintain communication with field units, access law enforcement databases, and process confidential police records in compliance with legal and departmental standards. The position also includes specialized clerical and records management duties that support overall public safety operations.

Success in this role requires the ability to remain calm under pressure, multitask efficiently, exercise sound judgment, maintain strict confidentiality, and deliver exceptional public service.

Public Safety Dispatcher I is the entry-level training classification, working under close to general supervision while developing full competency. Public Safety Dispatcher II is the journey-level classification, performing the full range of duties independently and applying advanced knowledge and experience.

Examples of Duties

• Receiving, evaluating, and prioritizing emergency and non-emergency calls for service
• Dispatching police, fire, and other emergency personnel using computer-aided dispatch and multi-channel radio systems
• Maintaining continuous communication with field units and tracking unit status and activity
• Accessing and relaying sensitive information from local, state, and national law enforcement databases
• Entering, updating, and retrieving records related to warrants, stolen property, missing persons, citations, and other law enforcement data
• Processing and maintaining confidential police reports and records in compliance with legal requirements and department policy
• Providing professional assistance to the public and allied agencies by phone and electronic communication
• Performing specialized clerical and records management functions in support of Police Department operations

Typical Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Public Safety Dispatcher I Education/Training: High School Diploma or equivalent. Experience: One year of increasingly responsible experience in an environment with frequent interruptions, that includes a high degree of customer service is highly desirable. Some clerical or administrative experience in a fast-paced environment that involved the use of phones and a computer while working with the public is also desirable. License or Certificate: A typing certificate showing a minimum speed of 40 wpm from an accredited testing agency is required. Incumbents will be required to successfully complete the basic dispatcher course and obtain a valid P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate within one year of hire. Substitution: A documented T-score (50 or higher) from a dispatcher training program or certificate of completion may substitute for the required experience.

Public Safety Dispatcher II Education/Training: High School Diploma or equivalent. Experience: Two years of experience comparable to that of a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Suisun City. License or Certificate: Possession of a valid P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate. A typing certificate showing a minimum speed of 40 wpm from an accredited testing agency is required. The typing certificate requirement may be waived for lateral dispatcher candidates transferring from another public safety/enforcement dispatching agency.

Supplemental Information

Positions assigned to the police department will be required to pass a thorough background investigation, including polygraph testing and must be able to maintain the same level of security as when first hired, as a condition of continued employment. Assignments to the police department will require successful completion of a comprehensive pre-employment psychological and medical examination prior to employment.