Police Communications Officer (Lateral - Experienced Only)

Police Communications Officer

The City of Tustin Police Department is currently seeking applicants for lateral Police Communications Officer I/II (may be filled at either level depending on qualifications). This recruitment is open to candidates who have worked as a 911 dispatcher within the last two (2) years. This recruitment is conducted on a continuous basis to meet the needs of the City as vacancies occur and may close at any time.

To be considered, a City application, supplemental questionnaire AND typing certification (35 nwpm) must be submitted. This position, under moderate supervision, receives incoming calls for police and emergency assistance, dispatches necessary personnel and equipment, and monitors ongoing police activity to determine the need for additional resources.

Selection Process Each component listed below must be passed in order to continue to the next phase. Applicants will receive written notification of their current status in the selection process.

1. Oral Panel Interview

2. Background Investigation and Polygraph Examination

3. Police Chief's Interview

4. Psychological and Medical Examinations (upon conditional offer of employment)

Candidates successfully completing all components of the selection process will be placed on an employment eligibility list from which hires may be made. The eligible list is valid for one year. The duration of the selection process typically lasts 6-9 months.

***IMPORTANT*** A comprehensive background investigation and polygraph will be conducted on any eligible persons considered for hire. Recent drug usage, theft or other illegal activity may be grounds for disqualification. A pre-employment medical, psychological evaluation AND a drug screen will be conducted upon a conditional offer of employment.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receives emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public for police, fire, or other emergency services; determines the nature of the call and the resources necessary to respond

• Monitors police radio communications; maintains contact with police units to track officer status and respond to need for additional resources; monitors various radio channels to keep abreast of county-wide police activities affecting the City and assist other county agencies with mutual aid

• Prioritizes requests for police and other public safety services; determines availability and location of patrol units; transmits information and dispatches police personnel and equipment in response to calls; routes calls for fire and emergency medical assistance to the Orange County Fire Authority

• Assists police personnel in the field by quickly and accurately researching and relaying criminal history information and other requested data

• Communicates with callers to determine the nature of the call and provide appropriate assistance; maintains composure to ensure that complete and accurate information is transmitted to public safety and medical personnel

• Screens non-emergency calls for service; provides requested information or directs callers to the proper person, department or agency

• Updates and maintains electronic records and logs of data pertaining to calls and activities

• Monitors video surveillance cameras and/or alarms for Police Department and City Hall facilities to identify suspicious activity

A combination of education, experience, and training that has provided the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities is required for entry into the classification. A typical combination includes:

Police Communications Officer I: Graduation from high school; and two (2) years of customer service experience involving considerable public contact. Must have worked as a 911 dispatcher within the last two (2) years.

Police Communications Officer II: Graduation from high school; and two (2) years of experience as a public safety dispatcher using a West Covina Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Must have worked as a 911 dispatcher within the last two (2) years.

A valid California Law Enforcement Teletype Systems (CLETS) certificate is required within three (3) months of employment. A certificate of completion from a California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course is required.

Satisfactory results from a background investigation, physical examination, and administrative screening. Required to work rotating shifts that are typically twelve and one-half (12 ½) hours per day and which include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. May be required to adjust shift assignment and/or work mandatory overtime to ensure adequate staffing.