Emergency Dispatcher - Police

Dispatcher
Definition: Receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches Police as required; enters, retrieves, and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; adheres to applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties. Supervision received: Immediate and/or general direction from the Police Communications & Records Manager
Essential functions: Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Independently receives and evaluates 911, police emergency and business calls; transfers calls to appropriate parties; dispatches police units to emergency or non-emergency locations; handles inquiries and complaints regarding services from the public
Obtain complete and accurate information from individuals in emergency situations, including those who are emotionally distraught, angry, or difficult to understand; remain calm and make rapid and sound independent judgments in stressful emergency situations; communicate tactfully and effectively with the public, public safety personnel and others
Operates computer consoles for call input, dispatching and continuous update of suspect information and officer locations; enters call information in written or computer-based format; logs and fills out call forms
Maintains records of radio calls; operates multi-channel radio systems; monitors other channels while maintaining radio traffic on main channels; maintains radio contact with mobile and portable units; recognized units from other agencies and assists them with City units or supplies requested information
Responds to officer-initiated radio traffic and requests and disseminates suspect information from roll call boards, prior calls, and bulletins; assists public safety personnel in the field by relaying information; keeps command staff and field supervisors apprised of emergency situations and dispatches additional personnel and equipment as necessary
Maintains and accesses business and premise history and index files for emergency and other necessary contacts; handles in-house and radio paging, crime-stopper, animal control and other after-hours phone lines
Receives non-emergency calls for information and directs callers to the proper person, department, or agency
During non-business hours, receives emergency and non-emergency calls for non-safety departments such as, Animal Control, street maintenance, public utilities, park maintenance, building maintenance, graffiti control, crime prevention, and City Hall
Prepares records and reports, such as stolen vehicle reports, tow truck requests, etc.
Makes DOJ entries in a timely, accurate manner as per DOJ mandates, missing persons, stolen vehicles, PPI's repo's, firearms, and all types of stolen property
Establishes positive working relationships with co-workers, employees within the department, outside agencies, representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management, and the public; works as part of a team, yet may work independently; mentors and assists other dispatchers in the techniques and procedures of dispatching, operating radio equipment, and operating CAD equipment
Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
Occasional functions:

Provides court testimony related to calls as required
Participates in updating public safety procedures manuals, computer aided dispatch system and service area maps
Participates in the Quality Improvement process by evaluating calls and providing feedback to Dispatchers, a variety of training courses, and/or certification sessions
May represent the Police Department and the City's dispatching services on various work groups, interview panels and committees
May assist other staff as needed and with overflow work as assigned
Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent And One year of public safety dispatch experience License/Certification: Type a minimum of 35 wpm Possession of POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course Certificate or enrollment in the 160-hour course within 12 months of hire Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) Certification within one year of hire Valid California driver's license with a good driving record at time of appointment