Dispatcher I (Dispatcher Recruit)

Military, Veterans and Diverse Job Seekers; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Sacramento Police Department seeks a Dispatcher I to receive emergency and non-emergency calls, determine priority, dispatch units, and coordinate with other agencies. This role supports public safety by maintaining radio contact, querying law enforcement databases, and preparing accurate reports.

Candidates must complete the Sacramento Police Department's Basic Dispatch Academy and bring strong customer service skills, clear communication, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 12 college units or equivalent.
• One year of customer service and completion of the Sacramento Police Department's Basic Dispatch Academy within the last 12 months OR four years of customer service experience with academy completion within the last 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency and non-emergency calls and determine priority.
• Dispatch units and coordinate with other agencies.
• Maintain radio contact and relay information.
• Query law enforcement networks for wanted persons, criminal history, and vehicle data.
• Enter stolen, stored, and repossessed vehicle information; perform CAD duties.
• Testify in court and prepare related reports; maintain written progress notes.

Skills

Clear communication

Customer service

Stress management

Independent work

Data entry / CAD

Education

High school diploma or GED

12 college units or Basic Dispatch Academy

Job description

About the job Dispatcher I (Dispatcher Recruit)

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDImmediate supervision is provided by a Dispatcher III. Technical or functional supervision may be provided by a Dispatcher II or Dispatcher III.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receive emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public requesting police, fire, and local government service; determine nature and priority; dispatch units as necessary; and/or refer or transfer callers to ensure excellent customer service.
• Maintain radio contact with all units on assignment.
• Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies.
• Query information from law enforcement communication networks relating to wanted persons, criminal history, stolen property, and Department of Motor Vehicle information.
• Query and enter stolen, stored, and repossessed vehicle information.
• Perform a variety of records keeping duties related to the computer aided dispatch system.
• Test and inspect equipment as required.
• Testify in court as needed.
• Prepare written responses or reports related to communication complaints, investigative follow-ups or police reports.
• Write daily work progress reports when training a new Dispatcher.
• Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, empathy, and excellent customer service in accordance with departmental policy and the community-oriented policing concept.
• Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• English grammar, usage, spelling and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Express themselves in English in a clear, distinct, and understandable manner when speaking to individuals, before diverse populations, various public and community groups, and when testifying in court.
• Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency situations.
• Exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision.
• Use a computer and keyboard to enter data provided verbally and in writing.
• Learn standard broadcasting rules and procedures.
• Learn City street system and physical layout of Sacramento.
• Understand and comply with oral and written directions.
• Learn to operate computer-aided dispatch, telephone, and radio broadcasting equipment.
• Value customers and co-workers through provision of excellent customer service.
• Operate office machines and equipment.

EXPEREINCE AND EDUCATION

High school diploma or GED equivalent and completion of twelve (12) units from an accredited college or university.

AND
One (1) year of customer service experience and successful completion of the Sacramento Police Department's Basic Dispatch Academy within the last twelve (12) months.
-OR-
High school diploma or GED equivalent
AND
Four (4) years of customer service experience and successful completion of the Sacramento Police Department's Basic Dispatch Academy within the last twelve (12) months.