Lateral Police Dispatcher

Bay Area Rapid Transit; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus $15,000

Job summary

Bay Area Rapid Transit Police Department seeks experienced Police Dispatchers for a fast-paced, 24/7 public safety communications center. The role involves prioritizing 911 calls, coordinating with patrol units, and supporting officers across a broad range of transit-system incidents.

The incumbent will operate dispatch software, maintain logs, and work under pressure to ensure timely information flow and safe transit operations. Requires typing accuracy and a thorough background check.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or recognized equivalent.
• Two years of verifiable journey-level safety dispatching experience or completion of Police Dispatcher Trainee program.
• Must type at 40 net wpm with no more than 10 errors.
• Must pass detailed POST background investigation prior to appointment.

Responsibilities

• Receive and prioritize incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency telephone calls.
• Operate radio to dispatch patrol units and other police personnel to scenes and emergencies.
• Access police information via a computer terminal and assist in processing warrants.
• Provide radio assistance and information to Police Officers.
• Coordinate with central control for emergency train intercepts and system emergencies.
• Maintain service records and logs of computerized information.

Skills

Strong Communication Skills

Decision-Making

Multitasking Ability

Technical Proficiency

Attention to Detail

Calmness Under Pressure

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Dispatch software

Radio systems

Law enforcement databases

Job description

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BART POLICE DEPARTMENT AT JOINBARTPD.COM!

WE'RE OFFERING A $15,000 HIRING BONUS!

Salary Information

This position is represented by the BART Police Officers Association (BPOA).
$46.399/ Hourly (Step 1) - $50.292/ Hourly (Step 3)
Note: External candidates will start at step 1.

Who May Apply

All current BART employees and qualified individuals who are not yet BART employees.

Reports To

Police Communications Manager

Days Off

As assigned. Must be willing to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Department

BART Police Department is a progressive agency and has been on the forefront – and in some cases the model approach to training in the areas of fair and impartial policing, bias-based policing, crisis intervention, cultural competence training, and de-escalation training. The mission of the BART Police Department is to ensure a safe environment within our transit system, reduce crime through a highly visible police presence, and proactive enforcement of the law, and to promote public confidence by working in partnership with our stakeholders and the communities we serve.

Current Assignment

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Police Department is seeking experienced, highly skilled, calm-under-pressure, and service-oriented individuals to join our team as Police Dispatchers. Working in a fast-paced, 24/7 public safety communications center, the incumbent will receive and prioritize incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and operate radio systems to dispatch patrol units and other police personnel to crime scenes, service calls, and transit-system emergencies. Dispatchers ensure accurate and timely information flow, maintain situational awareness, and support officers responding to a broad range of incidents, including safety hazards, quality-of-life concerns, medical emergencies, and criminal activity affecting BART’s stations, trains, and facilities. The most qualified candidates for this position will have highly developed competencies in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be clearly articulated during the selection process:

• Strong Communication Skills – Ability to clearly and effectively communicate under pressure, both verbally and in writing, to relay information to officers, the public, and other agencies.
• Decision-Making and Problem-Solving – Quick-thinking and sound judgment in fast-paced, high-stress situations to prioritize and dispatch resources appropriately.
• Multitasking Ability – Capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously, such as answering calls, operating radio systems, and inputting data into computers, while maintaining accuracy.
• Technical Proficiency – Skilled in operating dispatch software, radio systems, and law enforcement databases; familiarity with emergency communication systems is essential.
• Attention to Detail – Ability to accurately process and document critical information, ensuring nothing is missed during high-stress situations.
• Calmness Under Pressure – Ability to stay composed in emergencies, managing stress while maintaining control of the situation.

Selection & Application Process

This position is represented by BART Police Officers Association (BPOA). All applicants must apply online at www.bart.gov/jobs. Applications must be completed in full and include all requested information, including dates of employment, positions held, hours worked, and a detailed description of duties performed. Applicants may attach a resume to provide supplemental information; however, the resume does not substitute for completing the application form in its entirety. Only information included in the application at the time of submission will be used to determine whether applicants meet the minimum qualifications for the position. All application materials must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received after the closing deadline will not be considered.

Applicants who require assistance with the online application process may contact the Talent Acquisition Division at [phone] or [e-mail].

The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement and may include one or more of the following: a skills or performance demonstration, written examination, and/or panel or individual interview.

All applications will be reviewed by the Talent Acquisition Division to determine whether applicants meet the established Minimum Qualifications (MQs). Applicants who meet the MQs may be referred to the hiring department for further evaluation as part of the selection process. Unsuccessful applicants may re-apply online by visiting our website at www.bart.gov/jobs for a listing of open positions.

Selection Process for the Lateral Police Dispatcher

PHASE 1: Background Pre-Screening

PHASE 2: Minimum Qualifications Screening

PHASE 3: Typing Test (or typing certificate submission)

Typing Certificate Requirements:

• 5- minute timed test
• Must be able to type at a speed of 40 net words per minute
• Certificate must include gross and net words per minute with no more than 10 errors
• Typing certificates must be within the last six (6) months by a recognized college, public school, career center, or temporary employment agency.

Note: Current BART employees who are occupying positions which presently require a 40 Net WPM typing requirement will be exempt from meeting the typing certificate requirement for the Police Dispatcher Trainee program.

PHASE 4: Oral Board Interview

PHASE 5: Background investigation. (may include polygraph, psychological screening)

Please note that the entire selection process may take 4-6 months to complete.

The selected candidate must demonstrate a work history reflecting reliability and dependability and may be required to provide copies of certificates, diplomas, or other documentation required by law, including proof of authorization to work in the United States, and pass a pre-employment medical examination, which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include an extensive background check, a credit check, and successful completion of a polygraph exam. (Does not apply to current full-time BART Police Department employees unless a specific job requires additional evaluations).

If selected to proceed in the background investigative phase of the process, you will be asked to provide some essential documents. The following are some of the documents you may be asked to provide naturalization/citizenship papers, birth certificates, school transcripts, proof of Selective Service, DMV driving history documents, proof of automobile insurance, marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable), and POST certificates (if applicable).

1. Receives and prioritizes incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency telephone calls.
2. Operates radio to dispatch patrol units and other police personnel to crime scenes and other transit system emergencies and incidents.
3. Operates computer terminal to access a variety of police information, assists in processing police warrants
4. Provides radio assistance and information to Police Officers.
5. Communicates and coordinates emergency response with other public safety agencies and emergency services.
6. Maintains service records and logs other computerized information.
7. Coordinates activities with those of central control for emergency train intercepts, power turn off and other revenue vehicle system emergencies.
8. Provides police-related telephone information to District patrons; answers telephone inquiries from other law enforcement agencies.
9. Provides records assistance to the Police Department's property unit; monitors District system alarm calls and coordinates response.
10. Performs a variety of clerical duties, including typing on computer keyboard to input and retrieve automated internal records and local, state, and national criminal information.

Education

Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent.

Experience

EITHER Completion of the Police Dispatcher Trainee program for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District.
OR Two (2) years (full-time equivalent) verifiable journey-level safety dispatching experience.

Other Requirements

• Must be able to successfully pass a detailed POST background investigation prior to appointment, including a psychological evaluation.
• Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Must type at 40 net wpm with no more than ten (10) errors.
• Must be able to move quickly from one workstation to another and perform any combination of duties or other related tasks at the same time.

Knowledge of:

• Basic law enforcement terminology, rules and procedures.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing documents and the operation of common office equipment.
• Law enforcement dispatch policies and procedures.

Skill in:

• Memorizing codes, names, locations and other detailed information; obtaining information from individuals in emergency situations.
• Understanding and following oral and written directions.
• Making rapid and sound independent judgments in emergency situations.
• Using two-way radio communication equipment effectively.
• Using an on-line computer to access a variety of information.
• Working under periods of stress and dealing with multiple activities simultaneously.
• Performing routine clerical duties.
• Communicating tactfully and effectively with the public, including with people who may be emotional or difficult to understand.
• Maintaining accurate files.