Police Dispatcher

City of Livonia; Livonia (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Livonia is seeking a dispatcher for the Communications Center of the Police Division. The role involves answering 911 lines, inputting incidents, dispatching units, and transmitting information to patrols.

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements and be able to pass a background check, medical exam, and psychological evaluation. Starting salary ranges from $65,083.20 to $72,571.20 annually with potential increases after milestones and annual adjustments under collective bargaining

Qualifications

• Citizen of the United States or resident alien with right to work in the United States.
• High school diploma or valid equivalency certificate.
• Be at least 18 years of age and have acceptable voice quality as determined in the test.
• Keyboard skills that meet or exceed 35 wpm without error.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency 911 telephones and input incidents into the system.
• Dispatch to patrol cars and transmit messages to scenes.
• Operate teletype, keep records, prepare reports and related work.
• Pass background check, medical, and psychological evaluations.

Skills

Voice modulation

Typing speed 35 wpm

Education

High school diploma

Job description

$65,083.20 - $72,571.20 Annually

• Starting Salary: $65,083.20
• After Six Months of Successful Employment: $66,081.60
• After One Year of Successful Employment: $67,308.80
• Maximum salary is achieved after three successful years of employment.

NOTE: Annual salary adjustments may also occur, based on collective bargaining agreements.

Employees in this classification work in the Communications Center of the Police Division under the general supervision of the duty officer in charge of the shift. Their work involves answering emergency 911 telephones; input of emergency incidents into the computer system; processing of computer assisted dispatch tasks; routing of emergency incidents to proper agencies; transmitting messages via voice and computer to patrol cars to dispatch them to the scene of accidents, crimes, or other occurrences; receiving messages from patrol cars; and calling for ambulance service. They also operate a teletype, keep records, prepare reports and perform related work as assigned. Physical requirements of this position include ability to lift and load/unload computer paper with a gross weight of approximately 30 pounds.

1. Be a citizen of the United States or resident alien with the right to work in the United States; and
2. Have a high school diploma or a valid equivalency certificate; and
3. Be at least18 years of age; and
4. Have an acceptable voice quality level as determined in the voice modulation test; and
5. Have keyboard skills that meet or exceed 35 wpm without error.

NOTE: Prior public safety experience or graduation from a 911 Dispatch Academy is preferred, but not required.

We seek candidates with excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to make good decisions under pressure and during emergencies, and the ability to interact with a diverse public. Candidates must have a working knowledge of a computer and its various functions.

PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS

Written Test - 40% Performance Keyboard Test - 20% Chief's Interview Panel - 40%

Voice Modulation Test - Pass/Fail

The 20 applicants who pass and score the highest on the written test will be invited to the performance keyboard test. At least 10 candidates with the highest combined passing written and performance test score will be invited to the interview part of the examination. Candidates who possess a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited college or university will have one point added to their final examination score. Candidates who have one or more years of full-time work experience as a public safety dispatcher will have two points added to their final examination score. Applicants must pass the written test, the performance keyboard test, the interview, and a voice modulation test to be placed on the eligible list.

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

Modern office practices and procedures; proper English usage, grammar usage, spelling, and punctuation; alphabetic, chronological, and numeric filing systems; effective communication techniques; community resources; map reading; and personal computer operating systems and software applications.

Dispatchers must be able to:

Analyze situations quickly and make sound decisions in emergency and routine situations; demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills including communicating effectively with those contacted in the course of work; perform multiple tasks concurrently; quickly read and retain information; quickly interpret maps and floor layouts; relate effectively to co-workers; speak in a clear and understandable voice; write basic letters, memos, and reports; utilize personal computers and computer software to perform word processing and spreadsheet functions; meet or exceed the City's keyboarding standard (35 net wpm); and exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective service attitude with co-workers and the public.

Ability to:

Learn the techniques, procedures, methods, and City dispatching codes used in the operation of a highly technical communications center; use patience, courtesy, and tact in dealing with the public; recognize and discern various emotional states when dealing with citizens in person and while on 911, emergency, and business lines; recognize the voices of field units; and quickly operate electronic data processing equipment and radio consoles.

NOTE: At the time of appointment, applicants are required to pass a background investigation, a pre-employment medical examination and a psychological evaluation conducted by physicians authorized by the City of Livonia.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list to fill current, future, regular, and/or temporary vacancies.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Appointees must satisfactorily complete a one year probationary period before the appointment will be considered regular.