Police Dispatcher

City of Lompoc; Lompoc (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lompoc is seeking a Police Dispatcher to join the Lompoc Police Department. This Individual Contributor role provides frontline customer service to community members and clerical support to police operations, helping keep the community safe.

Under general supervision, you will dispatch police, fire and other services, relay information by telephone and radio, and perform routine clerical duties. A minimum typing speed of 35 WPM and a valid CA driver's license are required.

Qualifications

• Typing certificate with minimum 35 net words per minute dated within 24 months.
• Ability to read and follow standard broadcasting procedures and FCC rules.
• Clear spoken English and good judgement in emergency situations.
• Valid California driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Receive and respond to emergency telephone and radio requests for service.
• Enter data into computer and prioritize dispatches for police and fire units.
• Coordinate activities of personnel and equipment during routine and emergency calls.
• Assist in booking and maintaining custody of prisoners if required.
• Maintain and update handbooks and logs, and order office supplies.

Skills

Typing 35 wpm

Clear communication

Ability to work under pressure

English proficiency

Tools

Computer terminal

Teletype system

Radio dispatch equipment

Job description

The dispatcher position is an Individual Contributor role that provides customer service to community members and clerical support to the Lompoc Police Department. Their role enables the Lompoc Police Department to achieve its main goal of keeping the community safe by providing high-quality services offered by the Lompoc Police Department.

The dispatcher position is a Police Dispatcher, under general supervision, performing the function of dispatching on assigned, varied shifts. Incumbents work under strict procedural direction in performing radio-dispatching duties for police, fire and other municipal services; receive and relay by telephone and radio; perform routine clerical work; may be required to assist with booking and maintaining custody of prisoners, which may require searching arrestees and otherwise seeing to the physical well-being of the arrested person, and perform other related work as required.

Minimum of 35 net words per minute. MUST BE SUBMITTED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION. CERTIFICATE MUST BE DATED WITHIN THE LAST 24 MONTHS.

ONLINE TYPING CERTIFICATES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

(Must include name and date of typing certification)

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Based upon screening of the City application, certification, résumé, and responses to supplemental questions. Applicants must provide a typing certificate with a minimum of 35 net words per minute at the time of application submission. Certificate must be dated within a 24-month period prior to the testing date. Applicants whose qualifications best meet the requirements of the position will be invited to the examination process. This process may include, but is not limited to: written examination, performance examination and/or panel interview, which consists of an evaluation of some of the essential knowledge, skills, abilities, and job related experience listed below. Those candidates who pass the examination process are placed on an eligibility list from which the final selection will be made.

SELECTION PROCESS

As authorized by City policies, applicants being considered for hire in this position are subject to satisfactory completion of reference checks and fingerprinting for purposes of investigating criminal history background, as part of the employment screening process. Appointment is subject to successful completion of background investigation, polygraph, psychological exam, and City-paid medical exam (based upon job-related physical standards) by a City-designated physician.

Failure in any one part of the examination or selection process will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

THE FOLLOWING DUTIES ARE TYPICAL OF THIS CLASSIFICATION

• Receives incoming telephone and radio requests for emergency service;
• Takes critical information by the telephone and radio from the public and from field personnel, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, complaints and location of crimes, accidents and service requests;
• Screens telephone calls for urgency; Enters into computer calls received from the public and from field personnel
• Responds to routine telephone requests from the public for information;
• Ranks all requests for service received by telephone, radio or over the counter; Ranks radio dispatches in priority order; Maintains constant awareness of locations of field personnel
• Dispatches calls for service to patrol and fire personnel and other emergency services, if necessary, follow-up units; Secures information and relays to field personnel as requested;
• Coordinates the activities of police personnel and equipment during both routine and emergency situations; dispatches calls for other public agencies in situations of emergency;
• When required, requests emergency assistance from other agencies or services, such as ambulances, utilities, coroner's office and towing companies; conducts record and warrant checks through use of automated services and by telephone to other public agencies;
• Monitors alarm systems; notifies responsible parties when alarms are set off; issues case numbers;
• Secures voids or transmits a variety of information utilizing teletype system; inputs information into computer terminal;
• Throughout current shift, briefs self by reading activity log of previous shift; at end of current shift, briefs oncoming dispatcher of that shift's activity
• Maintains and periodically updates handbooks
• Orders office supplies
• Assists in training personnel in dispatching procedures, as requested
• Operates a radio, recorders, computer terminal console, alarm systems, and California law enforcement communications equipment;
• May assist in booking and take custody of prisoners, accepting custody of storing, arrestee property, escorting prisoners to cell, seeing to the physical well-being of arrestees; and performs related work as required.

PERIPHERAL FUNCTIONS

Takes telephone messages for department personnel; issues case numbers; contacts owners of abandoned vehicles; and orders office supplies.

If you are unable to perform the essential functions of the position for which you are applying, either with or without reasonable accommodation, please notify Human Resources at [phone].

Include any combination of training, education and experience that demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position. The typical qualifying background is:

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Previous responsible experience involving extensive personal or telephone contacts and/or experience which involve the exercise of judgment in the application of standards and procedures.

LICENSE REQUIRED

Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver's License.

KNOWLEDGE OF

Basic recordkeeping, filing and arithmetic; word processing and computer functions; and basic English.

ABILITY TO

React quickly and calmly and to exercise good judgment in following procedures and directions in emergency situation; work and control arrestees who may be offensive; speak English in a clear and concise manner; read and understand standard broadcasting procedures and rules of the FCC regarding law enforcement radio transmission and department procedures, rules and regulations regarding dispatching and general public safety; type accurately at a minimum speed of 35 words per minute; follow complex verbal and written instructions; maintain confidentiality with information obtained through employment; obtain P.O.S.T. dispatch certification; and establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS

PHYSICAL: Strength: Light - Exert force to 20 lbs. occasionally or 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. May involve significant standing, walking, pushing, and/or pulling. Constantly fingering, typing. Frequently stand or sit, extend neck upwards, downwards or side to side. Occasionally walk, bend, stoop, push/pull, twist at the waist, handle, grip, grasp, reach below shoulder level. Vision: visual acuity sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position; average depth perception needed. Hearing: Hearing ability to effectively hear and comprehend oral instructions and communication, particularly via telephonic devices.

MENTAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL: Work cooperatively and interact appropriately with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public, without exhibiting extreme responses; respond appropriately to criticism from a supervisor; use of complex reading skills to read and understand technical instructions (FCC); perform simple mathematics calculations; use of simple writing skills; react quickly and calmly and to exercise good judgment in following procedures and directions in emergency situations; respond quickly to changing situations under emergency pressures; interact effectively with the general public who may be hostile, emotional, unstable, or physically or mentally distraught; communicate effectively orally; ability to work under pressure; work within deadlines; and train other workers.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Constantly work indoors, use a computer, and work either with others or alone. Occasional exposure to excessive noises. Rarely work outdoors. Rare exposure to extreme temperatures, dust, fumes, smoke, gases, odors, solvents, grease, oil, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, flames and smoke. Work rotating shifts, including night and early morning hours, weekends and holidays.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employees in this classification may be required to utilize respirators in the course of their job duties or under emergency circumstance and thus must be in compliance with General Industry Safety Order 5144. Employees shall not wear beards, mustaches, sideburns, facial hair or other conditions in such a manner that may prevent or interfere with establishing and maintaining a proper seal of the respirator facemask. This requirement is implemented in order to ensure the safety and health of the employee.