Police Dispatcher

City of South Gate; South Gate (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

City of South Gate Police Department seeks a full-time Public Safety Dispatcher to receive emergency and non-emergency calls, determine priorities, and dispatch units using CAD and radio systems. You will interact with the public and field personnel to relay critical information accurately.

The position requires high school diploma, POST certification within a year, willingness to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must obtain and maintain a POST dispatch certificate within 1 year of hire.
• One year probationary period and ability to work rotating shifts.

Responsibilities

• Receive, screen and direct calls; record details of emergencies and non-emergencies.
• Determine call priority; dispatch police/fire units via CAD and radio.
• Maintain logs, prepare related reports, and assist in court testimony when needed.

Skills

Public safety dispatch

Radio operations

CAD proficiency

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

POST certification within 1 year

Tools

CAD software

Radio equipment

Job description

THIS RECRUITMENT WILL CLOSE ON 5:00 P.M. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

THIS IS A FULL-TIME POSITION AND WILL BE REQUIRED TO WORK A VARIETY OF HOURS INCLUDING DAYS, NIGHTS, WEEKENDS, AND HOLIDAYS.

Under general supervision, operates multiple communication systems to receive emergency and routine calls requesting police or fire services; provides information to the public; dispatches safety personnel and equipment; maintains records of activities related to service requests; performs related duties as required.

Class Characteristics

This classification is a non-sworn member of the Police Department characterized by responsibility for communications and dispatching duties related to safety emergencies.

Supervision Received

Works under the general supervision of a Police Lieutenant.

Supervision Exercised

Does not exercise supervisory responsibility.

Essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; and reasonable accommodations will be made as required.

Receives, screens and directs telephone calls, messages and complaints; secures and records information as to exact location and circumstances of emergency and non-emergency calls.

Determines priority of calls; provides assistance, information and directions to non-emergency callers.

Uses voice radio to dispatch personnel and necessary equipment in accordance with established procedures to scenes of fire, police incidents, accidents, rescue operations and other emergencies; monitors resources in the field to determine location and incident status; maintains radio contact with officers on assignment and maintains status of activity with the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system; keeps supervising police personnel informed of situation and dispatches additional officers and equipment as instructed and appropriate.

Relays information, via multiple communications systems between citizens, City personnel and other related agency personnel.

Assists personnel in the field with information relating to subjects (e.g., criminal and driving records, warrants, etc.); vehicles (e.g., wants and warrants); and property (e.g., guns) in order for field personnel to determine the appropriate action to be taken.

Provides the public with basic instruction to safeguard persons in hazardous conditions and emergencies prior to the arrival of emergency personnel.

Prepares reports, correspondence and related documents; maintains logs and records of all calls and related files.

Monitors and responds to multiple systems including computer aided dispatch software (CAD), facility surveillance systems, alarms, radio console, scanner and related electronic systems and devices.

As needed, serves as matron for female prisoners for such activities as removing handcuffs, taking property, performing pat downs and strip searches, escorting, conducting jail checks, feeding meals and witnessing procedures.

May train and evaluate new dispatchers and police officers in dispatch procedures.

On occasion, testifies in court related to records or as a procedural witness.

Training and Experience

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary. A typical way of obtaining the knowledge and abilities would be graduation from high school or equivalent. Must obtain and maintain a valid Public Safety Dispatcher POST certification within one (1) year of hire. This classification requires a one (1) year probationary period.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: police terminology and police office procedures; basic radio and telephone communications procedures and equipment; operations of computer-aided public safety dispatch systems; emergency medical dispatch protocols; geography of the City; principles and practices of customer service and public contact; automated technology and office equipment.

Ability to: communicate with the public in situations requiring diplomacy and tact; speak clearly, concisely and distinctly; work independently and calmly under stressful situations; work rapidly and accurately with names, numbers, codes and symbols and to deal with issues which lack clarity; think quickly, exercise sound judgment and take appropriate action in emergencies; have a memory for details; be flexible with changing priorities and multiple simultaneous tasks; perform accurate clerical and record keeping work; understand and follow oral and written policies, rules and instructions; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; evaluate sensitive situations quickly and initiate appropriate action to diffuse situations and resolve problems; interact tactfully and sensitively with a variety officials, members of other agencies, the media and the public; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; willingness to work rotating shifts and holidays and occasional overtime.

Skill in the operation of a variety of office equipment, including computer; ability to type 30 words per minute net.

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System

An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of South Gate.

An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee sits for long periods of time and is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; stand, kneel, climb, squat, bend, twist, use hands to operate, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Incumbents may be exposed to repetitive motion. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment varies from quiet to multiple conversations and radio noise. Incumbents are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability (mental or physical), medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy), sexual orientation (including homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexuality), or military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.

The City of South Gate

The City of South Gate is a busy urban community consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial development, spread over 7.41 square miles. It is currently ranked the 79th largest city in California with a population of approximately 97,000. Strategically located along the 710 freeway, the City is just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.