Public Safety Dispatcher

Military, Veterans and Diverse Job Seekers; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Military, Veterans and Diverse Job Seekers is seeking a Police Dispatcher to coordinate emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch units, and manage information flow for field personnel and the public. The role requires strong typing, communication, and computer skills, with the ability to work under pressure in a demanding public safety environment.

Responsibilities include operating CAD and radio systems, maintaining records, and supporting training.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school.
• Two years of responsible full-time work experience involving public contact, computer usage, and/or heavy telephone traffic.
• Ability to obtain POST Dispatcher Certificate within one year.
• Passing CritiCall Exam or ECOMM score within 1 year of application.

Responsibilities

• Dispatches emergency and non-emergency police calls and assigns units.
• Handles inquiries from the public and field units and provides information.
• Alerts other agencies and coordinates mutual radio traffic.
• Operates CAD and telecommunications equipment and maintains related systems.
• Uses word processing, databases and spreadsheets, and enters data in computer information systems.
• Sends, receives and routes law enforcement reports and materials.
• Maintains logs and prepares reports and forms.
• May assist in training new dispatchers and participate in department activities.

Skills

Typing 35 wpm

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Stress management

Education

High school diploma

Job description

• Dispatches emergency and non-emergency police personnel in response to calls for service; receives information, questions and requests for service; determines nature and priority of calls for service, routes calls as needed and dispatches appropriate units for response.
• Handles inquiries involving public emergencies; recognizes sensitive information and handles accordingly; provides information to field units, other agencies and the public.
• Alerts other agencies and coordinates mutual response radio traffic and information distribution.
• Operates computer aided dispatch system and other telecommunications devices; performs routine equipment testing, upkeep and maintenance.
• Operates computer equipment using designated systems and programs such as word processing, desktop publishing, databases and spreadsheets; makes inquiries and entries through local, State and Federal computer information systems.
• Sends, receives and routes a variety of law enforcement reports, warrants and other materials.
• Reviews and records case information; maintains logs and records including automated record files; prepares reports and other related forms and records.
• May assist in training new dispatchers and participate in various Police Department activities and operations as assigned.

Education/Experience

Any combination equivalent to education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: Graduation from high school.
Experience: Two years of responsible full-time work experience involving public contact, computer usage, and/or heavy telephone traffic. Experience in public safety, or dealing with stressful, multi-task oriented situations is highly desirable.

Other Requirements

• Passing CritiCall Exam or ECOMM score dated within 1 year of application (lateral transfers from other agencies do not need to submit) (see below).
• Ability to obtain a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate within one year of employment.
• Willingness and/or ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, holidays and weekends; work on an on-call basis; work irregular duty assignments; wear a uniform and safety equipment; work outside in inclement weather; work under undesirable and hazardous conditions; conform to department grooming standards; successfully pass a background investigation; work alone; attend educational sessions as required; travel out of town for one day or more.
• Candidates considered for appointment must successfully pass job related post offer, pre-employment medical and psychological examinations including a drug screening, and have vision correctable to 20/30 and normal color vision and hearing. Incumbents must demonstrate a state of physical and mental health consistent with the ability to perform assigned duties.
• Selected positions require possession of a valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment.

Knowledge

Knowledge of organization and functions of a municipal law enforcement agency; modern office practices and procedures; application of modern computer technology including designated operating programs and software.

Ability

Ability to effectively coordinate the work of safety enforcement personnel in the field; assess and prioritize emergency situations; make rapid and sound independent judgements in stressful emergency situations; perform clerical work and basic mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy; operate computer equipment, a variety of office equipment and specialized police department equipment including computerized telecommunications and dispatch equipment; read, interpret, apply and explain various codes, regulations, manuals, maps, etc.; establish and maintain accurate records; prepare reports; communicate effectively; act with resourcefulness, courtesy and initiative; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public.

Typing Skill

Ability to type from clear printed copy at a speed of 35 net words per minute.