Police Dispatcher

Salary: $109,298.05 – $132,852.46 Annually

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, the Police Dispatcher, as a member of the Police Department, transmits and receives information over the police and public works radio system; dispatches routine and emergency calls for service; types, records, and files information; handles emergency and non-emergency telephone calls utilizing complex technical aids, such as computer aided dispatch system (CAD) and various law enforcement telecommunication systems, and performs related work as assigned.

Essential Functions:

1. Receives emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public for police, fire, or other emergency services; determines the nature of the call and the resources necessary to respond.
2. Monitors police radio communications; maintains contact with police units to track officer status and respond to need for additional resources; monitors various radio channels to keep abreast of county-wide police activities affecting the City and assist other county agencies with mutual aid.
3. Prioritizes requests for police and other public safety services; determines availability and location of patrol units; transmits information and dispatches police personnel and equipment in response to calls; routes calls for fire and emergency medical assistance to the Santa Clara County Fire Department.
4. Assists police personnel in the field by quickly and accurately researching and relaying criminal history information and other requested data.
5. Communicates with callers to determine the nature of the call and provide appropriate assistance; maintains composure to ensure that complete and accurate information is transmitted to public safety and medical personnel.

Requirements:

• A minimum of one year of public safety radio dispatching and/or basic clerical experience is required
• Possession of a High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent is required.
• Completion of college-level coursework is highly desirable
• Proof of successful completion of either the Criticall Dispatcher test with a passing score OR P.O.S.T. Entry-level Dispatcher Test with a T-score of 50 or above.
• Possession of a typing certificate with a minimum of 50 wpm dated within one year of the application date must be included as an attachment.
• Possession of Basic P.O.S.T. Dispatch Certificate is highly desirable and may be substituted for work experience.