Police Dispatcher

Salary: $57,129.48 – $69,441.24 Annually

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, receives requests for law enforcement services and dispatches units via radio; maintains contact with department personnel in the field; completes related forms and data/records entry; performs related duties as required.

Essential Functions:

• Receives requests for police or other emergency services over the phone and through other technology; answers 911 calls; screens incoming calls to determine necessity, priority, and type of response required; monitors other radio frequencies to be aware of incidents elsewhere that may affect City police operations; monitors cameras throughout the building.
• Dispatches, as necessary, police and animal control units in response to calls for service or requests from officers in the field; uses law enforcement terminology and cites Code sections by number; calls public and private agencies, such as allied law enforcement, hospitals, towing services, and utilities and requests mutual assistance when necessary; acts as liaison to other City Departments.
• Keeps track of police unit locations and status; maintains constant radio communication with personnel in the field; runs warrant checks on subjects, registration checks on vehicles, criminal histories and property checks; relays information and instructions to personnel in the field.
• Maintains accurate log of incoming service requests and actions taken; prepares other reports and records as directed; maintains files necessary for dispatch as assigned; enters, updates, and retrieves information from the computer and teletype networks.
• Provides general information to the public; as necessary, refers callers to appropriate agencies; calms angered or distraught callers; maintains calm in radio transmissions during hectic, tense, and dangerous situations; may assist citizens and police officers with translation related needs.

Requirements:

• A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Completion of a P.O.S.T. approved entry level Police Dispatcher basic training course prior to completion of probationary period.
• Candidates must possess and maintain a valid Class C California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record during employment.
• Ability to type 45 net wpm. A Typing Certificate indicating 45 wpm and dated within the last year (12 months from your application date) is required to be submitted with your application.