Police Dispatcher

Indio, CA
Indio Police Department

Salary: $56,813.28 – $84,121.32 Annually

Closing Date: 11/19/2024

Position Summary:

The IPD Police Dispatcher I is the entry-level class in the IPD police dispatcher series that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents perform the more routine and less complex assignments within an established procedural framework, where there are minimal consequences of error. Incumbents must gain a thorough working knowledge of response procedures and must develop the ability to utilize sound judgment initiating and coordinating responses to situations that may affect the lives and safety of the public, law enforcement, and other emergency services personnel. Incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of assigned duties. This classification is alternatively staffed with Police Dispatcher II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher level class.

The IPD Police Dispatcher II is the journey level class in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned police dispatching duties. Incumbents are responsible for performing the full range of duties with minimum supervision and applying sound judgment regarding their scope of authority in dispatching personnel. This class is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Dispatch Supervisor in that the latter has the responsibility for performing the more complex and sensitive duties and for providing supervision.

Essential Functions:

  • Under the direction of a Dispatch Supervisor and/or Communications Training Officer, learns to receive and process and receives and processes routine non-emergency and emergency calls for service; dispatches police and other public service entities as required; accurately enters, retrieves, analyzes and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate.
  • Learns and develops an understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; uses law enforcement terminology and cites code sections by number.
  • Screens incoming calls to determine necessity, priority and type of response required; interprets level of service needed through information obtained from field officers or citizens; works effectively with the public, and maintains a professional, customer service oriented demeanor; responds to questions and concerns from the general public, department staff, and other agencies; takes and records telephone and counter reports; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints.
  • Monitors radio frequencies specific to the operation of the Indio Police Department and the City of Indio; monitors other radio frequencies to be aware of incidents elsewhere that may affect City of Indio police operations; informs the Watch Commander of calls in progress; dispatches and monitors the status and location of field units; maintains calmness in radio transmissions during hectic, tense and dangerous situations; responds immediately to emergencies regarding the safety of field units.
  • Maintains accurate computer log of incoming service requests, information received and actions taken; maintains records of all pending and dispatched calls for service; prepares other reports and records as directed; maintains files necessary for dispatch as assigned; accurately enters, updates, and retrieves information from various computer networks; coordinates multi-agency responses when necessary; transfers calls to appropriate agencies if warranted; receives information and calls for service from other law enforcement agencies; researches county, state and federal national computer data banks to obtain information requested by officers or other law enforcement personnel as required; provides information to other agencies by telephone and teletype.
  • Monitors security for the police station, radio sites, and other city properties as necessary to detect unusual and potentially criminal activity.
  • Establishes positive working relationships with co-workers, employees within the department, outside agencies, representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management, and the public; works as part of a team, yet may work independently; may represent the Police Department and the City’s dispatching services on various work groups, interview panels and committees.

Requirements:

  • The required qualification is to possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • One year of experience in either public or telephone contact, customer service, or computer use (preferably involving radio dispatching) and a typing minimum net speed of 40 words per minute. Must be 18 years of age at the time of appointment.
  • Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license.
  • Must obtain a Dispatch Certificate from P.O.S.T. within one year of appointment.
  • Must provide typing certificate with a minimum net speed of 40 words per minute.