Public Safety Communications Dispatcher

Salary: $111,826.00 – $142,740.00

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, receives incoming telephone calls for 911 police, fire, and medical emergency and non-emergency services, and dispatches public safety personnel units and equipment to respond to calls for service utilizing a two-way radio system, Computer Aided Dispatch system, multiple display terminal and other related equipment; evaluates, prioritizes, documents and directs calls to appropriate resources; maintains two-way communications with police, fire and emergency medical units; exercises considerable judgment in transmitting pertinent information to field units and in dispatching emergency personnel and equipment in accordance with established regulations and procedures; and performs other related duties as required.

This is the entry level in the emergency communications dispatcher classification series responsible for learning and applying methods, techniques and practices in police, fire and emergency medical dispatching. Initially, incumbents work in a training capacity to learn all aspects of police, fire and emergency medical dispatching. As experience accrues, the incumbent performs with increasing independence. This class is distinguished from the 8239 Public Safety Communications Supervisor in that the latter exercises full supervisory responsibilities over staff and the work of the unit.

Essential Functions:

1. Receives emergency calls and obtains information to determine facts; evaluates such information to determine what type of response is necessary and dispatches the required police, fire or medical service.

2. Dispatches police, fire and emergency medical personnel and equipment on both routine and emergency calls to specific locations utilizing a Computer Aided Dispatch system, multiple video display terminal, radio console and related equipment.

3. Operates a two-way radio system in communicating with a number of mobile units in the field to receive and transmit emergency service messages and information.

4. Evaluates incoming reports of police, fire and medical emergencies; immediately transmits complete and accurate information to appropriate field personnel.

5. Monitors, coordinates and accurately maintains the status of incidents and records of dispatched emergency service personnel and apparatus.

6. Responds to public inquiries regarding emergency medical service, fire rescue, police assistance, crimes, violations and other offenses; properly classifies and prioritizes any report or complaint information and determines appropriate course of action.

7. Receives and disseminates information from other law enforcement and emergency service computer networks related to jurisdictional requests for fire or medical service assistance, or to notices of wanted persons, stolen property, warrants and all-points bulletins.

8. Maintains record of all calls received and prepares reports of critical incidents.

Requirements:

• Education: Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED or High School Proficiency Examination).
• Experience: Two (2) years of experience in a public contact position providing information and/or a service, or in a position where the primary responsibility is interacting with people.
• License and Certification: None
• Substitution: Completion of thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units of coursework from an accredited college or university may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience as described above.