Public Safety Dispatcher

San Diego, CA
Port of San Diego Police Department

Salary: $71,614.40 – $95,971.20 Annually

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, receives, evaluates and transmits emergency and non-emergency voice radio and telephone communications for the Harbor Police Department; dispatches public safety equipment and personnel in accordance with established policies and procedures; maintains records and logs; and performs related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

1. Answers multiple telephone lines, including 9-1-1, emergency, and business lines, and monitors Port of San Diego and marine radio frequencies to receive reports of emergency calls for service involving public peace and safety, including crimes in progress, medical emergencies, and fire incidents; receives reports of non-emergency calls for service including disturbances, traffic complaints, and crimes that have already occurred; receives and responds to requests for information.

2. Elicits information from callers to ensure a proper response; documents complaints; determines appropriate jurisdiction; decides and takes proper action to resolve complaints; determines dispatch priorities.

3. Dispatches routine and emergency calls for service via radio to field personnel, including patrol officers, traffic officers, medics, and airport operations; maintains constant awareness of the location and activity of field personnel to ensure officer safety; monitors several police radio frequencies to maintain awareness of emergency situations occurring in and around District jurisdiction.

4. Documents all information and retrieves information from the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system; conducts computer inquiries in several law enforcement databases to determine wants and warrants on persons, vehicles, and property; deciphers information received from these databases; operates deaf telephone equipment (TTY).

5. Maintains a working knowledge of laws and regulations from the State of California, Department of Justice and Federal Communications Commission as well as internal policies and procedures.

6. Operate a variety of public safety communications equipment including a multi-channel radio, 9-1-1 emergency telephone equipment, computer aided dispatch system, instant recall recorders, marine radio, and a fire pager.

7. Perform related duties as assigned

Requirements:

  • Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
  • Two years of responsible clerical or law enforcement-related experience requiring public contact. Time served as a District Intern counts towards the years of experience.
  • At least one year of operational experience in a public safety setting performing duties comparable to that of Public Safety Dispatcher is preferred but not required.
  • Certain assignments may require a valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance program.
  • Must successfully pass a complete background investigation to include a police records check, employment history, credit history, education history, polygraph examination, neighborhood check and reference check.
  • Must successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination, psychological examination, and drug screen.