Public Safety Dispatcher

Atascadero, CA
Atascadero Police Department

Salary: $67,601.76 – $87,008.28 Annually

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, operates radios and communications equipment to receive, evaluate, respond to calls for information and service; transmits critical data to appropriate police, fire, medical and other personnel; maintains police records and a variety of confidential reports; stores evidence and property and maintains files; performs varied typing and clerical tasks; performs other related duties as required.

Essential Functions:

  • Monitors, receives and transmits emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire and medical services received by telephone, in person, by radio or through computer terminal teletype and alarm systems.
  • Obtains and records information as to exact location of emergencies and uses radio to dispatch equipment in accordance with predetermined plans.
  • Provides pre-arrival medical instructions.
  • Operates computer-aided dispatcher and other computer systems simultaneously.
  • Maintains records and prepares activity logs on information reported, equipment dispatched and disposition of incidents.
  • Keeps and records radio contact with police, fire and other unit personnel in the field.
  • Broadcasts descriptions of missing and wanted persons, lists of stolen and recovered property, other information to police units; responds to officer inquiries.
  • Consistent with departmental rules and regulations, provides information, forms, reports, and various documents to requesting parties.
  • Keeps track of various information such as traffic lights out and streets closed and keeps emergency personnel informed.
  • Takes non-investigative field and counter reports.
  • Searches files for materials and makes copies as necessary.
  • Refers individuals to other agencies offering services not provided by the police department.
  • Types various items of correspondence, logs, reports, and forms and maintains filing systems.
  • Stores, secures, releases, transports, and maintains records of property and evidence obtained in police operations.
  • Maintains dispatch center work area and equipment in clean and working condition.
  • Maintains departmental security by operating intercoms, locks and gates.
  • Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function, as required.

Requirements:

  • Equivalent to completion of high school;
  • One year responsible clerical or technical experience involving records or communications;
  • Experience in working with computers and computer-aided systems;
  • Experience in general clerical work.
  • Possession of a valid and appropriate California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record, without any record of suspension or revocation in any state.
  • Possession of a certificate of successful completion of POST-approved 120-hour Public Safety Dispatch Course, prior to the end of probation.
  • Must be a permanent United States Citizen or hold status of an immigrant “Permanent Resident.”
  • Must be able to pass a medical examination administered by the City Medical consultant periodically.
  • Pursuant to California Labor Code Section 3211.9, service is essential in times of extreme emergency or disaster. For this reason, State law designates public employees as “Disaster Service Workers”. As such and even when off-duty, this position may be required to return to duty in case of emergency or disaster.