Public Safety Dispatcher I, Full-time

Salary: $5,141.00 – $6,249.00 Monthly

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, receives emergency and non-emergency calls; dispatches Police and emergency units; maintains contact with personnel in the field; operates a variety of transmitting/receiving equipment; performs a variety of general support duties related to dispatch activities; and does related work as assigned.

Essential Functions:

• Receive requests for Police and emergency services over the phone; answer 911 calls; screen incoming calls to determine necessity, priority, and type of response required; monitor other radio frequencies to be aware of incidents elsewhere that may affect operations.
• Dispatch, as necessary, Police and other emergency units in response to calls for service or requests from Officers in the field; use appropriate terminology and cite Code sections by number; call public and private agencies, such as allied law enforcement, hospitals, towing services and utilities, and request mutual assistance when necessary.
• Keep track of Police unit locations and status; maintain constant radio communication with personnel in the field; run warrant checks on subjects, registration checks on vehicles, and property checks; relay information and instructions to personnel in the field.
• Maintain accurate log of incoming service requests and actions taken; prepare other reports and records as directed; maintain files necessary for dispatch as assigned; enter, update, and retrieve information from the computer and teletype networks.
• Operate a variety of public safety telecommunications equipment; test and inspect equipment as needed.
• Provide temporary and vacation relief for other staff as necessary.
• Provide general information to the public; as necessary, refer callers to appropriate agencies; calm callers; maintain professionalism in radio transmissions during hectic, tense, and dangerous situations.
• Interact with various federal, state, and local databases to support field units with investigations.
• Monitor and operate a variety of sensors such as CCTV cameras and License Plate Readers to provide real time information to field units.
• Interact with co-workers at all levels in the organization in a collaborative and customer service-oriented manner.
• Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
• Perform all duties within the context of the City’s Mission Statement and Organizational Values.

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Typing certificate with a minimum typing speed of 40 net words per minute, with no more than 10 errors, dated no earlier than one year from application date.
• Possess certificate verifying successful completion of a P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch Academy (desirable).
• One year of work experience which required considerable public contact.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Work rotating shifts, weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays (hours/days will be adjusted as needed).
• Report immediately to work for emergency coverage and to other facilities than the Police Department.
• Successfully pass a practical test (may be required).
• Receive satisfactory results from a background investigation, polygraph test, psychological evaluation, physical examination, which includes a drug screen, and an administrative review.