Job Details

Police Dispatcher I

The Police Dispatcher I position is a part-time position, responsible for dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls, assisting with various support activities for the police department, and requires knowledge of codes, law enforcement, dispatching policies, and procedures, in addition to standard office support skills. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Police Lieutenant and Police Dispatch Supervisor. Work is typically performed in a general office setting and requires sitting for extended periods of time. This position answers and processes incoming emergency and non-emergency requests for service. The Dispatcher enters information into the Agency's Records Information Management System (RIMS) and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. The position performs all functions associated with 9-1-1 public safety dispatching, assists with clerical duties within the Police Department, and performs other related duties as assigned. Position will require work on a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends.

Examples of duties include:

• Receives emergency service calls from the public; determines nature and location of emergency.
• Dispatches emergency units in accordance with established procedures/policies using computerized dispatch system.
• Maintains contact with field units, including accounting for location/status of all units and maintaining records of all field calls.
• Coordinates services with other public and private agencies, including law enforcement, fire department, ambulance, hospital, towing, etc. to request mutual assistance.
• Runs vehicle registration checks and warrant checks on subjects and relays information to Officers in the field; enters, receives, distributes and broadcasts Teletype information.
• Performs dispatch related clerical duties including, but not limited to, processing and filing of various logs, reports, citations, and licenses; data entry, photocopying, copying of recorded information.
• Monitors scanner and Public Works radio and takes appropriate action as necessary.
• Supports front office function as necessary during business hours, responsible for office functions during non-business hours.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical qualifications include:

• Knowledge of local and state laws including: California Penal Code, California Vehicle Code, California Health and Safety Code, and the City of Fortuna Municipal Code.
• City of Fortuna geography.
• Standard office practices: multi-line telephone systems, computer aided dispatch (CAD), and record management systems (RMS).
• Teletype systems, dispatch related software, and police radio communications.
• Safe Work Practices
• Ability to remain calm while obtaining information from individuals who are in crisis, often involving life or death situations.
• Perform multiple tasks under pressure, with accuracy and speed.
• Operate a personal computer using both standard and specialized software.
• Work independently including organization and prioritization of daily tasks.
• Perform routine office practices.
• Operate multi-line phone, TDD phone, Teletype and police radio systems.
• Apply principles and practices of effective customer service.
• Read maps and give accurate and detailed directions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain strict confidentiality in relation to information received in the course of work.
• Communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations.
• Operate or quickly learn to operate a personal computer using software applications appropriate to assigned tasks, as applicable.
• Use logical thinking and problem-solving skills to develop solutions according to written or oral instructions.
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under pressure of deadlines and changing priorities.
• Quickly learn and put to use new skills, and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology.
• Act with integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Education and experience requirements include:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Any combination of training and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities are qualifying. A typical way to obtain the requisite knowledge and abilities would be one (1) year experience in a position with clerical and customer service responsibilities. Prior experience in the operation of radio, Teletype, or other communication equipment is highly desirable.
• Must pass the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) test as a requirement of a conditional offer.

Job requirements include:

• Maintain a valid California Driver's License throughout employment. Incumbent will participate in the DMV "Pull Program"
• Must be willing and available to work a variety of shifts including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime, as required, with or without prior notice.
• Must be willing to travel to attend meetings and/or trainings, as necessary.
• Must be able to handle emergency situations while remaining calm.
• In addition to other City requirements, any offer of employment for a Dispatcher is conditional upon the candidate's successful completion of a background check, polygraph examination and extensive psychological testing.

Physical requirements include:

• Perform the physical aspects of the job, including sitting for extended periods of time.
• Operate standard office equipment, including a computer.
• Have sufficient hearing and speech to communicate effectively in person, over the telephone, and via dispatch radio.
• Lift, push, pull, and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Interact with a variety of individuals in emergency or customer contact situations while multitasking.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Special characteristics include:

• This position is classified as Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) non-exempt.

Essential abilities include:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to communicate effectively.
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to review a wide variety of materials in electronic or hard copy form.
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to operate a personal computer, telephone, and other related equipment.
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to safely lift, move, or maneuver whatever may be necessary to successfully perform the duties of their position.
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to efficiently function in their assigned work environment, including, where applicable, the operation of motorized vehicles and equipment.

Disclaimer: This job description is not a contract and does not affect the at-will status of employment. The City reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.