Job Description

Public Safety Dispatcher

Under general supervision, maintains effective and efficient communications between the public and the police officers in the field or other outside agencies; performs all front office operations with the public; perform a variety of routine clerical work and radio communication work in the administration of the Police Department.

The Public Safety Dispatcher is a non-sworn class which provides dispatching and office support services. Positions assigned to this class are expected to perform the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying program knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative while having a great deal of public contact. Once trained, positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Example Of Duties

• Receive incoming business and emergency telephone calls, complaints, and requests from the public, evaluate information received and determine proper action to take, following specific procedural steps, dispatching police, ambulance and/or fire personnel, as needed.
• Maintain complaint, arrest, radio message and general station activity logs.
• Perform pat-down searches and supervise the submission of urine samples on same-gender suspects.
• Complete booking processes on suspects and/or arrestees.
• Receive payment of fees on bail of inmates and other miscellaneous fees for services.
• Provide various clerical functions, including, but not limited to: Issuing yard sale permits, issuing bicycle licenses, providing immigration/record clearances, releasing copies of reports, entering traffic citations, subpoenas, and court orders/restraining orders into computer system, completing registration process of narcotic, sex and arson offenders, distributing reports and creating case folders, and preparing documents for all complaints filed with the District Attorney's office.
• Researches, evaluates, plans, and administers all work related to the department's records to ensure completion, accessibility, and centralization.
• Provides routine maintenance, updates, inspections, purging and destroying of files in accordance with state requirements and the needs of law enforcement users.
• Seals court ordered adult and juvenile records.
• Maintains and oversees the dissemination, requirements and restraints of information contained in law enforcement reports.
• Provides translation for officers and staff in the field or office to/from Spanish, as needed.
• Provides routine typing, filing and basic clerical duties as needed.
• Regular and timely attendance.
• Performs other duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High School diploma or GED certificate.
2. Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
3. Minimum typing speed of 35 wpm.
4. Ability to work rotating shifts and/or overtime as necessary.
5. Ability to work under pressure.
6. Minimum of 10 units of college course work preferred.
7. Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred.
8. Must successfully pass a POST examination for Dispatcher role

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a police telecommunications and dispatch center.
• Operational characteristics of modern public safety telecommunications equipment including computer aided dispatch systems and multi-channel radio systems.
• Law enforcement and emergency service procedures for responding to and handling reported incidents.
• Police terminology.
• Techniques of questioning for both emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Methods and techniques of receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Standard broadcasting procedures and rules.
• Functions of the Police Department and other City Departments.
• Geographic features and locations within the area served. English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers, all Microsoft Office applications, and other specialized public safety computer systems and applications.
• Criminal justice information systems, system networks, and services including functions and relationships of agencies involved in the criminal justice system.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations and department rules, policies, and procedures.
• Method and techniques of telephone etiquette.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and filing.
• Basic principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Evaluate emergency situations and make split-second decisions regarding the type of response appropriate for the circumstances.
• Effectively communicate and elicit information from upset and irate callers.
• Make independent decisions that affect the safety of public safety personnel, citizens, and property, such as those involved in determining the urgency of requests received and the appropriate action to take.
• Dispatch police units quickly and effectively.
• Listen and comprehend radio transmissions and telephone calls.
• Clearly project voice over radio and telephone.
• Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Operate a variety of telecommunications receiving and transmitting equipment including radio transmitting communication equipment, teletype equipment, and computer equipment.
• Operate office equipment including specialized public safety computer systems to access and maintain data.
• Read and interpret maps and other navigational resources and give directions.
• Type and enter data accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Interpret, apply, and explain applicable federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations.
• Maintain composure, alertness and concentration while working for extended periods of time. Compile, maintain, process, and prepare a variety of records and reports.
• Perform a variety of specialized office support and clerical duties in support of the Police Department.
• Exercise good judgment in maintaining critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Provide high quality customer service.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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