Police Dispatcher (Lateral/Experienced)

About the role

The La Mesa Police Department seeks your interest in a unique career opportunity as a Police Dispatcher. A Police Dispatcher is responsible for all incoming telephone calls to the Police Department, including 9-1-1 calls; handling the Police Radio; and documenting all activities in a computer-aided dispatch program while operating multiple computer systems.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency calls from the public requesting police or other emergency service; determine nature, location and priority of calls and dispatch units accordingly; transfer calls to appropriate agency in accordance with established procedures.
• Obtain and dispatch other support services including helicopter support, tactical teams, bomb squad, canine, public works, fire department, medical response, highway patrol and border patrol.
• Maintain contact with all units on assignment through computer aided dispatch; maintain status and location of police field units; maintain computer records of traffic stops and other officer-initiated activity.
• Operate a variety of public safety communications equipment including a multi-channel radio, 911 emergency telephone equipment, computer aided dispatch systems, instant recall recorders, and paging and intercom systems.
• Type minimum of 40 nwpm.
• Operate computer terminals and teletype machine to enter, modify, and retrieve data such as stolen and recovered property, towed and stolen vehicles, missing and unidentified persons, citations, field interviews, driver license and vehicle registration information, and warrants on wanted persons; compose and transmit messages to other agencies.
• Retrieve information from State and National computer networks regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, restraining orders, criminal histories, parolees and other related information; relay information to officers in the field.
• Perform minor routine maintenance on department equipment including dispatch and general office machines; request service and repairs as necessary.
• Perform related duties as required.

Requirements

• Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in communications, public safety dispatch or a related field.
• Experience: At least one year experience in a law enforcement agency as an emergency call taker AND radio operator (must be law enforcement dispatching). Experience in operation of a computer aided dispatch system (CAD) is required.
• Certification: A California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course certificate is required. For out-of-state applicants, the successful completion of probation as a 9-1-1 Call Taker and Radio Dispatcher from a law enforcement agency is required.

Qualifications

The La Mesa Police Department maintains the highest commitment to the community through service, honor, integrity and professionalism. If you are ready to join our tradition of excellence, we welcome your interest - APPLY TODAY!

Skills

• Exceptional multi-tasking ability
• Strong decision-making ability in a high stress environment
• Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness
• A team-player mentality and perspective; adaptable, dependable, and highly productive
• Emotional maturity, patience and a positive attitude
• Shows initiative and professional assertiveness
• Thrives in a fast-paced, intellectually challenging environment
• Capable of handling the unexpected in a competent manner.

Benefits

The City of La Mesa offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Click here for a summary of La Mesa Police Officer's Association benefits for Sworn and Non-Sworn employees. For additional detailed information regarding salaries and benefits, please review the La Mesa Police Officers Association MOU.

Pay

Pay is based on 5% of Step E of the Police Dispatcher pay range for a BASIC P.O.S.T. Certificate Dispatcher Training. Up to $15,000 Hiring Incentive Bonus for LATERAL candidates available!

Schedule

Dispatchers work both day and night shifts which are very similar to shifts worked by police officers. Historically, new dispatchers will work several years on the night shift, which run from 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.