Public Safety Dispatcher

Job Summary

All applicants must complete the proficiency exam in order to be considered for the position. This exam will be emailed out after submitting an application. This exam will take approximately 2 hours and can be completed remotely.

Identifying Characteristics

The Public Safety Dispatcher is a journey level non-sworn classification in the Police Department. This position requires the incumbent to work under general supervision and within a framework of established procedures. They are expected to perform a full range of duties with only occasional instruction or assistance. Work normally is reviewed only on completion, and may be expected to provide limited training and assistance to less experienced staff.

Examples of Duties

• On assigned shift, receives and processes incoming 911 calls, non-emergency calls, and voice radio calls; secures and records information as to the exact location and circumstances, and uses radio to dispatch necessary units, including police, fire department, and ambulance personnel and equipment as well as other resources that may be necessary.
• Maintains status of units on assignments; keeps department officials informed of situations and dispatches equipment that either protocol or the dispatcher deem appropriate.
• Inputs highly sensitive and technically difficult warrants, restraining orders, weapons, evidence, vehicles, property, missing persons, runaways, into the local, state and national teletype system.
• Provides emergency medical instruction over the phone and must be EMD certified to perform this task.
• Logs all police, fire, and medical calls for service; compiles data and prepares reports of reported emergencies, equipment dispatched, and/or status of emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Relays emergency and non-emergency information to public safety personnel in the field; interprets information from units in field which may be unclear, broken or in code.
• Processes all paperwork related to arrests and citations as part of completing the package for the District Attorney or other related agencies.
• Relays information to other agencies as required; relays the nature of the incident.
• Receives the public at the front counter; responds to requests for information; answers general questions about department's procedures and processes.
• Performs clerical work related to Police activities including logs, reports, applications and correspondence.
• Accurately inputs program information into electronic data bases.
• Performs related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

• Knowledge of English usage and grammar.
• Modern office procedures and practices.
• Ability to review documents related to dispatching operations.
• Observe, identify and problem solve incidents while dispatching.
• Remember, understand, interpret and explain operational policies and procedures to the public and staff.
• Operate radio and telephone equipment in dispatching public safety equipment and personnel.
• Analyze a situation and determine effective course of action.
• Perform job tasks effectively under pressure for sustained periods of time.
• Memorize and retain information presented clearly and unclearly from a variety of sources.
• Perform several tasks at once and assign reasonable priorities to incoming calls; monitor multiple radio frequencies.
• Speak clearly and concisely in an understandable voice via radio and telephone and in person.
• Use a keyboard and computer efficiently and effectively.
• Type a minimum of 40 net words per minute.
• Work under stress and exercise good judgment in emergency situations.
• Learn the geography of the city, county and location of streets and important buildings.
• Adjust quickly to changing situations.
• Listen carefully and attentively and remember names, locations and numbers.
• Give and take orders.
• Read maps quickly and accurately.
• Perform arithmetic computations with speed and accuracy.
• Work irregular hours and shift work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education/Training

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Experience Some experience performing duties similar to dispatching emergency services.

Supplemental Information

• Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with extensive public contact and constant interruptions.
• Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.
• Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
• Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
• Fitness for Duty: Perform job tasks effectively under pressure for sustained periods of time.