Public Safety Dispatcher
About the role
The Police Department is responsible for maintaining a public safety environment that supports the University's mission of education, research, and public service, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Under the general supervision of the Records & Communications Manager, the incumbent staffs the Public Safety Dispatch Center, operating as a primary point of contact for life or property emergencies and general police, fire, and Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) transit services.
Job Duties
Radio Dispatching & Emergency Services: Provides emergency radio dispatching and telephone services to the campus, emergency services, Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) transit service drivers, Disability Van Service (DVS), CHARTER Services, and Transit Supervisors.
Communicate by two-way radio with Police, Fire, Parking, Guard, Health Services, Physical Plant, Community Safety Officers, TAPS, other campus units, and allied agencies.
Operate complex radio console, utilize various computerized applications, operate video display terminal, answer and handle the E911 Public Safety Answering Point.
Independently determine the level of emergency response and coordinate police, fire, ambulance and transit services as well as other resources as needed or required.
Operate a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system to keep detailed records of calls received, units dispatched, and agency initiated activity.
Utilize a Records Management system for the purpose of assisting the Police Department and other Public Safety agencies.
Operate CLEMARS (California Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Radio System), an interagency law enforcement frequency, monitor allied agencies, including but not limited to Santa Cruz City Police, Santa Cruz County Sheriff, and County Fire frequencies.
Understand and evaluate emergency/urgent situations and relay information as received to assist in coordinating a response with the Police and Fire, Transit Services Manager, Safety Manager, drivers, staff and customers to resolve issues in a timely manner.
Operate CLETS (California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System) terminal, using Open Query software system for inquiries to automated data bases at Department of Motor Vehicles, inquiries, entries, and updates to automated data bases of California Department of Justice, National Crime Information Center, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Send administrative messages to law enforcement agencies throughout the nation, including requests for mutual aid, information on subjects or vehicles, notifications to law enforcement agencies regarding persons and/or vehicles wanted by University Police, and abstracts of warrants held by University Police.
Receive and distribute messages received on CLETS terminal, including: inquiries, confirmation of warrants, bulletins and notices from other agencies.
Dispatch transit buses and Disability Van Service (DVS) vans.
Coordinate emergency response of University units (Police, Fire, Environmental Health & Safety, Health Services, Transit Services, Disability Van Services, Physical Plant, college Community Safety Officers) and non-campus units (including Santa Cruz Police and Fire, Santa Cruz Sheriff, California Highway Patrol, California Division of Forestry and ambulance).
Follow prescribed University procedures and public safety dispatching procedures and exercise proper judgment in emergency situations for which established procedures may not exist.
Ability to learn and understand requirements of Clery Act. Ability to disseminate emergency notifications, timely warnings, and other notices to personnel and public.
Provide public information and directions regarding departmental procedures and practices including but not limited to UC parking rules and regulations, requesting police reports, filing commendations and complaints against departmental employees, ride a longs, and other services provided.
Training
Train current personnel on new dispatch equipment, procedures, policies and regulations in group and one-on-one settings.
Facilitate the transition of new dispatchers into the department by providing one-on-one training.
Develop and maintain an environment that is conducive to learning and for representing the agency in a professional and competent manner.
Provide public information and instruction at the Citizen Police Academy, campus activities and fairs, and at other events approved by the department.
Records/Files
Maintain and utilize emergency call-out and notification lists for the campus departments.
Track ridership of the Transit Operations and Disability Van Services (DVS).
Enter DVS data for statistical and grant reporting purposes.
Input DVS rider information as needed to ensure service.
Occasionally perform general administrative functions such as data entry, filing and record-keeping and other assigned duties based on the needs of the department.
Miscellaneous
Provide logistical support for the department and campus during planned events and emergencies.
Drive to attend training, workshops or conferences away from the Santa Cruz, CA area.