Public Safety Dispatcher I/II

About the role

The City of Murrieta is accepting applications for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher I/II to create an eligibility list. The eligibility list established may be used to fill upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to one (1) year.

Essential Functions

• Receives police and emergency calls for service; assesses with the caller the nature of the call through a series of questions and formulates a call for service; determines the severity of the call; ascertains officer safety and public safety needs with the caller; takes action as prescribed through standard operating procedures and/or refers to supervisor or manager for direction.

• Dispatches public safety emergency units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system, including determining the priority of emergency and contacting and sending appropriate response units.

• Maintains contact with field units, including accounting for location and status of units and maintaining records of field calls; sends back-up units, as necessary, ensuring the safety of field units.

• Dispatches and communicates with fire and rescue personnel on the radio, while taking numerous emergency and non-emergency calls during an emergency and high-priority events; relays information to appropriate dispatchers when additional resources are needed.

• Provides general information to the public; refers callers to appropriate agencies; calms angered or distraught callers; maintains professionalism in radio transmissions during hectic, tense, and dangerous situations.

• Operates multiple computers, telephone lines, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities; tests and inspects equipment as assigned; may troubleshoot equipment issues as required.

• Logs call data in a written or automated format; monitors calls after initial dispatch to provide additional coordination, support, or information.

• Enters, updates, and retrieves a variety of records from teletype database, including stolen vehicles and property, vehicle registration information, guns and property, and warranted or missing persons, restraining orders, and all out-of-state information, including, but not limited to, driver's license, license plates, and criminal history.

• Accesses federal, state, and local law enforcement information databases to obtain information regarding outstanding warrants, criminal history, records information, and vehicle data; relays such information to sworn staff.

• Serves as a liaison to the public and representatives of other agencies for the department; provides initial non-emergency contact with the public and representatives of other agencies for the requesting of police records or related services; determines the nature of the contact; provides factual information regarding services, policies, and procedures, which requires a knowledge of legal guidelines, departmental policies and procedures, and the use of tact and discretion, or directs the caller to the proper individual or agency.

• Maintains accurate departmental and law enforcement records and files; researches and compiles information from such files.

• Attends necessary training, and shift briefing sessions, participates in drills and test scenarios to prepare for unexpected emergencies.

• Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Public Safety Dispatcher I/II - High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)

• Public Safety Dispatcher I - One (1) year of general clerical experience involving public contact

• Public Safety Dispatcher II - Two (2) years of experience performing public safety dispatch duties with possession of a POST Certificate or three (3) years of experience performing public safety dispatch duties with possession of an EMD Certificate

Highly Desirable Experience

Prior experience as police, fire, or medical dispatcher

License and Certifications

• Public Safety Dispatcher I - Must obtain the P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher certificate within one year. Must obtain CPR Certification within one year. Must obtain EMD Certification within one year. Ability to travel to meetings, trainings, site visits, and special events throughout the City may be required. Employee must have access to reliable transportation as needed.

• Public Safety Dispatcher II - Possession of P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher certificate. If hired at level II with only the EMD certificate, the employee is required to possess the POST certificate within one year. Must obtain CPR Certification within six (6) months. Must obtain EMD Certification within one year. Ability to travel to meetings, trainings, site visits, and special events throughout the City may be required. Employee must have access to reliable transportation as needed.