Dispatcher I

California State University, Bakersfield•Bakersfield, CA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The CSUB University Police Department is dedicated to ensuring the safest possible environment for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The University Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The University Police Department investigates crimes that occur on campus and assists other local law enforcement agencies. Under the general supervision of the Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police, the Police Dispatcher I serves as the primary point of contact for incoming emergency and non-emergency communications. The incumbent maintains effective and efficient communications between the University Police Department, police officers in the field, the campus community, and outside emergency response and law enforcement agencies. The incumbent receives, evaluates, prioritizes, and relays information; dispatches officers to calls for service; maintains police records and communications logs; and provides operational support for public safety functions. The position may be assigned to work day, swing, or night shifts, including weekends, holidays, special events, and emergency staffing assignments, as needed.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
One (1) year of verifiable experience using a switchboard and two-way radio communication system in a law enforcement or comparable agency within the last ten years.
Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Dispatcher Course.
Incumbents who, upon hire, do not possess a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate also will be required to pass a written test related to essential dispatching skills.
Incumbents must successfully pass supplemental P.O.S.T. requirements for dispatchers such as a background check, physical and psychological examinations, drug testing, and related requirements.
Regular and reliable attendance is required.
Ability to effectively use a phonetic alphabet, speak clearly and concisely, follow oral and written instructions, transfer information accurately, handle a wide range of interpersonal interactions effectively, and learn the use of applicable automated dispatch and law enforcement systems and databases.
Ability to multi-task by receiving information from different sources, evaluate information and properly dispatch resources.
Ability to work in high stress situations.
Working knowledge of legal codes, requirements, procedures and techniques for receiving complaints and calls for service and for dispatching and communicating with campus officers in the field.
Ability to effectively converse using police radio systems.
Working knowledge of public safety-related agencies and the respective communication protocols.
Working knowledge of and ability to use applicable computerized and automated dispatch and law enforcement systems and databases to enter, research and retrieve data as necessary.
Ability to independently respond and act quickly, accurately evaluate information and situations, and make appropriate decisions in routine, non-routine and emergency situations.
Working knowledge of geographical layout and ability to read maps and floor plans to provide directions to officers in the field.
Ability to accurately interpret written policies, follow oral and written instructions, and transfer information.
Ability to provide clear and concise verbal directions quickly and accurately.
Ability to present and summarize information in a variety of written formats, using clear and concise language.
Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner.
Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
Excellent computer skills and competence with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure.
Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
Must be able to work overtime, occasional holidays and adjust working hours to meet special jobs.
May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.

Nice To Haves

P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Course Certificate prior to hire.
California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate.
Experience with CAD systems with focus on Sunridge RIMS.
Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment utilizing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

Responsibilities

Receive, screen, prioritize, and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls for service in accordance with established laws, policies, procedures, and departmental protocols.
Provide professional, courteous, and empathetic customer service while communicating with crime victims, witnesses, members of the campus community, and the public to obtain, evaluate, and accurately document pertinent information.
Operate police and emergency communications equipment, including radio transceivers, CLETS terminals, telephones, silent alarms, emergency notification systems, and related communications technology to dispatch officers and coordinate responses to calls for service, critical incidents, and emergencies.
Exercise sound judgment and discretion in evaluating incoming information, determining the appropriate response, and relaying accurate and timely information to officers and emergency personnel.
Maintain effective communications and coordinate responses with outside law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and other public safety agencies, as appropriate.
Notify command staff and designated campus administrators of critical incidents in accordance with established departmental procedures.
Utilize computerized dispatch and law enforcement information systems and databases to enter, update, retrieve, and maintain police reports, activity logs, criminal justice information, and related records.
Process, distribute, file, and maintain police reports and other departmental records in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and departmental procedures.
Maintain complaint, arrest, radio communications, and general station activity logs, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of records.
Research, retrieve, and provide information from dispatch and law enforcement systems to support departmental operations.
Update warrant and due diligence information, prepare arrest folders, and maintain criminal history and related law enforcement files.
Provide operational support for public safety and community service functions, including parking and access services, records maintenance, monitoring security and fire alarm systems, monitoring building access, assisting campus visitors, and supporting vehicle checkout and related departmental services.