Dispatcher I (Dispatcher Recruit)

City of Sacramento•Sacramento, CA

About The Position

Applicants hired through this posting begin as Dispatcher Recruits and must successfully complete a seven-week Dispatcher Training Academy. After satisfactory graduation, a recruit who meets the requirements of the Dispatcher I classification advances to Dispatcher I. This is an entry-level position in the Dispatcher series. Incumbents receive on-the-job training in department policies, procedures, and systems, and their work is generally observed and reviewed during and after completion. The position receives emergency and non-emergency calls requesting police, fire, and local government services, determines their nature and priority, and dispatches or refers calls as appropriate. It also involves maintaining radio contact with units, coordinating information with other agencies, querying law-enforcement databases, performing computer-aided dispatch records work, inspecting equipment, preparing reports, and providing professional, courteous, empathetic customer service. Immediate supervision is provided by a Dispatcher III. Technical or functional supervision may be provided by a Dispatcher II or Dispatcher III. Employees must complete an 18-month probationary period with satisfactory performance. Applicants must pass the Dispatcher CritiCall examination and, if considered for appointment, a background investigation that includes a criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and review of drug-use history.

Requirements

Pass the Dispatcher CritiCall examination by the stated deadline to be considered further.
Successfully complete a seven-week Dispatcher Training Academy; satisfactory graduation is required for advancement to Dispatcher I.
Pass a background investigation, including a criminal-history check, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and review of drug-use history.
Meet either of the following education and experience pathways: high school diploma or GED, completion of 12 units from an accredited college or university, one year of customer-service experience, and successful completion of the Sacramento Police Department's Basic Dispatch Academy within the previous 12 months; OR a high school diploma or GED, four years of customer-service experience, and successful completion of that academy within the previous 12 months.
Type 40 net words per minute.
Communicate clearly and understandably in English, including with diverse populations and while testifying in court.
Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset or irate citizens.
Work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency situations.
Exercise independent judgment and work with minimal supervision.
Use a computer and keyboard to enter verbally and in writing provided information.
Learn standard broadcasting rules and procedures, Sacramento's street system and physical layout, and the operation of computer-aided dispatch, telephone, and radio-broadcasting equipment.
Understand and comply with oral and written directions.
Provide excellent customer service to customers and co-workers.
Operate office machines and equipment.
Demonstrate knowledge of English grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation.

Responsibilities

Receive emergency and non-emergency calls requesting police, fire, and local government services; determine their nature and priority; dispatch units as necessary; and refer or transfer callers as appropriate.
Maintain radio contact with units on assignment.
Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and requests for assistance involving other law-enforcement and firefighting agencies.
Query law-enforcement communication networks for wanted-person, criminal-history, stolen-property, and Department of Motor Vehicle information.
Query and enter stolen, stored, and repossessed vehicle information.
Perform records-keeping duties related to the computer-aided dispatch system.
Test and inspect equipment as required.
Testify in court as needed.
Prepare written responses or reports concerning communication complaints, investigative follow-ups, or police reports.
Write daily work-progress reports when training a new Dispatcher.
Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, empathy, and excellent customer service in accordance with departmental policy and the community-oriented policing concept.
Perform other related duties as assigned.