Dispatcher II (Lateral)

City of Sacramento • Sacramento, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Dispatcher II (Lateral) role. To be considered, candidates must have passed the Dispatcher CritiCall examination and possess experience as a law enforcement dispatcher in a Public Safety Dispatch Center. The role involves receiving incoming telephone calls and dispatching police units as necessary for assistance, performing a variety of general support duties related to communications activities. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and typically filled by advancement from Dispatcher I. Appointment at the Dispatcher II level requires performing the full range of duties with greater independence and without direct supervision. General supervision is provided by a Dispatcher III. Candidates must also successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and drug use history.

Requirements

• Must have taken and passed the Dispatcher CritiCall examination.
• Must have experience as a law enforcement dispatcher in a Public Safety Dispatch Center.
• Knowledge of English grammar, usage, spelling and punctuation.
• Knowledge of standard radio broadcasting procedures and rules.
• Ability to express themselves in English in a clear, distinct, and understandable manner when speaking to individuals, before diverse populations, various public and community groups, and when testifying in court.
• Ability to effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Ability to work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency situations.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to use a computer and keyboard to enter data provided verbally and in writing.
• Ability to learn standard broadcasting rules and procedures.
• Ability to learn City street system and physical layout of Sacramento.
• Ability to understand and comply with oral and written directions.
• Ability to learn to operate computer-aided dispatch, telephone, and radio broadcasting equipment.
• Ability to value customers and co-workers through provision of excellent customer service.
• Ability to operate office machines and equipment.
• Type 40 net words per minute.
• Two years of experience as a dispatcher working with law enforcement agencies where duties included answering telephone calls and radio dispatching, which must include six months of experience within the last six months.
• Successful completion of the California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course within twelve (12) months of appointment.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and completion of twelve (12) units from an accredited college or university.
• Successful completion of the probationary period as a Dispatcher I with the City of Sacramento.
• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and an additional four (4) years of customer service experience may substitute for the required education.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public requesting police, fire, and local government service; determine nature and priority; dispatch units as necessary; and/or refer or transfer callers to ensure excellent customer service.
• Maintain radio contact with all units on assignment.
• Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies.
• Query information from law enforcement communication networks relating to wanted persons, criminal history, stolen property, and Department of Motor Vehicle information.
• Query and enter stolen, stored, and repossessed vehicle information.
• Perform a variety of 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 related to 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.

Benefits

• General supervision is provided by a Dispatcher III.
• The City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail.
• Candidates must pass a background investigation, which includes a criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and drug use history.
• Eligibility for the CritiCall exam is valid for one year from the date of notification of a passing score.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED