Dispatcher II (Lateral)

City of Sacramento•Sacramento, CA

About The Position

The Dispatcher II receives emergency and non-emergency telephone calls requesting police, fire, and local government services, determines their nature and priority, and dispatches units or refers or transfers callers. The position maintains radio contact with assigned units, coordinates emergency calls with other law enforcement and firefighting agencies, and performs related communications support duties. This is a journey-level classification in which employees perform the full range of dispatcher duties with independence and without direct supervision. General supervision is provided by a Dispatcher III. This position requires law-enforcement dispatch experience in a public safety dispatch center for lateral applicants, and candidates must pass the Dispatcher CritiCall examination. Appointment is subject to a thorough background investigation, including criminal history review, fingerprinting, polygraph and psychological testing, credit check, and review of drug-use history. Lateral hires must complete a 12-month probationary period at a satisfactory performance level before gaining permanent status.

Requirements

Pass the Dispatcher CritiCall examination by the stated deadline for further consideration.
For lateral entry, have two years of experience as a dispatcher working with law enforcement agencies, including answering telephone calls and radio dispatching; this must include six months of experience within the last six months.
For lateral entry, successfully complete the California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course within 12 months of appointment.
Alternatively, have successfully completed the probationary period as a Dispatcher I with the City of Sacramento.
High school diploma or GED and completion of 12 units from an accredited college or university for the Dispatcher I advancement pathway; alternatively, an additional four years of customer service experience may substitute for the required education.
Communicate clearly and understandably in English, including with diverse populations and when testifying in court.
Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset or irate citizens.
Work under pressure, exercise sound judgment in emergencies, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Use a computer and keyboard to enter information provided verbally and in writing.
Learn and apply standard radio broadcasting rules and procedures; learn the City street system and physical layout of Sacramento; and learn to operate computer-aided dispatch, telephone, and radio broadcasting equipment.
Understand and comply with oral and written directions; provide excellent customer service; and operate office machines and equipment.
Type 40 net words per minute.
Pass the required background investigation, including criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and drug-use history review.
Submit proof of education at appointment if using education to qualify; education obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by a credentials evaluation service.

Responsibilities

Receive emergency and non-emergency calls requesting police, fire, and local government services; determine their nature and priority; dispatch units; 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 information about wanted persons, criminal history, stolen property, and Department of Motor Vehicle records.
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 related to communication complaints, investigative follow-ups, or police reports.
Write daily work progress reports when training a new Dispatcher.
Provide professional, courteous, empathetic customer service in accordance with departmental policy and the community-oriented policing concept.
Perform other related duties as assigned.