IPD Police Dispatcher

City of Indio•Indio, CA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, learns to receive and process routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches Police and other public service entities as required; enters, retrieves, and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; may assist in the training of less experienced personnel; learns applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs other related duties as required. The IPD Police Dispatcher I is the entry-level class in the IPD police dispatcher series that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents perform the more routine and less complex assignments within an established procedural framework, where there are minimal consequences of error. Incumbents must gain a thorough working knowledge of response procedures and must develop the ability to utilize sound judgment initiating and coordinating responses to situations that may affect the lives and safety of the public, law enforcement, and other emergency services personnel. Incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of assigned duties. This classification is alternatively staffed with Police Dispatcher II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher level class. The IPD Police Dispatcher II is the journey level class in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned police dispatching duties. Incumbents are responsible for performing the full range of duties with minimum supervision and applying sound judgment regarding their scope of authority in dispatching personnel. This class is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Dispatch Supervisor in that the latter has the responsibility for performing the more complex and sensitive duties and for providing supervision.

Requirements

Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
One year of experience in either public or telephone contact, customer service, or computer use (preferably involving radio dispatching) and a typing minimum net speed of 40 words per minute.
Must be 18 years of age at the time of appointment.
Possess the equivalent of two (2) years of previous police dispatcher experience with at least 18 months with one agency.
Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license.
Must obtain a Dispatch Certificate from P.O.S.T. within one year of appointment.
Must provide typing certificate with a minimum net speed of 40 words per minute.
Possession a Dispatch Certificate from P.O.S.T.
Civil, criminal, and municipal provisions relating to the various activities of the City of Indio’s Police Department; law enforcement, fire, and other operating procedures and functions as they relate to the dispatch function; geography of the City of Indio and the surrounding environment; legal and procedural techniques and regulations regarding transmission and reception of police radio traffic; basic radio and related equipment maintenance; modern office administrative practices and procedures; methods of providing services and information; ability to learn alphanumeric and other coding protocol; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; standard office procedures, practices, and equipment; modern office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Effectively operate specialized law enforcement automated information, communication, and dispatch systems.
Perform a variety of complex work with speed and accuracy; remain calm under emergency situations; learn to operate specialized law enforcement automated information, communication and dispatch systems; work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, overtime, and rotating shifts; wear a department uniform; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of a Dispatch Supervisor and/or Communications Training Officer, learns to receive and process and receives and processes routine non-emergency and emergency calls for service; dispatches police and other public service entities as required; accurately enters, retrieves, analyzes and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate.
Learns and develops an understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; uses law enforcement terminology and cites code sections by number.
Screens incoming calls to determine necessity, priority and type of response required; interprets level of service needed through information obtained from field officers or citizens; works effectively with the public, and maintains a professional, customer service oriented demeanor; responds to questions and concerns from the general public, department staff, and other agencies; takes and records telephone and counter reports; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints.
Monitors radio frequencies specific to the operation of the Indio Police Department and the City of Indio; monitors other radio frequencies to be aware of incidents elsewhere that may affect City of Indio police operations; informs the Watch Commander of calls in progress; dispatches and monitors the status and location of field units; maintains calmness in radio transmissions during hectic, tense and dangerous situations; responds immediately to emergencies regarding the safety of field units.
Maintains accurate computer log of incoming service requests, information received and actions taken; maintains records of all pending and dispatched calls for service; prepares other reports and records as directed; maintains files necessary for dispatch as assigned; accurately enters, updates, and retrieves information from various computer networks; coordinates multi-agency responses when necessary; transfers calls to appropriate agencies if warranted; receives information and calls for service from other law enforcement agencies; researches county, state and federal national computer data banks to obtain information requested by officers or other law enforcement personnel as required; provides information to other agencies by telephone and teletype.
Monitors security for the police station, radio sites, and other city properties as necessary to detect unusual and potentially criminal activity.
Establishes positive working relationships with co-workers, employees within the department, outside agencies, representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management, and the public; works as part of a team, yet may work independently; may represent the Police Department and the City’s dispatching services on various work groups, interview panels and committees.
May work in other dispatch command posts.
May be called to testify in court when subpoenaed by a judge or member of the court.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Under general supervision, receives and processes routine and emergency calls for service; dispatches police and other public service entities as required; accurately enters, retrieves, analyzes and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; assists in the training of less experienced personnel.
May assist in the release of towed vehicles on weekends.