IPD Police Dispatcher

City of Indio•Indio, CA

About The Position

The City of Indio is hiring for the alternatively staffed IPD Police Dispatcher I or IPD Police Dispatcher II position, depending on qualifications. Under supervision, dispatchers receive and process routine and emergency calls and alarms, dispatch police and other public service entities, use automated law enforcement information systems, and coordinate with other emergency service providers. Dispatcher I is the entry-level classification, where the employee develops the knowledge and abilities needed to perform the full scope of dispatcher duties. Dispatcher II is the journey-level classification and independently performs the full range of duties with minimum supervision. Dispatcher II employees may assist with training less experienced personnel. Dispatchers screen calls and determine the priority and response required; communicate with the public, officers, department staff, and other agencies; monitor radio frequencies and field-unit status; maintain call logs, records, and files; and retrieve and provide information through law enforcement computer systems, telephone, and teletype. They may monitor security at police and other City properties, work at other dispatch command posts, and be called to testify in court. Dispatcher II employees may also assist with the release of towed vehicles on weekends. The position requires a flexible schedule, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and potentially flex or cover shifts. Employees may be required to work overtime and wear a department uniform. The finalist must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen and is subject to a background investigation.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
For Dispatcher I: one year of experience in public or telephone contact, customer service, or computer use; radio dispatching experience is preferred.
For Dispatcher I: minimum net typing speed of 40 words per minute and a typing certificate.
For Dispatcher I: must be at least 18 years old at the time of appointment.
For Dispatcher II: equivalent of two years of previous police dispatcher experience, including at least 18 months with one agency.
Valid Class C California driver's license.
For Dispatcher I: obtain a P.O.S.T. Dispatch Certificate within one year of appointment.
For Dispatcher II: possess a P.O.S.T. Dispatch Certificate.
Minimum net typing speed of 40 words per minute and a typing certificate.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, overtime, and rotating shifts.
Ability to remain calm in emergencies; communicate clearly orally and in writing; make sound decisions; organize and prioritize work; and work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to operate or learn specialized law enforcement automated information, communication, and dispatch systems.
Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; accurately read, record, and calculate information; follow directions; and observe safety practices.
Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen and meet the City's background investigation requirements.

Nice To Haves

For Dispatcher I, experience preferably involving radio dispatching.

Responsibilities

Receive, screen, and process routine, non-emergency, and emergency calls for service; determine their necessity, priority, and required response.
Dispatch police and other public service entities and coordinate responses with other emergency service providers and agencies.
Monitor police and other radio frequencies, dispatch and track field units, inform the Watch Commander of calls in progress, and respond promptly to emergencies involving field-unit safety.
Remain calm and maintain clear radio communications during hectic, tense, and dangerous situations.
Enter, retrieve, analyze, update, and use information in law enforcement databases and other automated information systems.
Maintain accurate logs and records of service requests, information received, actions taken, pending calls, and dispatched calls; prepare reports and maintain dispatch files.
Communicate with the public, department staff, field officers, and other agencies; take telephone and counter reports, answer questions, provide information, and resolve service issues and complaints.
Research county, state, and federal information systems and provide requested information to law enforcement personnel and other agencies by telephone and teletype.
Monitor security at the police station, radio sites, and other City properties for unusual or potentially criminal activity.
Develop and apply knowledge of applicable policies, procedures, work methods, law enforcement terminology, and code sections.
Establish effective working relationships and contribute as a team member, while also working independently when required.
Dispatcher II employees may assist with training less experienced personnel; Dispatcher I employees may learn and develop toward full proficiency.
May work in other dispatch command posts and testify in court when subpoenaed; Dispatcher II employees may assist in releasing towed vehicles on weekends.
Perform other related duties as assigned.