Police Communications Trainee

City of Glendale•Glendale, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This trainee classification works under close supervision participating in training work leading to progressively responsible tasks in the Police Communications Bureau. Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, the following: Receives, identifies and accurately evaluates emergency and routine calls for police services, routes 911 calls for Fire and EMS services, refers calls to other agencies and makes required notifications as appropriate. Monitors and maintains the status of all police personnel and units as to location and availability. Determines appropriate personnel and equipment to be dispatched using voice radio and computer aided dispatch system. Relays, follows, repeats and remembers complex oral and written instructions, information and directions. Uses established policies & procedures, independent judgment, common sense and reason to make rapid and accurate decisions to achieve an effective initial or alternate course of action in dispatching police resources. Performs multiple, routine and complex dispatch tasks simultaneously. Responds calmly and effectively in emergency and stress situations. Develops speed and accuracy in performing job duties & responsibilities, including operating radio consoles, computer terminals and associated communications equipment, performing minor maintenance as required. Effectively communicates and coordinates in a teamwork environment with co-workers, other agencies, departments and the public, exercising strong customer service and group dynamic skills. Possesses a high level of awareness to all dispatch center activity and effectively anticipates and plans for probable tasks which will require immediate action. Works with geography/street files and reads maps, manuals, notebooks, memorandums, legal resources, policies & procedures and posted information. Monitors multiple police, fire and emergency radio frequencies. Initiates, receives and interprets information from various law enforcement computerized database systems. Monitors facility security and various alarm systems. Performs research and clerical work such as preparation of logs, reports, forms and update of information and files in a timely manner. Studies, reviews, and trains in communications and police department operations to develop a complete and accurate concept and understanding of the nature of police work. Performs assigned and needed cleaning and maintenance duties to center facilities. Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of this position are performed in a safe, efficient manner. Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or attainment of GED or CHSPE certificate
Valid California Class C driver's license

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish and/or English/Armenian
Prior experience in two way radio operation in a public safety emergency communications dispatch system
Some general clerical experience involving public contact is desirable
Resourcefulness and organization, initiative and self motivation
Ability to accept close supervision, criticism and/or discipline and work within an established chain of command organizational structure
Ability to accurately assess problems and understand needs & situations
Ability to acquire knowledge of communications rules, regulations, theory, operations, equipment, principles & capabilities, limitations & backup system alternatives
Ability to act in a decisive manner, using good judgment, common sense & reason
Ability to anticipate needs and evaluate alternatives and contingencies
Ability to control conversations, quickly gathering pertinent and relevant information
Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public
Ability to develop knowledge of cooperating agency procedures and resources - mutual aid
Ability to exercise tact & diplomacy, striving to promote a positive & cooperative atmosphere
Ability to hear multiple normal level conversations simultaneously, distinguishing between voices and sources to ascertain relevant information quickly and accurately
Ability to learn new information and initiate improvements in technical and procedural areas
Ability to learn police codes, rules, policies & procedures quickly and to interpret them correctly
Ability to learn police equipment and resource capabilities and develop strategy for various types of police responses and emergencies
Ability to maintain emotional stability, patience, loyalty and commitment to the organization
Ability to quickly and accurately follow written and oral instructions
Ability to rapidly & accurately operate complex computerized & mechanical equipment
Ability to react quickly, efficiently and calmly in emergencies & stressful situations
Ability to read and discern visual images on a variety of media including multiple computer system's screens
Ability to read and understand street maps, learn and retain a workable knowledge of cities, roadways, landmarks, geography of the City and surrounding jurisdictions
Ability to read, write legibly, spell, comprehend & communicate effectively in English
Ability to speak clearly, distinctly and correctly with good modulation
Ability to take initiative and exercise dependability, maturity and self-confidence
Ability to take notes, organize information & thoughts and develop notebooks, projects, records and reports
Ability to touch type at least 30 words per minute while conversing on telephone and/or radio
Ability to understand, retain and repeat simple and complex oral and written instructions
Ability to use work time properly and productively, producing high quality, accurate work
Ability to work in confined quarters for extended periods of time
Willingness and Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays
Willingness and Ability to actively participate in an extensive, comprehensive on the job training program
Willingness and Ability to assume responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment
Willingness and Ability to attend training classes in communications and Police Department procedures
Willingness and Ability to work overtime as requested or in emergencies

Responsibilities

Receives, identifies and accurately evaluates emergency and routine calls for police services
Routes 911 calls for Fire and EMS services
Refers calls to other agencies and makes required notifications as appropriate
Monitors and maintains the status of all police personnel and units as to location and availability
Determines appropriate personnel and equipment to be dispatched using voice radio and computer aided dispatch system
Relays, follows, repeats and remembers complex oral and written instructions, information and directions
Uses established policies & procedures, independent judgment, common sense and reason to make rapid and accurate decisions to achieve an effective initial or alternate course of action in dispatching police resources
Performs multiple, routine and complex dispatch tasks simultaneously
Responds calmly and effectively in emergency and stress situations
Develops speed and accuracy in performing job duties & responsibilities, including operating radio consoles, computer terminals and associated communications equipment, performing minor maintenance as required
Effectively communicates and coordinates in a teamwork environment with co-workers, other agencies, departments and the public, exercising strong customer service and group dynamic skills
Possesses a high level of awareness to all dispatch center activity and effectively anticipates and plans for probable tasks which will require immediate action
Works with geography/street files and reads maps, manuals, notebooks, memorandums, legal resources, policies & procedures and posted information
Monitors multiple police, fire and emergency radio frequencies
Initiates, receives and interprets information from various law enforcement computerized database systems
Monitors facility security and various alarm systems
Performs research and clerical work such as preparation of logs, reports, forms and update of information and files in a timely manner
Studies, reviews, and trains in communications and police department operations to develop a complete and accurate concept and understanding of the nature of police work
Performs assigned and needed cleaning and maintenance duties to center facilities
Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of this position are performed in a safe, efficient manner
Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires