Police Dispatcher I/II

City of Colton•Colton, CA

About The Position

The City of Colton is recruiting for a full-time Police Dispatcher I/II in the Police Department. Current and future vacancies will be filled from an eligibility list established through the recruitment and examination process. The Police Dispatcher performs public safety communications duties using computer-aided dispatch (CAD), radio, telephone, and related communications systems. The position receives and prioritizes emergency and non-emergency calls for police assistance, dispatches appropriate personnel and resources, supports field personnel, and maintains related records. Police Dispatcher I is the entry-level, non-sworn classification, performing the full range of dispatch assignments with less independent direction and judgment while learning applicable policies and procedures. Police Dispatcher II is the journey-level, non-sworn classification, performing the full range of assignments independently with thorough judgment and initiative. Dispatcher II may occasionally provide technical and functional supervision to lower-level dispatch staff; Dispatcher I does not supervise. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid Class C California driver’s license and good driving record, and possession of—or completion within one year of hire of—the California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course, subject to the stated certificate substitution. Dispatcher I candidates should have six months of part-time clerical experience or probationary experience in a similar law-enforcement position; Dispatcher II candidates must have one year of comparable Dispatcher I experience. Work may involve various assigned shifts and prolonged periods of sitting, along with other physical and sensory demands described in the posting. A job offer is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, Department of Justice fingerprinting, psychological and polygraph evaluations, a pre-employment medical examination, and the Chief’s oral interview. The City encourages applications from bilingual candidates, women, minorities, and persons with disabilities, and reasonable accommodation is available upon request.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Police Dispatcher I: Six months of part-time clerical experience is highly desirable; experience in a law-enforcement environment is preferred, or the candidate may have passed probation in a similar position at a law-enforcement agency.
Police Dispatcher II: One year of experience performing duties comparable to those of a Police Dispatcher I is required.
Valid Class C California driver’s license and a good driving record.
Possession of, or successful completion within one year from the date of hire of, the California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course. Incumbents who satisfactorily completed a one-year probation in a Peace Officer capacity may submit a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate instead.
Ability to learn and follow standard broadcasting procedures and rules; use a wide variety of codes and computer commands; and dispatch police units quickly and effectively.
Ability to operate a computer terminal and other office equipment quickly and accurately, including at times concurrently, and type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with upset or irate members of the public, elicit information, and communicate clearly with field units.
Ability to spell accurately, understand and follow instructions, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to work various shifts as assigned.
Ability to operate a dispatch console, office computer and applicable software, and a motor vehicle.
Knowledge of basic office methods and procedures; modern office and dispatch equipment; record-keeping methods; dispatch operations and standard operating procedures; applicable laws, codes, and regulations; police-related computer and teletype networks; and occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Meet the described physical and sensory demands, including lifting, dragging, and pushing files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Some directly related college-level coursework is desired.
Police Dispatcher I: Six months of part-time clerical experience, preferably in a law-enforcement environment, is highly desirable.
Spanish-speaking ability is highly desirable.
Candidates who qualify as Dispatcher II and possess a P.O.S.T. certificate from a Dispatcher Training Academy may be eligible for a written-examination waiver.

Responsibilities

Receive, analyze, and prioritize emergency calls from the public; determine the nature, location, and priority of emergencies and dispatch police units or transfer calls to the appropriate agency.
Answer 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls, referring callers to the appropriate contact as needed.
Maintain contact with units on assignment and track field-unit status and location; check on units, provide backup personnel, and take appropriate steps to support field-personnel safety.
Organize and coordinate activities for field units and coordinate emergency calls and requests for information or assistance with other law-enforcement and firefighting agencies.
Transfer and place telephone calls, relay information, and request services from other safety agencies, City departments, emergency crews, tow companies, ambulance services, the coroner, telephone and utility companies, and other entities.
Maintain detailed records of calls, including their time and nature.
Enter, update, and retrieve crime-related information using computer and teletype networks, including faxes, and use investigative software as appropriate.
Perform record keeping, filing, indexing, and other clerical work to document dispatch activities and provide updated resources to field personnel.
Monitor the security of the police facility and alarm board.
Test and inspect equipment, report faulty equipment, and monitor ongoing equipment maintenance.
Respond to questions and concerns from the public, provide appropriate information, and resolve complaints.
Provide backup support to the Record Bureau upon request.
Maintain prompt and regular attendance and testify in court.
Perform other related duties as required.