Police Dispatcher

California State University System•San Jose, CA

61d

About The Position

The Police Dispatcher is an entry level, uniformed non-sworn, support position for the University Police Department. Under general supervision of the Dispatch and Communications Manager or the watch commander, the Police Dispatcher will perform a variety of specialized support duties within the Police Communication Center. Support duties may include: communication's dispatching and public counter duties; providing clerical, records and technical support services including operating a centralized computer-aided dispatch (CAD), 9-1-1 and other non-emergency phones, and monitoring campus alarms. The Police Dispatcher is responsible for maintaining effective and accurate communications between campus law enforcement, the public and other allied agencies. The Police Dispatcher I records and dispatches routine and emergency information promptly, clearly and accurately. Regular use of judgment and discretion is necessary to set priorities, assess the importance of information and react quickly and effectively. The Police Dispatcher will perform a variety of specialized support duties within the Police Communications Center. The Police Dispatcher is required to work rotating shifts which includes nights, weekends and holidays. Overtime maybe required. 2025-2026 UPD Hiring Drive $5,000 Signing Bonus, inquire for details email Debra Aguilar at [email protected]

Requirements

Ability to effectively communicate (read, write, spell and speak in clear, concise English) via telephone, radio and in person
Ability to learn correct telephone answering techniques; 9-1-1, emergency, non-emergency, business and allied agencies
Skilled in reading and interpreting maps
Ability to accurately identify where assistance is requested
Skilled in using various video display terminals
Knowledge or ability to learn police emergency procedures, radio codes and phonetic alphabet
Ability to operate and accurately enter data into the computer aided dispatch system (CAD) while simultaneously receiving information by phone or radio
Ability to handle multiple priorities and organize workload
Ability to dispatch officers to routine and critical incidents
Ability to accurately enter data, research and retrieve information from automated dispatch and law enforcement databases
Ability to independently analyze situations quickly and accurately, while taking effective action to assure public safety provider and citizen safety
Ability to communicate clearly and distinctly using radio and telephone equipment
Ability to maintain composure and work accurately in emergency situations
Ability to achieve the P.O.S.T Dispatcher certificate prior to completion of the probationary period
Ability to work in a confined area wearing a headset which restricts movement about the work area
Ability to work as assigned, on schedules that may include weekends, holidays and non-traditional work hours; and a willingness to work overtime as required
Ability to work in a highly structured environment where all communications are recorded or documented and reviewed as public record
Ability to type at a net rate of 30 wpm on a computer keyboard
Ability to maintain appropriate documentation of previous events, details and conversations
Ability to monitor security and fire alarm systems
Ability to perform with a high standard of customer service, professional conduct, and civic responsibility
Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
High School Diploma or equivalent
One year of experience using a switchboard and a two-way radio communication system in a law enforcement or comparable agency within the last ten years, or general telephone operator, transportation dispatcher, or military experience
Completion of, or the ability to attend and successfully complete, the Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Dispatcher Course is required
Passing score on CritiCall Practical Dispatch Test (to be completed before moving to background phase)

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree
Previous experience with law enforcement or security dispatching
Bilingual background with fluency in Spanish or Vietnamese
Possession of a current P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch certificate
One year minimum customer service experience in a high pace/busy setting involving multitasking skills

Responsibilities

Receives emergency and routine requests for services from the campus community and from various electronic communications equipment, i.e., enhanced 911 and other telephone lines, radio transmissions, video display terminals, alarm enunciators, and in-person contacts from citizens in the University Police Department (UPD) lobby
Elicits and records pertinent and accurate information, and uses judgment and discretion to rapidly assess the nature and priority of information and the necessary response
Operates UPD and other emergency communications equipment to dispatch officers to calls for service, critical incidents and emergencies
Identifies locations where assistance is needed, makes rapid determinations as to availability and proximity of the nearest emergency personnel and equipment, and coordinates interagency communications with surrounding jurisdictions
Responsible for accurate data entry into the computer aided dispatch system.
Operates police radio and data systems for the purposes of dispatching and communicating with police and other public safety resources
Enters and retrieves data for police reports, activity logs and criminal information.
Utilizes automated dispatch and law enforcement systems and databases to enter, research, and retrieve information
Provides support to other public safety and community service functions including parking and building access services
Utilizes dispatch and law enforcement systems and databases (both computerized and manual) to maintain department files and reports

Benefits

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

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