Police Dispatcher

City of Bell•Bell City Hall, CA

About The Position

The Police Dispatcher supports the City’s emergency systems dispatching operations within the Police Department. The dispatcher evaluates incoming requests for services or information and determines the appropriate course of action in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. This role receives emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatches units and equipment, supports officers in the field, maintains records, and performs related clerical and public-information duties. The department will train the successful candidate. Some positions require a California Class C driver’s license, or the ability to obtain and retain one, by appointment. The employee must successfully complete a 120-hour P.O.S.T. Basic Public Safety Dispatcher course within 12 months of hire.

Requirements

Education equivalent to a high school diploma or GED.
Two years of full-time clerical experience involving substantial public contact.
Type at least 45 words per minute, verified by a typing test.
Speak English and use translation services when necessary.
Evaluate emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatch appropriate units.
Remain calm, act quickly, and exercise good judgment in emergency and non-emergency situations.
Effectively operate computer-aided dispatch systems, 9-1-1 telephone equipment, and radio equipment.
Read and interpret manuals and codes related to the work.
Compile information and maintain records; enter and retrieve computer data with sufficient speed and accuracy.
Communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, and use independent judgment within established guidelines.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Successfully complete a 120-hour P.O.S.T. Basic Public Safety Dispatcher course within 12 months of hire.
Some positions require possession of, or the ability to obtain and retain, a California Class C driver’s license by appointment; exceptions may be reviewed case by case for disability or personal choice.

Nice To Haves

Two years of clerical experience in a police or fire department is preferred.
Bilingual ability in Spanish is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Receive and respond to incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio calls, obtain relevant information, assess situations, and dispatch appropriate units or equipment.
Respond to patrol-unit requests for information using computer systems to query local, regional, or national law enforcement agencies.
Maintain contact with local units and personnel from other law enforcement agencies during emergency responses until situations are resolved.
Operate specialized computer systems, enter and retrieve data, and maintain logs and records.
Provide members of the public with information about emergency services operations and activities within established guidelines.
Ensure work-related actions comply with departmental standard operating policies and procedures.
Compile data and prepare reports on calls for service, dispatched equipment, and call dispositions.
Perform data entry, citation entry, and other clerical duties.
May attend public meetings to present information about police or dispatch functions.
May serve as matron, conduct searches of suspects in custody, and perform related assigned duties.