Police Dispatcher

CSU Careers•Pomona, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The University Police Department (UPD) at Cal Poly Pomona is responsible for law enforcement, physical security, and emergency response. The department operates 24/7 with trained officers, civilian staff, and auxiliary personnel. UPD officers have statewide police authority and act as the first responder for various campus crises, including medical aid, injuries, and environmental emergencies. They handle all emergencies, crime reports, and investigations on campus, excluding homicides and missing persons cases. The department also offers programs to enhance community safety and security, aligning with a community-oriented policing philosophy. UPD is part of the Administrative Affairs Division, which focuses on providing quality fiscal, human, and facility services.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED - or its equivalent.
Must have completed or be able to attend and successfully complete the Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Dispatcher Course.
Candidates who, upon hire, do not possess a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate will be required to pass a written test related to essential dispatching skills.
Must successfully pass supplemental P.O.S.T. requirements for dispatchers such as a background check, physical and psychological examinations, drug testing, and related requirements.
One year of verifiable experience using a switchboard and two-way radio communication system in a law enforcement or comparable agency within the last ten years.
Working knowledge of legal codes, requirements, procedures, and techniques for receiving complaints and calls for service and for dispatching and communicating with campus officers in the field.
Ability to effectively converse using police radio systems.
Working knowledge of public safety-related agencies and their respective communication protocols.
Achievement of the P.O.S.T. Dispatcher certificate.
Working knowledge of and ability to use applicable computerized and automated dispatch and law enforcement systems and databases to enter, research, and retrieve data as necessary.
Ability to independently respond and act quickly, accurately evaluate information and situations, and make appropriate decisions in routine, non-routine, and emergency situations.
Working knowledge of geographical layout and ability to read maps and floor plans to provide directions to officers in the field.
Ability to accurately interpret written policies, follow oral and written instructions, and transfer information.
Ability to provide clear and concise verbal directions quickly and accurately.
Ability to present and summarize information in a variety of written formats, using clear and concise language.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, interact with all members of the campus community and general public, and maintain composure in highly stressful situations or when dealing with difficult individuals.
Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in RIMS or similar specialized law enforcement software
Familiarity with Radionics, Continental or similar alarm systems
Knowledge of CLETS system
Familiarity with campus or other organization's Emergency Plan
Knowledge of database management.

Responsibilities

Answers and screens incoming calls to the police department, conversing with victims, witnesses, and the public to elicit and record pertinent information.
Operates police department and emergency communications equipment to dispatch officers and other personnel to calls for service, critical incidents, and emergencies.
Summarizes information for broadcasting using clear, concise, and appropriate language in an organized, complete, and accurate manner.
Monitors, coordinates, and accurately updates status information regarding field units and incidents; 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 (e.g., vehicle, criminal history, driver license, wants and warrants, stolen property, gun, and other specialized databases) as well as reference materials.
Monitors and operates on-campus security cameras, fire, burglary, and intrusion alarm systems to identify issues, crimes in progress, coordinate officer response, and assist with investigations.
Determines appropriate personnel and resources to dispatch to incidents.
Operates the 911 telephone system and serves as the primary answer point.
Maintains proficient knowledge of campus geography and surrounding areas.
Coordinates emergency responses, including performing emergency dispatch duties, dispatching fire and emergency medical response, and providing pre-arrival patient care instructions.
Contacts external agencies to request or share information as directed.
Disseminates notifications to university administration and community.
Provides dispatching services and support to other public safety units as assigned.
Receives calls, obtaining complete, accurate, and appropriate information from the calling party.
Communicates effectively with callers from a varied and diverse population, including those who may be emotionally upset, abusive, hearing impaired (TDD), intoxicated, mentally unstable, suicidal, speech-impaired, children, and the elderly.
Checks department’s general email accounts to address written requests for assistance.
Monitors radio transmissions from outside law enforcement and fire agencies to identify issues that may impact the campus and coordinates response.
Evaluates and properly classifies initial complaints/requests, determining necessary further action.
Determines appropriate response/dispatch priority for complaints and requests.
Determines appropriate agency or referral for complaints and requests.
Summarizes incidents, descriptions, and other information obtained from callers using appropriate police code and correct clear, concise, and appropriate language.
Keeps Watch Commander informed of the current status of calls or incidents, resource needs, and reduced staffing levels.
Provides administrative support to the department, other units, and organizations on campus property.
Performs other classification-related duties as assigned.