Police Dispatcher Entry-Level

City of Antioch•Antioch, CA

34d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Antioch is currently accepting applications for the Police Dispatcher position located within the Antioch Police Department. The Police Dispatcher evaluates response necessary as dictated by a given request for service. This is a continuous posting and job posting may close at any time. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The recruitment is to establish a 12-month eligibility list. Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties involved in receiving, evaluating, prioritizing, and relaying 9-1-1, emergency, and non-emergency calls for service for the cities of Antioch and Brentwood, as well as Antioch Animal Control; inputs calls into CAD (computer aided dispatch); dispatches appropriate units and coordinates response of emergency personnel; operates a variety of telecommunications equipment including radio, telephone, and computer aided dispatch systems; and performs a wide variety of specialized clerical duties involved in the preparation, maintenance, and release of materials related to law enforcement activities.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Some experience in a law enforcement agency in the capacity of public safety Dispatcher (Police, Fire or Emergency Medical Services) that included utilization of a computer aided dispatch system to perform job duties is desirable.
Ability to obtain the P.O.S.T. certification in Basic Police Dispatch within 12 months of completing probation (for Entry Level Candidates/Employees).
Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
Typing certificate, validated within the last twelve (12) months, indicating a typing speed of at least 45 net words per minute (wpm) from a recognized employment agency, business school, or adult school. The certificate MUST: Indicate it was a 5-minute timed exercise, Show the number of errors, Show the gross wpm, Show the net wpm (calculated by deducting 2 wpm for each error). NO ON-LINE TYPING CERTIFICATES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Ability to respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Ability to effectively communicate and elicit information from upset and irate callers.
Ability to speak clearly and concisely in an understandable voice via radio and telephone and in person.
Ability to hear and distinguish radio voice traffic within normal levels and over background noise.
Ability to make independent decisions that affect the safety of public safety personnel, citizens, and property such as those involved in determining the urgency of requests received and the appropriate action to take.
Ability to dispatch police units quickly and effectively.
Ability to think quickly, calmly, and clearly in emergency situations.
Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to operate a variety of telecommunications receiving and transmitting equipment including radio transmitting communication equipment, teletype equipment, and computer equipment.
Ability to operate specialized public safety computer systems and applications.
Ability to read and interpret maps and other navigational resources and give directions.
Ability to type and enter data accurately at a speed of 45 net wpm.
Ability to work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to interpret, apply, and explain applicable federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations including police records retention and dissemination policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain composure, alertness and concentration while working for extended periods of time.
Ability to compile, maintain, process, and prepare a variety of records and reports.
Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public reporting emergencies and seeking information or filing a report.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
All Police Dispatchers shall not have been convicted of any felony. A misdemeanor conviction may result in applicant disqualification and employee disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
A complete background investigation will be conducted prior to hire.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of employment as a Police Dispatcher in the State of California (to be considered a lateral applicant).
Successful completion of the basic Dispatcher course (for Lateral Candidates).
Possession of the P.O.S.T. certification in Basic Police Dispatch (for Lateral Candidates/Employees).

Responsibilities

Receive, classify, and prioritize all incoming calls to the dispatch center including 9-1-1 calls, emergency, and non-emergency calls from citizens and allied agencies requesting service or information.
Operate a variety of public safety communications equipment including 9-1-1 emergency telephone equipment, computer aided dispatch systems, and multi-channel radio system.
Evaluate response necessary as dictated by a given request for service; determine nature, location, and priority of calls.
Operate computer aided dispatch system to create calls for service within response criteria guidelines; assign and dispatch personnel in accordance with policies and procedures.
Transfer calls to other appropriate agency in accordance with established procedures; obtain and dispatch other support services as necessary.
Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of field units; monitor multiple radio frequencies; relay emergency and non-emergency information to public safety personnel in the field.
Retrieve information from local, state, and national computer networks regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, restraining orders, criminal histories, parolees, and other related information; relay information to officers in the field.
Operate computer terminals to enter, modify, and retrieve data such as stolen and recovered property, towed and stolen vehicles, missing and unidentified persons, citations, field interviews, driver license and vehicle registration information, and warrants on wanted persons; compose and transmit messages to other agencies.
Enter and remove data and information from various local, statewide, and national law enforcement computer systems including the Records Management System (RMS), Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), and National Crime Information Center (NCIC); provide support to officers by gathering information from various computer systems including DMV, CLETS, and the County's system.
Notify and dispatch Antioch and Brentwood Public Works staff, and Antioch Animal Control Officers for after hours call outs.
Monitor the County Warning Systems Computer (CWS).
Implement Amber Alerts and Code 666's.
Monitor the security cameras and security doors inside and surrounding the Antioch Police Department.
Testify in court.