Police Dispatcher

City of South Gate•South Gate, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

THIS RECRUITMENT WILL CLOSE ON 5:00 P.M. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 THIS IS A FULL-TIME POSITION AND WILL BE REQUIRED TO WORK A VARIETY OF HOURS INCLUDING DAYS, NIGHTS, WEEKENDS, AND HOLIDAYS. Under general supervision, operates multiple communication systems to receive emergency and routine calls requesting police or fire services; provides information to the public; dispatches safety personnel and equipment; maintains records of activities related to service requests; performs related duties as required. This classification is a non-sworn member of the Police Department characterized by responsibility for communications and dispatching duties related to safety emergencies.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Must obtain and maintain a valid Public Safety Dispatcher POST certification within one (1) year of hire.
Knowledge of police terminology and police office procedures.
Knowledge of basic radio and telephone communications procedures and equipment.
Knowledge of operations of computer-aided public safety dispatch systems.
Knowledge of emergency medical dispatch protocols.
Knowledge of geography of the City.
Knowledge of principles and practices of customer service and public contact.
Knowledge of automated technology and office equipment.
Ability to communicate with the public in situations requiring diplomacy and tact.
Ability to speak clearly, concisely and distinctly.
Ability to work independently and calmly under stressful situations.
Ability to work rapidly and accurately with names, numbers, codes and symbols and to deal with issues which lack clarity.
Ability to think quickly, exercise sound judgment and take appropriate action in emergencies.
Ability to have a memory for details.
Ability to be flexible with changing priorities and multiple simultaneous tasks.
Ability to perform accurate clerical and record keeping work.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written policies, rules and instructions.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Ability to evaluate sensitive situations quickly and initiate appropriate action to diffuse situations and resolve problems.
Ability to interact tactfully and sensitively with a variety officials, members of other agencies, the media and the public.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Willingness to work rotating shifts and holidays and occasional overtime.
Skill in the operation of a variety of office equipment, including computer.
Ability to type 30 words per minute net.
Must be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Notice Program.
Must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles if assigned one.
Must successfully complete a thorough background investigation, polygraph examination, fingerprinting, and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical and psychological examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).
Must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America.

Nice To Haves

Passing National Testing Network (NTN) Emergency Communications Operator Test (ECOMM) OR a POST Entry Level Dispatcher Test score of T-48 or higher obtained within the last 12 months.

Responsibilities

Receives, screens and directs telephone calls, messages and complaints; secures and records information as to exact location and circumstances of emergency and non-emergency calls.
Determines priority of calls; provides assistance, information and directions to non-emergency callers.
Uses voice radio to dispatch personnel and necessary equipment in accordance with established procedures to scenes of fire, police incidents, accidents, rescue operations and other emergencies; monitors resources in the field to determine location and incident status; maintains radio contact with officers on assignment and maintains status of activity with the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system; keeps supervising police personnel informed of situation and dispatches additional officers and equipment as instructed and appropriate.
Relays information, via multiple communications systems between citizens, City personnel and other related agency personnel.
Assists personnel in the field with information relating to subjects (e.g., criminal and driving records, warrants, etc.); vehicles (e.g., wants and warrants); and property (e.g., guns) in order for field personnel to determine the appropriate action to be taken.
Provides the public with basic instruction to safeguard persons in hazardous conditions and emergencies prior to the arrival of emergency personnel.
Prepares reports, correspondence and related documents; maintains logs and records of all calls and related files.
Monitors and responds to multiple systems including computer aided dispatch software (CAD), facility surveillance systems, alarms, radio console, scanner and related electronic systems and devices.
As needed, serves as matron for female prisoners for such activities as removing handcuffs, taking property, performing pat downs and strip searches, escorting, conducting jail checks, feeding meals and witnessing procedures.
May train and evaluate new dispatchers and police officers in dispatch procedures.
On occasion, testifies in court related to records or as a procedural witness.