Public Safety Dispatcher I/II

City of Tracy•Tracy, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Safety Dispatcher I/II position offers a meaningful opportunity to join a dedicated team that plays a vital role in keeping the Tracy community safe. The City is committed to providing comprehensive training for new dispatchers, equipping them with the skills, tools, and confidence needed to succeed in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment. Whether you are beginning your public safety career or bringing prior experience, this role provides a pathway to grow, learn, and make a lasting impact. We are looking for individuals who will contribute to a positive, supportive workplace and take pride in representing the department with professionalism and integrity. Dispatchers are often the first voice people hear in moments of crisis, and the City values team members who approach that responsibility with compassion, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. This opportunity is ideal for someone who wants to be a champion for the department—a person who invests in their team, strengthens our culture, and envisions a long-term future with the City of Tracy.

Requirements

Equivalent to graduation from the twelfth (12th) grade.
Public Safety Dispatcher I: Two (2) years of general clerical experience involving public contact.
Public Safety Dispatcher II: Two (2) years of dispatch experience equivalent to Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Tracy.
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license upon appointment.
May be required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training.
Possession of a valid P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Certification (for Public Safety Dispatcher II).
Knowledge of Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
Knowledge of Business arithmetic.
Knowledge of Basic principles of record keeping.
Knowledge of Functions, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies.
Knowledge of Terminology and procedures used in public safety dispatching.
Knowledge of Operation of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone lines and radio systems.
Knowledge of City and County geography, maps, streets, landmarks, and driving directions.
Knowledge of Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
Knowledge of Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Knowledge of The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Knowledge of Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
Knowledge of Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation including the Department of Justice California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS).
Ability to Assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment.
Ability to Memorize codes, names, street locations, and other information.
Ability to Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
Ability to Interpret, apply and explain policies, procedures, and regulations.
Ability to Attend to multiple activities simultaneously.
Ability to Obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
Ability to Compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports.
Ability to Perform technical, detailed, and responsible office support work.
Ability to Compose correspondence independently or from brief instructions.
Ability to Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems.
Ability to Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy.
Ability to Effectively communicate upset and irate callers; obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
Ability to Multi-task by listening, speaking, and performing computer functions simultaneously.
Ability to Learn and effectively utilize various law enforcement software programs to retrieve or record information quickly and accurately.
Ability to Learn a wide variety of classification codes and computer commands and standard broadcasting procedures and rules.
Ability to Maintain confidentiality.
Ability to Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks including the Department of Justice California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS).
Ability to Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Ability to Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Ability to Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Nice To Haves

Public safety career experience
Prior dispatch experience

Responsibilities

Receives and evaluates police and emergency calls, and related business calls for the City during an assigned portion of the 24-hours-per-day/7-days-per-week Police Department operations; provides information and/or transfers calls to the appropriate department, agency, or response organization; takes messages for Police Department personnel.
Dispatches public safety emergency units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system, including determining priority of emergency and contacting and sending appropriate response unit.
Maintains contact with field units, including accounting for location and status of units and maintaining records of field calls; sends back-up units, as necessary, ensuring the safety of field units.
Operates computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities; tests and inspects equipment as assigned.
Logs call data in a written or automated format; monitors calls after initial dispatch to provide additional coordination, support, or information.
Enters, updates, and retrieves a variety of records from teletype database, including stolen vehicles and property, vehicle registration information, guns and property, and warranted or missing persons.
Accesses Federal, State, and local law enforcement information databases to obtain information regarding outstanding warrants, criminal history, records information, and vehicle data; relays such information to sworn staff.
Acts as a liaison to the public and representatives of other agencies for the department; provides initial non-emergency contact with the public and representatives of other agencies for the requesting of police records or related services; determines the nature of the contact; provides factual information regarding services, policies, and procedures, which requires a knowledge of legal guidelines, departmental policies and procedures, and the use of tact and discretion, or directs the caller to the proper individual or agency.
Maintains accurate departmental and law enforcement records and files, researches and compiles information from such files.
Attends necessary training and shift briefing sessions as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.