Public Safety Dispatcher/Jailer

City of Lodi • Lodi, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Lodi Police Department is accepting applications for entry-level Dispatcher/Jailer. This position will, at times, require you to process and handle prisoners including, but not limited to: booking of arrested persons; performing searches; taking inventory of prisoner's property; fingerprinting; and administering breath tests where applicable; monitoring the activities of prisoners in City detention facilities; providing daily care of prisoners including feeding and medicating; maintaining and enforcing custodial facility regulations of the jail. If you are looking for an exciting career in a fast-paced 9-1-1 dispatch center, we invite you to apply for this opportunity. The examination process will consist of a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and the Supplemental Questionnaire; therefore, it is to your advantage to provide as much detailed and relevant work experience as possible, as a resume will not be accepted or reviewed in lieu of the application materials. Applicants must submit an online application at www.lodi.gov. No paper applications will be accepted.

Requirements

• Operational characteristics of modern public safety telecommunications equipment including computer aided dispatch systems and multi-channel radio systems.
• Operation of communication equipment, computers, and peripheral equipment including related software.
• Geographic features and boundaries.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Computerized data entry and retrieval systems used in dispatch communication and operations.
• Generally accepted office practices and procedures and of standard office equipment including personal computers.
• First Aid and CPR procedures.
• Learn City dispatch codes, policies and procedures.
• Memorize codes, names, locations and other detailed information.
• Attend to multiple activities and sources of input simultaneously during stressful situations.
• Work under pressure to obtain complete and accurate information from individuals who during emergency situations may be emotionally distraught, angry or difficult to understand.
• Remain calm, analyze and evaluate emergency situations as required to prioritize calls and to anticipate/determine the needs of responding personnel.
• Admit and supervise prisoners including physically escort/direct or restrain and control combative prisoners in the jail by the use of restraint techniques and handcuffing procedures.
• Effectively operate the computer-aided dispatch system, display terminals, radio dispatching consoles, and associated equipment.
• Read and interpret street maps.
• Type at a speed necessary for adequate job performance.
• Compile and maintain complex and extensive records and files.
• Work various shifts as assigned. (New Hires are required to work the graveyard shift).
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
• Equivalent to the completion of high school.
• One year of public safety dispatching experience or two years of general clerical experience involving public contact with emphasis on customer service.

Nice To Haves

• POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery with a T-score of 48.0 or higher issued within the past 12 months (July 15, 2025 – July 15, 2026), from another California law enforcement agency or academy.

Responsibilities

• Receives 9-1-1 police, fire and medical emergency calls, answers non-emergency calls for public safety and other City departments using independent judgment in often sensitive situations.
• Performs a variety of non-sworn office duties in support of law enforcement activities.
• Answers emergency and non-emergency telephones and conducts interviews with callers to determine the nature of call, priority and appropriate response and/or action and dispatches police, fire or other emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established guidelines.
• Maintains contact with all units on assignment; maintains status and location of police field units; coordinates emergency calls and relays information and assistance requests involving other public safety agencies.
• Enters, updates and retrieves information from computer networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration and other information; answers all incoming phone calls; screen calls and routes as appropriate; waits on public.
• Processes and handles prisoners including, but not limited to: the booking of arrested persons; performing searches; taking inventory of prisoner's property; fingerprinting; and administering breath tests where applicable; monitors the activities of prisoners in City detention facilities; provides daily care of prisoners including feeding and medicating; maintains and enforces custodial facility regulations of the jail.
• Provide a variety of staff and administrative assistance related to the dispatch center; work with supervisory and management staff to resolve issues related to dispatch; perform special projects as assigned including research and scheduling training opportunities and developing dispatch related policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties related to the operation of the department and the City including additional duties that enable the department and City to meet the diverse needs of its community.

Benefits

• 12 paid holidays per year.
• 2 weeks paid vacation annually, increasing with length of service depending upon the appropriate labor agreement.
• 10 days per year depending upon the appropriate labor agreement.
• Medical, Dental and Vision plans are available for employee and dependents.
• The City pays the full premium for employee and dependent life insurance.
• Offers a long-term disability plan that provides up to approximately 2/3 of an employee's salary.
• Member of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
• 457 Deferred Compensation program.
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Account.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED