Public Safety Dispatcher/Jailer

City of Lodi•Lodi, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Lodi Police Department is hiring an entry-level Public Safety Dispatcher/Jailer. Under general direction, the position receives 9-1-1 police, fire, and medical emergency calls; answers non-emergency calls for public safety and other City departments; and uses independent judgment in sensitive situations. The role also performs non-sworn office duties supporting law enforcement and is responsible for processing, supervising, and providing daily care for prisoners in City detention facilities. The position works in an office and emergency services dispatch center with extensive public contact. Employees work evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts; new hires are required to work the graveyard shift. Employees may be called back or held over to maintain staffing levels. The role receives general direction from the Dispatch Supervisor and other assigned staff and may also receive direction from the Lead Dispatcher/Jailer. Applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be invited to the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery, unless they submit an eligible qualifying T-score from another California law enforcement agency or academy. Successful candidates must complete the selection process, applicable criminal background clearance and fingerprinting, and any required medical or drug screening. New appointees must complete a 12-month probationary period.

Requirements

Equivalent to completion of high school.
One year of public safety dispatching experience, or two years of general clerical experience involving public contact with an emphasis on customer service.
Knowledge of public safety telecommunications equipment, including computer-aided dispatch systems and multi-channel radio systems.
Knowledge of communication equipment, computers, peripheral equipment, related software, and geographic features and boundaries.
Knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation, computerized data entry and retrieval systems, and generally accepted office practices and equipment.
Knowledge of First Aid and CPR procedures.
Ability to learn dispatch codes, policies, and procedures and memorize detailed information such as codes, names, and locations.
Ability to handle multiple activities and sources of input simultaneously, remain calm under pressure, obtain accurate information from distressed or difficult callers, and assess emergency situations to prioritize calls and anticipate responders’ needs.
Ability to admit and supervise prisoners, including physically escorting, directing, restraining, and controlling combative prisoners using restraint techniques and handcuffing procedures.
Ability to operate computer-aided dispatch systems, display terminals, radio dispatching consoles, and associated equipment; read and interpret street maps; type at a speed adequate for job performance; and maintain complex records and files.
Ability to work various assigned shifts; new hires are required to work the graveyard shift.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people contacted during work.
Ability to meet the role’s physical and communication demands, including prolonged sitting or standing, occasional bending and similar movements, handling light to moderate weight, repetitive computer-keyboard work, and verbal communication. Normal-range vision and hearing, with or without correction, are required.

Responsibilities

Answer emergency and non-emergency calls; interview callers to determine the nature and priority of calls and the appropriate response or action.
Dispatch police, fire, or other emergency units in accordance with established guidelines.
Maintain contact with assigned units and track the status and location of police field units.
Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and requests for assistance involving other public safety agencies.
Enter, update, and retrieve information from computer networks about wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and other matters.
Answer incoming phone calls, screen and route calls appropriately, and assist members of the public.
Process and handle prisoners, including booking, searches, property inventories, fingerprinting, and administering breath tests when applicable.
Monitor prisoners in City detention facilities; provide daily care, including feeding and medicating; and maintain and enforce jail regulations.
Provide staff and administrative assistance for the dispatch center and work with supervisory and management staff to resolve dispatch-related issues.
Carry out special projects, including research, scheduling training opportunities, and developing dispatch-related policies and procedures.
Perform other duties related to department and City operations, including duties that support the diverse needs of the community.

Benefits

An average of 12 paid holidays per year.
Two weeks of paid vacation annually, increasing with length of service depending on the applicable labor agreement.
Ten days of sick leave per year, depending on the applicable labor agreement.
Medical, dental, and vision plans available for employees and dependents; employees may be responsible for a portion of premiums.
The City pays the full premium for employee and dependent life insurance.
Long-term disability plan providing up to approximately two-thirds of an employee’s salary.
Participation in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).
Optional 457 deferred compensation program.
Optional Section 125 flexible spending account.
Merit-based salary-step increases, with the first increase eligible after 12 months and subsequent increases at one-year intervals until the maximum step.