Public Safety Dispatcher

City of Barstow•Barstow Police Department, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Barstow is seeking dedicated, calm under pressure, and service-minded individuals to join our team as Public Safety Dispatchers. As a dispatcher, you will play an essential role in protecting lives, supporting first responders, and making a difference during critical moments. This is an opportunity to build a rewarding career in public safety, working alongside dedicated professionals committed to serving the community. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, are passionate about helping others, and are looking for a career with purpose, we encourage you to apply. Applicants must provide and upload a copy of a valid typing certificate from an educational institution at the time of application submittal. The test must be taken within the last six (6) months from the date of application, with a typing speed of no less than 45 words per minute (WPM). Online testing will not be accepted. Under the direction of the assigned administrator, the Dispatcher receives and dispatches police and fire 911 and non-emergency city-wide calls for service.

Requirements

Valid typing certificate from an educational institution with a typing speed of no less than 45 words per minute (WPM). Online testing will not be accepted.
High school diploma and two (2) years of general office experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid state-issued driver’s license and a good driving record.
Ability to remain calm, speak clearly, listen, remember and recall facts, and determine the course of action in emergency situations.
Ability to listen, speak, and enter data simultaneously.
Ability to use sound judgment in prioritizing calls and dispatching personnel and equipment.
Ability to operate modern office equipment, including computers and applicable software.
Ability to operate equipment relevant to work performed.
Ability to accurately type and tabulate data at 45 WPM.
Ability to accurately perform basic mathematical calculations.
Ability to respond to questions from the public and staff.
Ability to plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines.
Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain a courteous and tactful yet firm relationship with the public in stressful situations.
Ability to understand and respond to requests from the public and staff during routine and emergency situations for assistance by phone, radio, and in person.
Ability to function under stress and complete multiple tasks simultaneously while monitoring both radio traffic and telephones.
Ability to relate well, communicate, and work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders who represent a range of ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Three (3) years of experience as a police dispatcher (for Senior Dispatcher role).
Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) certification as a dispatcher (Must be obtained within the first year of employment).
POST Communications Training Officer, CPR, and EMD certificates (required for Senior Dispatchers).

Responsibilities

Receives, responds, records, prioritizes, assigns case numbers, and initiates and monitors calls for service for incoming 911 calls, 911 text messages, and other police and fire calls for public safety and city-wide services.
Dispatches and monitors Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Police units for routine and emergency calls for service based on the type and location of the call and staff availability, ensuring the safety of sworn, fire, and non-sworn personnel.
Answers inquiries from the public, both in person and over the phone, directs callers to the appropriate staff member, and takes messages as needed.
Operates teletyped and computerized law enforcement and fire information systems; retrieves, and updates information, including wants and warrants; and relays them to the police or fire officers as appropriate.
Enters and monitors information, including arrest disposition, missing persons, stolen vehicles, warrants and bulletins, pawn slips, criminal histories, restraining orders, and firearms, and serializes it into law enforcement record-keeping systems.
Research historical records and databases as requested by sworn, non-sworn, and Fire personnel.
Monitors the Flock system for stolen vehicles, missing people, etc.
Monitors Tablet Command, Automated License Plate Reader, Rapid Deploy, Session Phoenix, Closed-Circuit Television, California Law Enforcement Processing System, Phoenix G2 fire station alerting system, ensuring system operation and fire notification are sent to the units.
Maintains emergency notification data for businesses in the City and provides after-hour business notifications of public needs; enters business licensing, edits CAD information, and enters alarm permits.
Contacts external agencies for warrant information and abstracts; contacts outside agencies public and private to request mutual aid, assistance, or information.
Contacts the American Red Cross to set up emergency placement for families.
Prepares officer paperwork for each arrest, looking up photos, and contacts reporting parties' information when needed over the phone.
Activates emergency medical calls for service and provides emergency medical instructions to callers or patients for proper care prior to emergency service arrival.
Prepares calls for service for cannabis payment to the City of Barstow.
Provides training to new personnel and staff while working on assigned shifts.
Assists the Police Services Supervisor in creating and implementing the dispatch training program.
Performs other related duties as assigned.