Police Dispatcher Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Training equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• A valid typing certificate must be submitted with the application; it must be issued within one year before receipt of the application and show a rate of at least 40 net words per minute with five errors or fewer. Online certificates and self-certification are not accepted.
• Ability to learn City dispatch codes, policies, and procedures; memorize codes, names, locations, and other detailed information; and learn dispatch systems, equipment, maps, rules, and procedures.
• Ability to handle multiple activities and sources of input simultaneously during stressful situations and obtain accurate information from distressed, angry, or difficult-to-understand individuals.
• Ability to remain calm and make rapid, sound judgments in stressful emergency situations; prioritize calls; evaluate emergencies; and anticipate or determine responding personnel's needs.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing, and establish effective working relationships with people contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to work tactfully and effectively with diverse cultural and ethnic groups.
• Ability and availability to work days, evenings, and nights, rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to sit at a communications console for prolonged periods; use a keyboard and office equipment; hear and distinguish voices amid foreground and background noise; communicate verbally; and read and work on multiple video display terminals simultaneously.
• Successful candidates must pass a thorough pre-employment background investigation.
• Any combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Nice To Haves

• One year of clerical, administrative, public information, or emergency-service experience, including radio-telephone communications work, is a typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities.
• Work experience as a public safety dispatcher is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of basic radio and telephone communications terminology and basic communication-equipment concepts and operation.
• Knowledge of the geographic features and boundaries of the Chula Vista area.
• Knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation, and computerized data-entry and retrieval systems used in dispatch operations.

Responsibilities

• Receive service requests on 911 emergency and business telephone lines; obtain and record pertinent information, including the nature and location of the incident and caller details, and remain on the line with victims when appropriate.
• Analyze requests for police service, prioritize them, and determine the type and level of initial response required.
• Determine available units and dispatch personnel and equipment according to procedures, supervisory instructions, or judgment as appropriate.
• Refer difficult or extremely serious calls to a supervisor and keep superiors informed about emergencies and general activities.
• Monitor radio transmissions from field personnel and respond to requests for action or information.
• Contact other police jurisdictions, City departments, emergency crews, towing companies, ambulance services, the coroner, relatives of victims, utility and telephone companies, alarm companies, and other services concerning emergencies.
• Maintain detailed Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) records, resource status, and activity logs.
• Operate CAD systems and equipment, TDD, teletype, computer terminals, and other office equipment, including checking vehicle registration and other information.
• Use maps and reference materials to provide information needed by field personnel and for dispatching.
• Take reports and relay messages by radio, telephone, or CAD messages.
• Type, issue case numbers, log departmental activities, and perform routine clerical work.
• Assist in monitoring jail-cell activity using a closed-circuit television system.
• May instruct personnel in communications-equipment techniques and use, and may perform minor or routine equipment upkeep and maintenance.
• Perform other duties related to the position.

Benefits

• Up to $5,000 relocation allowance for eligible newly hired employees' qualifying moving expenses to San Diego County.
• Employee Referral Program: eligible employees making a successful referral receive either 16 hours of leave or a referral payment of up to $3,000.