DEFINITION
Under general supervision, receives police and emergency calls, and dispatches Police, Fire, and Public Works field units following prescribed procedures; answers non-emergency calls for public safety and other City departments; performs a variety of general administrative support duties including record keeping, typing, and filing; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from Communications Manager or designee. Exercises no supervision of staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey-level class that performs the full range of police dispatching duties for the Police Department. Responsibilities are centered on extensive contact with the public over the telephone, in both emergency and non-emergency situations to receive, transmit, and provide factual information, forms, and reports. All activities must be performed within specified legal guidelines. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Dispatch Supervisor in that the latter is the full supervisory-level class in the series responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of staff on an assigned shift involved in police dispatch services.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and one year of experience receiving and processing public service calls in law enforcement or fire agency.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Possession of a Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate