PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER
Job Description
QUALIFICATIONS: A high school diploma or equivalent AND one year of experience answering and directing calls using multi-line communication or radio system. Must be able to work any 12 to 18-hour shifts, including holidays and weekends, and obtain a POST-Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate within 18 months of hire. Applicants with a POST Certificate may be eligible to start at a higher salary step.Under close supervision, receive and dispatch emergency calls for police, fire, and paramedic assistance. The below list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY; incumbents in this job classification may be required to perform other department-related duties.
TASKS:
- Provide a wide range of public safety radio dispatch and information support services via the telephone, internet, radio, and other methods of communication.
- Assess and determine caller needs to ensure proper services are rendered to the community or surrounding area;
- Dispatch law enforcement and other public safety services to meet the emergency needs of citizens.
- Operates communications equipment, including computerized multiple-channel radio systems, telephones, and accessories;
- Accepts and types data into the computer-assisted dispatch system while questioning callers for information;
- Determines nature, validity, and type of call; utilizes messages and priorities to dispatch field units to emergencies;
- Track calls to ensure that caller needs are met, and all pertinent information is communicated with the responding party;
- Work with parking enforcement to dispatch services to field officers and assist field operations with information as needed;
- Performs other department-related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:
- Knowledge of applicable city, county, state, and federal statutes, rules, ordinances, codes, and regulations governing law enforcement and emergency communication, telecommunication devices and computer systems, and records management; geographic areas of Inglewood community, methods of de-escalation, and conflict resolution;
- Skilled in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands; simultaneously operating multiple frequencies and phone lines; performing essential duties with little supervision and exercising sound judgment in the face of challenging and stressful situations;
- Ability to react quickly, efficiently, and calmly under stressful and emergencies, handle a high volume of emergency and urgent calls with tact and good judgment, initiative, and speed exercise; comprehend, interpret, and retain written and orally presented information; and maintain cooperative and effective relationships;
- Proficient in using personal computers, industry-related software, radio system operations, and functions for emergency purposes.
- Must type 40 (net) words per minute. Typing certificate must be submitted with application.
THE SELECTION PROCESS begins with a review of submitted application materials for completeness. Applicants are encouraged to review the application thoroughly before submitting materials online. Applications with missing information, such as an address, city, state, zip, phone number, or email, will be rejected.
Accepted applicants will be emailed a link to take the Online Qualifying Skills Assessment Test. The Skills Assessment is a PASS / FAIL work simulation designed to assess the applicant’s ability to multitask, decision-making skills, prioritization, map reading, and other essential tasks a Public Safety Dispatcher performs. Candidates who PASS the online skills assessment will be invited to a Background Investigation Interview conducted by the Police Department.
The Background Investigation Interview is a comprehensive police investigation into a candidate’s personal and professional character based on past and present demonstrated behaviors and responsibility. NOTE: Recent or prolonged involvement with marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or other illicit drugs may be grounds for disqualification from the process.
Candidates deemed to be “most qualified,” as determined by the examination process, will be invited to a selection interview with the Chief of Police or his designee. The hiring process may take up to eight to ten months, and the Chief of Police shall make official hiring appointments.
The City of Inglewood complies with the law that forbids discrimination and ensures that everyone is provided equal opportunities regardless of Race, Color, Disability, Sex, Religion, Age, or National Origin.