Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Sep 23, 2026. First seen by Alion on Jun 23, 2026. CareersInGovernment.com scores B on the Alion truth index.
Job Description
DescriptionThe City of Laguna Beach Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral (Full-Time). This recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and establish an eligibility list for future vacancies.
The Position: Under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant, dispatches public safety equipment and personnel (Police, Fire and Marine Safety) in response to requests for service using telephone, computer, and radio communications systems. Responds to emergency calls for public safety service(s) requiring independent judgment as to a course of action where unprecedented situations may arise; performs a variety of general support duties related to communication activities including recordkeeping, typing, monitoring alarm systems and teletype communications; performs related duties as assigned.
Reports to/Supervises: Reports to the Support Services Supervisor and in his or her absence reports to the shift Watch Commander. In the Chain of Command structure, the Public Safety Dispatcher ultimately report to the Support Services Division Commander (Captain or Lieutenant), excluding issues where the chain of command might be circumvented.
Required Competencies:
- Handling Stress
- Decision Making
- Listening
- Oral Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity and Ethics
- Analyzing & Interpreting Data
- Critical Thinking
- Using Technology
- Adaptability
- Self-Management
- Legal & Regulatory Navigation
- Handling Conflict
- Teamwork
Selection Process: All interested applicants must submit a completed online city application. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. The selection process will include a Structured Panel Interview. Those recommended for further evaluation will undergo a department interview with City staff. Based on the Department's needs, the selection process listed may be modified. Candidates will be notified via e-mail of any changes in the selection process.
Please note that Lateral applicants working for non-P.O.S.T. agencies may be required to undergo the P.O.S.T. written exam unless the candidate is able to submit proof of successful completion of the Public Safety's 120 Hour Basic Course or passing the POST Basic Dispatcher Equivalency Examination (Commission Procedure F-5).
Pre-Placement Process : All prospective candidates must successfully pass a background security investigation, polygraph examination, pre-employment physical examination including a drug test, and a psychological examination.
Examples of Duties
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Receives, screens and transmits public safety calls via telephone and radio communications systems
- Dispatches public safety personnel and equipment (Police, Fire and Marine Safety) in response to requests for service
- Performs intensive data inputting of information received via computer keyboard
- Types departmental reports and initiates forms related to the operation and procedures of the Records Division
- Completes reports and complaints for court prosecution
- May make personal searches of prisoners
- Initiates and sends messages and requests for information on law enforcement computer systems
- Employee has considerable contact over the radio and telephone with public safety employees in the field and the general public, frequently in emotionally stressful situations
- Works evening, weekend and holiday shifts as assigned
Qualifications
Any combination demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:
Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Experience: Two (2) years of public safety dispatching experience, including the successful completion of probation as a public safety dispatcher. Experience must be recent and have occurred within the last two (2) years.
License/Certificate Requirements: Possession of a POST Basic Public Safety Dispatcher Certification is desirable.
Supplemental Information
Knowledge of:
- Office procedures and methods
Ability to:
- Keep basic records and type on a computer
- Work shifts, including evenings/nights and weekends (minimum of 48 hours a month)
- Learn the rules of the Federal Communications Commission regarding radio transmissions
- Work under stressful situations and exercise good judgment in emergencies
- Accurately record and retain data given verbally
Skills:
- Possess a clear speaking voice and an excellent memory
- Capable of making rapid and appropriate decisions
- Constant alertness and attention to detail when dealing with the public and dispatching personnel and equipment
Laguna Beach: With seven miles of City beaches and towering hills with captivating Pacific views, Laguna Beach residents enjoy some of the most stunning landscapes in Southern California. The City of Laguna Beach hosts millions of visitors to its world-famous arts festivals and beautiful beaches. Services provided to its resident population of approximately 23,000 include police, fire, marine safety, recreation, parks, public works, community development, parking, transit and animal control.
The Department: The Police Department is organized into two divisions (Support Services, and Investigative and Field Services), and provides general law enforcement services, including animal control.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Laguna Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation. EEO/ADA.
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