Police Dispatcher

POLICE DISPATCHER I

Job no: 559101

Work type: Staff

Location: Humboldt

Categories: Unit 7 - CSUEU - Clerical and Administrative Support Services, Administrative, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Police Dispatcher I

Department:
University Police Department

First Review Date:
July 21, 2026

Position Summary: Under the general supervision of the Police Lieutenant, the Police Dispatcher receives emergency and non-emergency calls from the public or other agencies, maintains effective and efficient communications, and dispatches police personnel following prescribed procedures. The position is also responsible for basic records maintenance and distribution. Job duties must be performed quickly, clearly and accurately.

Key Responsibilities:

• Dispatching – 60%:
  Answers incoming telephone calls (including 911 and TDD calls for fire, medical, police or other emergency services), evaluates and prioritizes calls for proper dispatch and disposition; dispatches police units using a computerized dispatch system; maintains constant radio contact with field personnel; accounts for location and status of all units; records information associated with field calls; monitors radio traffic of other agencies and campus departments;
  
  responds to public counter inquiries; provides information and referrals; enters records into CLETS, NCIC and CLEWS; interprets database returns for officers; contacts public and private agencies for mutual assistance; maintains briefing books for missing persons, wanted persons, stolen vehicles, etc.; monitors campus alarm systems and processes alarms; maintains department’s computerized records system (RIMS).
• Other dispatch and records duties: process crime reports and citations; take messages; answer multi-line phones; prepare statistical reports; enter and document parking citations and permits; update information lines; archive reports and logs.
• Public Safety Support/Miscellaneous – 10%:
  Inform supervisor of progress and problems; assist with campus lost and found; maintain various logs; manage warrants database; issue and maintain building access records; distribute campus keys; update dispatch, radio, CLETS and NCIC manuals; respond to questions; attend trainings and meetings; coordinate interdepartmentally; may train new dispatchers; monitor CCTV as needed; operate campus emergency public address system during emergencies and tests.
• Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of legal codes, procedures and techniques for receiving complaints, dispatching and communicating with campus officers.
• Ability to communicate effectively using police radio systems and understand public safety-related agencies and protocols.
• Ability to independently respond quickly, evaluate information, and make appropriate decisions in routine, non-routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to read maps and geographic features, transfer information, and provide clear directions quickly.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work under pressure with professionalism.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the campus community and general public.
• Ability to learn and use applicable dispatch and law enforcement databases and systems (e.g., CLETS/NCIC/RIMS).
• POST Dispatcher certificate achievement and ability to obtain/maintain required certifications.

As Related to Major and

General Responsibilities:

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to handle simultaneous events under stress and communicate clearly and concisely.
• Ability to hear, record and recall radio transmissions, alarms and telephone conversations; ability to sit/stand for extended periods (often 12-hour shifts).
• Maintain composure in emergencies; elicit information calmly from upset individuals; operate all required public safety telecommunications equipment and computer systems.
• Learn campus geography and buildings; interpret manuals and codes; exercise sound judgment; work with diverse populations professionally.
• Travel for meetings or training as needed and be capable of becoming a trainer.
• Collaborate effectively to support interdepartmental…