Lateral​/Pre-Service Police Dispatcher

Definition

Under general and/or immediate supervision, performs a variety of duties involved in answering 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls; analyze, prioritize, and enter calls for service via a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system; dispatch emergency personnel via multi-frequency radio system, telephone, or other communications equipment; record and monitor activities of field and communications personnel; receive incoming calls for police and emergency assistance and dispatch necessary units;

perform a variety of general support duties related to dispatch activities; and related work as assigned on an assigned shift for the Police Department. Under general and/or immediate supervision, performs a variety of duties involved in receiving incoming calls for police and emergency assistance and dispatching necessary units; performs a variety of general support duties related to dispatch activities including record keeping, typing and filing;

and monitors teletype communications.

POSITION SNAPSHOT: The Fontana Police Dispatcher is a non-uniformed position. A typical shift is 12-hours which predominantly takes place within the Dispatch Center of the Police Department. You will be a member of a productive team that operates in a fast-paced environment while answering calls from the public and communicating with department personnel in the field via phone, computer, or radio.

This communication includes but is not limited to: call taking, working secondary and primary radio channels, collecting and/or passing information to partner jurisdictions, and accurate data-entry. The goal of a Dispatcher is to serve the community through respectful, empathetic communication with a focus on problem solving and maintaining professionalism.

Police Dispatcher I - This is the entry level class in the Police Dispatcher series. Incumbents learn and perform a variety of duties involved in receiving, prioritizing, and transmitting emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatching the appropriate personnel in response to those calls. This class is distinguished from the Police Dispatcher II by the performance of the more routine tasks.

Police Dispatcher II - This is the journey level class in the Police Dispatcher series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Police Dispatcher I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned. Employees are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are normally filled from advancement from the I level, or when filled from the outside, require prior work experience and P.O.S.T certification.

May participate in the training and evaluation of new communications staff.

• Receive emergency and non-emergency calls, complaints, and inquiries from the public. Evaluate and analyze information to determine jurisdiction, necessity, and response needed.
• Determine the nature and location of emergency and non-emergency calls for service, including 9-1-1 calls, and prioritize response.
• Dispatch emergency and non-emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures. Use appropriate terminology and radio codes relaying to police personnel in the field via radio and mobile data computer terminals.
• Listen and comprehend radio transmissions from emergency personnel in the field; acknowledge, document, and comply with requests for action or information.
• Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other public safety agencies.
• Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of police field units, checking periodically to verify location, activity, and status, supplying back-up personnel and taking other appropriate steps to provide for the safety of field personnel.
• Organize and coordinate activities of field units.
• Place telephone calls to other safety agencies, City departments, City emergency crews, tow companies, ambulance services, coroner, telephone and utility companies, and others to relay information or request services, maintaining detailed record…