Public Safety Dispatcher

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER I/II

Under immediate (Public Safety Dispatcher I) or general (Public Safety Dispatcher II) supervision, receives, assesses, prioritizes, and transmits emergency and non-emergency incoming telephone and radio calls for police, fire, and emergency medical services; dispatches emergency personnel and resources using computer aided dispatch equipment; facilitates and coordinates various requests for service for the public and City employees; processes and maintains a variety of departmental reports, records, and files;

and performs related or other work as required or assigned.

Receives immediate (Public Safety Dispatcher I) or general (Public Safety Dispatcher II) supervision from superior personnel as reflected in the Department organizational chart. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to subordinate personnel as reflected in the Department organizational chart. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

This is the entry-level classification in the Public Safety Dispatcher series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine dispatching duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; closer supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Public Safety Dispatcher II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.

Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Public Safety Dispatcher series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatcher I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising 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 classification is distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor in that the latter is the full supervisory-level classification in the series responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of personnel. Positions in the Public Safety Dispatcher classification series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Public Safety Dispatcher II level are normally filled by advancement from the Public Safety Dispatcher I level;

progression to the Public Safety Dispatcher II level is normally dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Public Safety Dispatcher II level.

The Davis Police Department is accredited by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). POST may, from time to time, amend the regulations and standards or adopt new standards relating to the accreditation program. The Department adopts the POST California Public Safety Dispatcher Job Analysis report, as periodically amended, to help establish typical job functions and standards. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations, in accordance with State and federal law, so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job unless doing so would pose an undue hardship.

Positions at the Public Safety Dispatcher I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning/training capacity.

• Receives calls, complaints, and inquiries from the public for police, fire, medical, or other emergency services over the phone; answers 911 calls; screens incoming calls to determine necessity, priority, and type of response required in accordance with established procedures.
• Dispatches public safety emergency units using a computer aided dispatch system (CAD), including determining priority of emergencies and contacting and sending appropriate response units.
• Operates computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities.
• Enters, updates, and retrieves a variety of records from computer databases, including stolen vehicles, vehicle registration information, and warranted or missing persons.
• Accesses federal, State, and local law enforcement information databases to obtain information…