Police Dispatcher

Overview

Applications are now being accepted for Police Dispatcher positions in the City of Fairfax Police Department. All Dispatchers are assigned to the Administrative Services Division, are supervised by the Information Services Lieutenant, and the Emergency Communications Center Supervisor. Dispatchers work in the Emergency Communication Center, located at Police Headquarters.

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch the appropriate personnel to the scene of an event, and monitor the police radio.
• On the job training conducted by a certified training officer in the Emergency Communications Center during normal operating hours, including written tests, task completion, daily feedback and daily observation reports. Training is normally 14 weeks, but may be extended if needed.
• Attend and successfully complete an Academy course for entry level dispatchers after hire.
• Obtain and keep a Full Access NCIC/VCIN certification.
• Perform duties under close supervision according to established procedures.
• Handle the following process steps as part of the hiring process: application/pre-screening questions/personal history statement submission, initial interview, panel interview, typing test, practical exam, conditional job offer, background investigation, polygraph testing, psychological testing, chief’s interview and final approval/job offer.
• Answer emergency and non-emergency phone calls, dispatch officers on the police radio system, and document necessary radio traffic.
• Dispatch calls for service to officers in the field and maintain the status of all units on duty.
• Operate the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer terminals.
• Assist with warrant control procedures, tow operations, and data entry into the department’s CAD/RMS system.
• Monitor traffic cameras and the police headquarters security system.
• Enter calls for service into a CAD system for dispatching; document events and conduct license, vehicle tag checks and wanted files for officers and detectives; relay information.
• Use NCIC/VCIN for information sharing.
• Assist officers with DMV and criminal history information.
• Assist citizens on walk-in basis with complaints and questions.
• Provide information and assistance for other City departments.
• Enter complaints, maintain computerized warrants, maintain digital logs for internal data and record keeping, and tow-in logs as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• The duties listed above are intended as an illustration of possible duties; omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Requires High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must be a United States citizen eligible for employment.
• Must have never committed, been involved in, or been convicted of a felony.

• Must be able to handle the multi-tasking duties of a call taker or dispatcher in a small dispatch environment.
• Working knowledge of street system and geography of the City of Fairfax and surrounding jurisdictions.
• Working knowledge in the operation of a police radio, telephone, computer, and related communications equipment.
• Working knowledge of City and state laws, as required.
• Skill in operation of a computer.
• Must be able to make NCIC/VCIN entries with minimum errors.
• Ability to operate radio, telephone, fax machine and computer equipment quickly and accurately.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely and to use good diction.
• Ability to think and act quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations.
• Ability to demonstrate strong customer service skills while interacting with various members of the community.
• Ability to maintain required records and perform limited typing.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to prioritize requests for service.

• Work schedule consists of rotating days on permanent shifts, including days, nights, weekends and holidays.
• Additional pay may be considered based on past experience, ability to speak a foreign language (proficiency test required), and other job-related skills.

As an equal opportunity employer and in order to respond to the needs of a diverse community, minorities and women are encouraged to submit applications. Spanish speaking individuals are also encouraged to apply.