Police Dispatcher

Company Description

The City of Fairfax Police Department (CFPD) serves residents, businesses, and visitors of the independent City of Fairfax, Virginia, a 6.27-square-mile community in the center of Fairfax County. The department works closely with city government and collaborates with regional law enforcement agencies. Team members benefit from a supportive culture that encourages exploring specialized assignments, pursuing higher and continuing education, and earning professional certifications.

The CFPD values work-life balance and promotes a collegial and professional environment where each individual is appreciated. Applicants can learn more or request information by phone at  or by email at policerecruiting.

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.

A Dispatchers primary responsibility is for answering emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching the appropriate personnel to the scene of an event, and monitoring the police radio.

On the job training is conducted by a certified training officer in the Emergency Communications Center during normal operating hours. Training will consist of written tests, accomplishing certain tasks, daily feedback and daily observation reports. Training is normally 14 weeks, but may be extended if needed.

Once hired, all Dispatchers are required to attend and successfully complete an Academy course for entry level dispatchers.

All Dispatchers are required to obtain and keep a Full Access NCIC/VCIN certification.

This job/class works under close supervision according to set procedures.

• 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

Answers Emergency and Non-Emergency phone calls made to the Police Department.

Answers and dispatches officers on police radio system; monitors and documents necessary radio traffic.

Police Dispatchers will dispatch calls for service to officers working in the field and maintain 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 entering data into the department’s Computer Aided Dispatch / Records Management System (CAD/RMS).

Monitor traffic cameras and police headquarters security system.

Enter calls for service into a Computer Aided Dispatch system for dispatching; documents events and Conducts license, vehicle tag checks and wanted files for officers and detectives; relays the information.

Use NCIC/VCIN for various types of information sharing.

Assists officers with DMV and criminal history information.

Assists citizens on walk-in basis with complaints and questions.

Supply information and assistance for other City departments.

As assigned, enter complaints, maintains computerized warrants, maintains digital logbooks for internal data and record keeping, and Tow-in logbooks.

Perform other duties as assigned.

The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position 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…