Communications Dispatcher

Salary: $57,792.00 - $70,248.00 Annually

The City of Hanford is continuously accepting applications for the position of Communications Dispatcher in the Police Department. This position receives and prioritizes emergency and non-emergency calls for service requiring law enforcement, fire, medical services, or animal control; to dispatch police or fire units as needed; and to perform data entry.

• Receive incoming telephone and radio requests for emergency and routine services.
• Question emergency callers to elicit complete and accurate information necessary for emergency response; enter information into the computer-aided dispatch system.
• Determine appropriate emergency response units in accordance with established policies and procedures; promptly and properly alert response units.
• Maintain current status of all field units; closely monitor any situation presenting a potential danger to the life or safety of field personnel and take immediate action to dispatch assistance as required.
• Maintain radio contact with field units and enforce proper channel control, discipline, and courtesy; monitor multiple frequencies.
• Refer non-emergency callers to the appropriate agency or other resource; assist officers in field by contacting other services or agencies as needed.
• Access automated law enforcement systems, input data and information, and make accurate entries into automate record files in accordance with applicable laws, statutes, and Department of Justice requirements.
• Run local and nationwide wants, warrants and vehicle checks.
• Perform matron duties requiring contact with female suspects in custody as required.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• One year of responsible public safety dispatching experience.
• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate within one year of appointment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (CLETS) certification.