Public Safety Dispatcher, Certified; DPS

Public Safety Dispatcher, Certified (DPS #18440)

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Job Requirements & Classification

Description:

New Mexico State Police (NMSP) serves our state as the premier law enforcement agency. Our mission is to establish partnerships and relationships within our communities that mitigate and prevent crime. The NMSP Communications Bureau provides 911 dispatching services to NMSP and various partnering agencies throughout the state. It provides emergency and non‑emergency service response to the citizens and visitors of New Mexico.

We have three Communications Centers across the state where dispatchers receive, evaluate, and transmit information via telephone and multi‑channel radio that frequently involves emergency and critical situations affecting human welfare and safety. This position is based in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

The starting hourly wage for a non‑certified dispatcher (Associate Public Safety Dispatcher) is $22.94. Hourly wages for certified dispatchers are based on experience: 2–9 years $25.67, 10–17 years $26.40, 18–24 years $27.13, and 25 years or more $27.89. Certified dispatchers may receive extra compensation for having a degree or certain certifications.

The emergency dispatcher position is a critical communication point that receives incoming calls from both the public and public safety agencies. The dispatcher directs police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) field units to respond to emergency and non‑emergency calls using a computer‑aided dispatch (CAD) system. This role supports first responder agencies and serves the citizens and visitors of New Mexico.

The position carries significant responsibility and dedication as the first point of contact when assistance is required.

This demanding position receives emergency and non‑emergency calls, assesses the caller’s needs, and prioritizes calls according to urgency and importance. Dispatchers report and relay incidents such as accidents, fires, and other emergency situations to law enforcement agencies, safety personnel, and other appropriate parties. They operate a complex multi‑channel communications system and provide support services.

• Receive, evaluate, and document information from callers.
• Dispatch police, fire, and EMS field units using a CAD system and multi‑screen displays.
• Transmit accurate and complete information to field personnel.
• Monitor and maintain incident status and records of dispatched personnel and apparatus.
• Disseminate information from other law‑enforcement networks such as wanted‑person notices and all‑points bulletins while maintaining confidentiality.
• Maintain familiarity with area geography, major streets, and potential hazards to public safety units.
• Keep current with public‑safety policies and procedures for police, fire, EMS, and other emergency service providers.
• Respond to inquiries about services, properly classify and prioritize reports, determine courses of action, and provide referrals as necessary.
• Work varying shift lengths, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Provide information to the public as needed.
• Perform related clerical work in the Communications Center.

This role assists New Mexico State Police, other first responders and partnering agencies, and aids the citizens and visitors of New Mexico.

• Excellent communication skills, including listening, verbal, and written communication.
• Capacity to memorize, retain, and accurately recall information received and dispatch calls expeditiously.
• Strong decision‑making skills and the ability to think clearly and quickly in emergency situations.
• Consistent quality customer service, interacting professionally with the public, law enforcement, and first responders.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with coworkers and contacts.
• Typing speed of at least 35 net words per minute.
• Multitasking ability with frequent interruptions.
• Proficient reading of computer screens and monitoring visual changes.
• Compiling information and maintaining reports in CAD.
• Following oral and written direction.
• Ability to locate major streets, public…