Police Communications Dispatcher

Police Communications Dispatcher

The City of Red Bluff offers a tiered hiring bonus to candidates that successfully complete the hiring process with a contract remaining in place requiring a four-year commitment to the Red Bluff Police Department. Bonus Tiers:

1 year of experience will receive $5,000

2-4 years of experience will receive $10,000

5-6 years of experience will receive $15,000

7+ years of experience will receive $20,000

With payment of the bonus in four installments:

1. Upon hire.

2. Upon successful completion of the field training program.

3. Upon successful completion of probation (12 months).

4. Upon completion of 24 months of service.

Passing a Written Test is required as part of the hiring process. Submitting a certified typing certificate with a score of 40 wpm or higher is required as part of the hiring process. The top wage listed is contingent upon qualifying for certain incentives including educational, POST certification, bilingual and longevity for years of service, which is transferable from other law enforcement agencies.

Answers emergency and routine calls from the public for Police, Fire, and Medical assistance and dispatches necessary personnel and equipment.

This position works under the direction of the Police Communications Dispatch Supervisor and under the functional supervision of the Shift Supervisor, with the indirect supervision of the Support Special Services Commander.

Receives information generated by telephone, radio calls, fire, police alarms and walk-in contacts concerning: crimes, fires, medical emergencies, public works calls, and other service requests.

Promptly and courteously obtains pertinent information regarding calls for service, determines the priority and promptly dispatches appropriate police, fire, public works and other units.

Maintains effective and efficient communications between departments, officers in the field and other public safety agencies when necessary during the course of all transmissions.

Maintains radio contact with emergency field units on routine assignments and during emergency situations.

Monitors officers progress reports from the field and otherwise ensures the effectiveness and safety of the officers.

Maintains complete and accurate records of all calls for service and all radio transmissions.

Enters all calls for service including type of incident, location, persons involved and circumstances via the Computer Aided Dispatch system.

Maintains up-to-date operating manuals, procedure manuals, and training guides.

Processes warrants including records checks.

Performs data entry work as assigned.

May be required to testify in a court of law.

Greets citizens at the counter when the business office is closed.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Tools and equipment used:
Computer or laptop, mobile smartphone, computer aided dispatch, radio and telephone computer, recording equipment, copier, and fax machine.

Physical demands:
Lift miscellaneous objects such as printer paper weighing as much as twenty five pounds. Must also be able to load various office machines with paper and replace toner cartridges. Must be able to move and use ladders to reach overhead. Must be able to bend or stoop, twist and bend to reach office equipment and supplies as needed. Must be able to hear and understand someone speaking on the phone.

Must be able to determine which piece of office equipment is ringing or sounding an alarm. Must be able to work in an air-conditioned office work environment. Must be able to remain for a prolonged period of time in a specific area in front of a computer screen.

Minimum qualifications:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities can be considered qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

Possess a P.O.S.T dispatcher certificate, or:
Pass the written P.O.S.T. entry level dispatch test and be able to enroll in the P.O.S.T dispatcher course. High School graduate or G.E.D. or equivalent.

Experience:

One year's experience as a public safety dispatcher is desirable, or:
Two years in a field where contact with the public was a major portion of the applicant's duties. Candidates with knowledge of California Penal Code and California Vehicle Code desired but not required.

Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of department rules and regulations; effective written and oral communications skills;
City and Department policies, rules and regulations; and effective public relations skills.

Ability to:
Speak the English language clearly, distinctly, and concisely. Work independently under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency situations. Remain calm and respond quickly and accurately during emergencies. Operate Computer Aided Dispatch and Teletype computer keyboards and radio/telephone computer keyboards and keypads. Write/print legibly, spell accurately. Work a variety of shifts…