Temporary Certified Police Dispatcher

Applications are now being accepted for Temporary Certified Police Dispatchers positions in the City of Fairfax Police Department.

Any applicant must be a current Virginia Certified Dispatcher with one (1) year or more of police dispatching experience and possess a Level A NCIC/VCIN Certification.

All Dispatchers are assigned to the Administrative Services Division, supervised by the Information Services Lieutenant, and the Emergency Communications Center Supervisor. Dispatchers work in the Emergency Communication Center, located a Police Headquarters.

A Dispatcher’s 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.

Training for certified dispatchers will be based on their experience, and response to our policies and procedures. Training will consist of written tests, accomplishing certain tasks, daily feedback and daily observation reports.

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

The hiring process may consist of the following:

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, 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 conduct 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, maintain computerized warrants, maintain 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.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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 flexible hours that may include days, nights, weekends and holidays based on the need of the agency.

Position is considered Temporary and will not be able to work twelve months consecutively.

Permitted to work up to 1559 hours in a fiscal year and not more than 40 hours per week.

No benefits or leave provided.

Additional pay may be considered based on past experience, ability to speak a foreign language (proficiency test required), and other job-related skills.

Those with the highest levels of job-related experience, education and qualifications will receive favorable consideration and compensation.

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.