Police Dispatcher

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
• Final Approval/Job Offer

• Answer emergency and non-emergency phone calls made to the Police Department.
• Answer and dispatch officers on police radio system; monitor and document necessary radio traffic.
• 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; document events and conduct license, vehicle tag checks and wanted files for officers and detectives; relay the information.
• Use NCIC/VCIN for various types of information sharing.
• Assist officers with DMV and criminal history information.
• Assist citizens on a 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.

• 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 entrees 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 schedule consists of rotating days on permanent shifts, including days, nights, weekends and holidays.

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

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.