Dispatch Trainee

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Watch Supervisor, the Public Safety Dispatch Trainee participates in a learning environment designed to teach the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a Public Safety Dispatcher. Dispatch Trainees receive classroom training, skills training, and supervised dispatch. Trainees are given reading assignments, listen to audiotapes, and watch video presentations to acquire the knowledge needed to be a dispatcher.

Trainees are shown how to use highly technical computer aided dispatch systems (CAD) and multi‑channel radio/paging consoles, and must demonstrate proficiency in their use. Public Safety Dispatch Trainees are expected to observe all local, state, and federal laws as well as established policies and guidelines that direct them in meeting department goals.

• Demonstrates good attendance and timeliness to scheduled training sessions.
• Ability to read and comprehend written material, and to derive and apply information presented in audiovisual format.
• Demonstrates skill sets in using the following areas:

• Use of multi‑line telephones: answering emergency and non‑emergency calls for service via voice and data messages.
• Analyzing and verifying information provided by telephone company computer databases.
• Processing calls to determine the incident location, nature of the incident, and other pertinent information for appropriate and safe response.
• Questioning callers regarding the nature and severity of incidents.
• Managing callers: calming and controlling callers, communicating with special needs callers, and communicating with callers from diverse demographic backgrounds.
• Using teletypewriters to communicate with communication‑impaired callers.
• Reading maps and using Geographic Information Systems, printed maps, and other resources to pinpoint the exact location of the incident, callers, and responders.
• Providing instructions to the caller to help guard their safety as well as others at the scene.
• Appropriately transferring or routing calls for service in outside jurisdictions to the appropriate PSAP.
• Entering information into the computer system to generate calls for service.
• Determining appropriate emergency response jurisdictions.
• Determining appropriate emergency response type.
• Monitoring and tracking the status of responders; keeping on‑call lists current.
• Dispatching the appropriate police, fire, EMS, and Emergency Management agencies using telephones, paging systems, and radio consoles.
• Coordinating the response of multiple agencies.
• Coordinating the communications between response agencies.
• Documenting incident information using CAD.
• Monitoring the status of on‑scene responders and dispatching additional resources or support services as needed.
• Monitoring multi‑channel radio consoles for incoming radio messages.
• Monitoring the teletype network for messages and hit confirmation requests.
• Sending messages via the teletype network.
• Conducting DMV inquiries using the KCJIS computer system.
• Conducting Wants/Warrant inquiries for individuals, vehicles, property, and other items through the NCIC/Kansas Hot Files database.
• Making entries, modifications, cancellations, and clearances of files through the NCIC/Kansas Hot Files database.
• Conducting Criminal History background checks on individuals.
• Confirming arrest warrants.
• Performing responder safety checks as required by guidelines.
• Monitoring weather conditions for inclement weather and notifying appropriate authorities and public safety agencies when severe weather occurs.
• Monitoring the teletype network for Amber Alerts and APBs.
• Monitoring the NAWAS System for national and regional emergency announcements.
• Monitoring road conditions and closings.
• Making appropriate notifications of public works, support, and private agencies as required.
• Communicates effectively with co‑workers in an effort to teamwork to process and handle calls from the public and responders.
• Must be able to pass written tests and practical drills within minimum standard.
• Actively participates in frequent evaluations of training progress.
• Receptive to coaching and constructive criticism.
• Keeps calm under pressure.
• Utilizes…