Public Safety Dispatcher

overview

under general supervision, the incumbent receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches public safety and public works field units as required; provides pre-arrival instructions; enters, retrieves and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; assists in the training of less experienced personnel; learns applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties;

performs other related duties as required.

the public safety dispatcher is the entry-level position that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities. Initially, under immediate supervision incumbents learn and perform a variety of technical law enforcement office support duties related to communications, record keeping and public contact.

(include but are not limited to the following)

• receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches public safety and public works field units as required; provides pre-arrival instructions; enters, retrieves and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; assists in the training of less experienced personnel.
• learns and develops an understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties.
• receives and enters calls for service in cad; dispatches and monitors the status of field units; interprets level of service needed through information obtained from field officers or citizens; retrieves information for officers from clets, including information on outstanding warrants; coordinates multi-agency responses when necessary; transfers calls to appropriate agencies if warranted.
• informs the watch commander of calls in progress; maintains records of all pending and dispatched calls for service; receives information and calls for service from other law enforcement agencies; provides information to other agencies by telephone and teletype.
• monitors station security after hours; monitors the city's alarm system and determines the appropriate response; assists in the care of juveniles; provides matron services when required.
• responds to questions and concerns from the general public, department staff and other agencies; takes and records telephone and counter reports; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints.
• establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/ local agencies and associations, city management and staff, and the public.

the following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.

education and/or experience
any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a public safety dispatcher. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess two years of work experience involving public contact and record keeping, and a high school diploma or equivalent.

license/certificate
must obtain a dispatch certificate from p.o.s.t. Within one year of appointment. Ability to type at least 45 words per minute is highly desirable.

knowledge of
modern office administrative practices and procedures; location of major streets, public places and landmarks in the city of covina; public and agency desk procedures; methods of providing services and information; ability to learn alphanumeric code systems; federal communications commission regulations governing voice radio and telephone communications; proper operation and care of voice radio and telephone equipment; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations;

methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper english, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety…