Police Dispatcher

Type of Appointment: Full Time, Probationary

Job Classification: Police Dispatcher

Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,611 - $5,621

Work Schedule: Compressed schedule including nights, weekends & holidays

The University Police Department is responsible for law enforcement, physical security, and emergency response at Cal Poly Pomona. The department is staffed by trained police officers, professional civilian staff and auxiliary personnel and is operational 24 hours‑a‑day, year‑round. The peace officers have statewide police authority and are vested with the same law‑enforcement powers and responsibilities as municipal police or sheriff’s departments.

The department serves as first responder for a broad range of crisis issues on campus including medical aid calls, injuries and environmental emergencies. It responds to over 10,000 calls for service annually and offers a wide range of programs and services. Key aspects include emergency communications, dispatch, patrol, investigations and emergency preparedness.

• Dispatch:
  Answer and screen incoming calls, converse with crime victims, witnesses and members of the public to elicit and record pertinent information; operate emergency communications equipment to dispatch officers and other personnel; summarize information for broadcasting using clear, concise and appropriate language; monitor, coordinate and update status information regarding field units and incidents; enter and retrieve data for police reports; utilize automated dispatch and law‑enforcement systems and databases;
  
  monitor and operate on‑campus security cameras and alarm systems; determine appropriate personnel and resources; operate the 911 telephone system and serve as the primary answer point; maintain knowledge of campus geography; coordinate emergency responses; and provide general dispatching services and support to other public safety units.
• Receiving Calls:
  Obtain complete, accurate and appropriate information from the calling party; communicate effectively with callers from a varied and diverse population; evaluate and properly classify the initial complaint or request; determine appropriate dispatch priority; summarize incidents and descriptions using proper police code and language.
• Support:
  Keep watch commander informed of the current status of calls or incidents, resource needs and staffing levels; provide administrative support to the department and other campus units; perform other classification‑related duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
• One year of verifiable experience using a switchboard and two‑way radio communication system in a law‑enforcement or comparable agency within the last ten years.
• Ability to use a phonetic alphabet, speak clearly, follow oral and written instructions, transfer information accurately and handle a wide range of interpersonal interactions.
• Completion or ability to attend and successfully complete the Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Dispatcher Course; candidates lacking a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate must pass a written test related to essential dispatching skills.
• Successful completion of supplemental P.O.S.T. requirements for dispatchers such as background check, physical and psychological examinations, drug testing and related requirements.
• Ability to perform standard dispatch communications duties, record-keeping and reporting functions, and related department support functions.
• Independent work at day‑to‑day assignments under general supervision after initial training.
• Judgment and discretion in setting priorities, assessing information and reacting quickly and effectively.
• Ability to handle regular, and often intense, contact with campus community, public, and emergency agencies with tact and discretion.
• Working knowledge of legal codes, dispatch protocols and public safety agencies.

• Expertise in RIMS or similar specialized law‑enforcement software.
• Familiarity with Radionics, Continental or similar alarm systems.
• Knowledge of CLETS system.
• Familiarity with campus or other organizations’ emergency plan.
• Knowledge of database…