What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Communications Call Taker - Part-time, Non-Benefited position at City of Buena Park?
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Under general supervision, receives a variety of calls and messages from the public and other sources for police assistance; monitors alarm systems and teletype communications; assists the public and police personnel by providing accurate factual information; evaluates the type and level of response necessary; inputs data into a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system; and does related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Police Communications Call Taker is responsible for organizing and completing tasks in priority order to meet statutory and non-statutory work deadlines. The Police Communications Call Taker is distinguished from the Police Dispatcher who is responsible to dispatch services via radio communication systems to field personnel. There is no radio performance for this position. This class performs the routine tasks and duties necessary to handle emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations 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 class.
- Receives and processes emergency calls including 9-1-1 calls and 9-1-1 text messages from the public for police emergency services; evaluates information to determine location of the emergency, nature of the call, need for assistance and the appropriate personnel and equipment needed to respond; maintains communication with caller until arrival of appropriate emergency units; routes calls to proper agency for service.
- Receives and processes non-emergency calls for assistance, complaints, and inquiries from the general public concerning police, fire, or medical service needs, and routes calls to the appropriate personnel.
- Enters calls into the Computer Aided Dispatch system for dispatch; may determine and override the assigned priority code, following established guidelines.
- Enters, updates, and retrieves police related data from computer and teletype networks.
- Communicates with callers to determine the disposition of calls; provides assistance and instructions.
- Maintains a clear and professional speaking voice while projecting information over communication instruments.
- May assist with the duplication of 9-1-1 calls and/or emergency radio traffic recordings for the courts, investigations, or the media.
- Contacts county and emergency management network agencies to coordinate mutual aid and call responses, and updates system data.
- Operates a variety of telecommunications and computer equipment.
- Monitors security cameras and alarms and initiates emergency responses in the event of unauthorized entries.
- Performs call-outs for a variety of resources such as animal control, towing services, medical assistance, and other specialized services.
- Provides general information regarding laws, regulations, and department policy; transfers fire, medical, or other calls to appropriate agencies.
- Researches county, state and federal national computer data banks to obtain information requested by officers or other law enforcement personnel as required.
- Testifies in court as needed.
Knowledge of:
Laws, codes, regulations, policies, and department procedures governing public safety dispatching, including radio, computer, and telephone communications, and associated receiving and transmitting equipment; Ability to learn portions of the California Penal Code, Health and Safety Code, Motor Vehicle Code, Welfare Institutions Code, and Business and Professions Code; Ability to learn and implement procedures and techniques for dealing with the public tactfully; Effective customer service techniques; English usage and spelling; Basic telephone procedures and techniques; Principles of effective verbal communication.
Ability to:
Effectively communicate with and obtain information from upset and/or irate citizens and remain calm in receiving urgent calls, reciting facts and details, and providing instructions within emergency situations; Speak to callers courteously and tactfully; Accurately and simultaneously, monitor the status of multiple calls and units; Simultaneously operate a variety of telecommunications and computer equipment such as the CAD system, computer equipment, telephones, and teletype equipment; Type at the net rate of 45 words per minute quickly and accurately on a computer keyboard; Spell correctly; Learn the geography and the location of streets, landmarks and public and private facilities in and around the City of Buena Park; Learn and apply police records management practices and procedures; Understand and carry out oral and written directions, pertinent procedures, and functions quickly and apply them without immediate supervision; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, management, public safety dispatchers from other law enforcement agencies, and the general public. Receive confidential information and maintain confidentiality.
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
High School graduation or G.E.D. equivalent is required. Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities are as follows: Prior experience that includes heavy public contact as a telephone operator, receptionist, police cadet, or related position, is desired. On-the-job training is provided to those who demonstrate the aptitude, cooperation, and reliability to be successful in the position.
Ability to satisfactorily complete the P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher’s Basic Course or the P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Training Equivalency Examination within one year of assignment to this classification.
Ability to be assigned to rotating work shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends, and to work overtime as needed.
Type at the net rate of (45) words per minute quickly and accurately on a computer keyboard.- A five (5) minute timed test including the gross speed and number of errors (gross speed – errors = net speed).
- Certification must be in writing and test taken within 12 months of submission to the Buena Park Human Resources Office.
- Certification must be verifiable and include a valid administrator's name, signature, address and telephone number.
- A SELF-ADMINISTERED TYPING TEST THAT IS TAKEN OVER THE INTERNET OR ANY OTHER SELF-ADMINISTERED TEST WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
- A copy of the certification must be submitted with your official City application.
- You must submit the certificate in order to be considered for the position.
All applications will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include but is not limited to an oral interview and/or written exams, oral presentations and a "Sit Along" exercise. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment eligible list from which hires may be made. An eligible list is valid for up to one year unless exhausted sooner.
The City of Buena Park is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status or disability.
Americans with Disabilities:
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at (714) 562-3515 no later than 5 business days before the test date.
Fingerprinting:
Applicants who are selected for hire are fingerprinted during the pre-placement processing period. All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice to verify criminal records or absence thereof.
Physical Examination:
Employment offers are conditional based, upon the successful completion of a medical examination which may include drug and alcohol screening. Physicals are performed by the City's designated physician at the City's expense.
Salary : $25 - $30
