Police Communications Dispatcher (Lateral)

The City of Avondale is accepting Lateral applications for the position of Police Communications Dispatcher assigned to the Avondale Police Department. This is a FLSA non-exempt, full-time position with benefits. 

Important: To be considered a Lateral applicant, you must have been working in a public safety communications (Police, Fire, Medical) position within the last twelve (12) months and have a minimum of 2 consecutive years within a dispatch center.

Answers 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls for the Avondale Police Department and facilitates fire and medical assistance as appropriate. Obtains accurate, essential information to process each call according to established protocols; uses a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to enter all relevant information for dispatch.

Monitors assigned radio channels; dispatches calls and information to police units via CAD and the radio system; maintains an accurate status and location of police units, maintains a computerized log of calls for service and units dispatched.

Provides excellent customer service at all times. Dispatches responders by communicating information to police officers as well as facilitating needed medical and fire emergency services to people in distress.

Must be able to multitask at a high level while utilizing the radio and phone system while simultaneously entering information into the computer-aided dispatch system. Must maintain accurate and up-to-date information on every call for service.

Supports officers by looking up information in several computer systems, searching for data including vehicle information and warrants; monitors radio traffic, city alarm systems, and security cameras and dispatches emergency responders as appropriate to ensure Officer's safety.

Maintains critical records by entering, clearing, and verifying all warrants, missing persons, stolen articles, stolen vehicles; and enters property into computer systems and completes all necessary paperwork.

Must be able to operate and maintain various office equipment including multiple computers, printers, copy/fax machines, and phone systems at a high level.  

Performs tactical dispatch for SWAT team responding to incidents, as assigned.

Performs other duties as assigned.

High School diploma or GED equivalent is required. 

Work requires the knowledge necessary to understand basic operational, technical, or office processes. 

Two (2) consecutive years of experience working at a dispatch center is required. Candidates must have worked in a public safety communications (Police, Fire, Medical) position within the last twelve (12) months. 

Terminal Operator Certification (TOC) within 6 months of hire; renew every 2 years.  

Work requires the ability to read state manuals, department policies and procedures, warrants, codes, and reports.

Work requires the ability to perform basic math calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Work requires the ability to write sufficiently articulately to provide dispatchers with clear and concise call information.

Planning responsibilities include occasionally scheduling coverage and prioritizing calls for service.

Work requires the occasional direction of helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns, or temporary employees.

Work involves choices of action within limits set by standard practices and procedures.  Professional judgment is required to apply the proper course of action.

The incumbents in this position contact others within the organization. These contacts may involve similar work units or departments within the City such as Utilities and Fire which may be involved in decision-making or providing approval or decision-making authority.  In addition, these incumbents work with individuals outside the City who may belong to professional or peer organizations.  Working with various state and federal agencies may also be required of the employee.  Vendors and suppliers may also be called upon for information on purchases, supplies, or products.  Telephone conversations are conducted with customers and the general public, many of which are very upset/irate. Employees must maintain regular attendance. Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

Automatic Disqualifiers:  The Avondale Police Department and/or AZPOST will automatically disqualify any individual who has/is: 

• Been dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces 
• Been convicted of a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in Arizona 
• Not a U.S. citizen
• Legally or illegally used marijuana for any purpose within the past two years 
• Illegally used dangerous drugs, or narcotics other than for experimentation. The use of an illegal drug is presumed NOT to be for experimentation if:  
  • The use of dangerous drugs or narcotics, other than marijuana, exceeds a total of 5 times or exceeds one time since the age of 21
• Illegally sold, produced, cultivated, or transported for sale any dangerous drugs or narcotics other than marijuana 
• Illegally used dangerous drugs or narcotics, other than marijuana, for any purpose within the past seven years. Examples include: cocaine, crack, methamphetamine (crystal meth or speed of any kind), anabolic steroids, except prescriptions only or FDA approved over the counter preparations 
• Had a pattern of abusing prescription medications 
• Been convicted or adjudged to have violated traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles with such a frequency so as to indicate disrespect for traffic laws and a disregard for the safety of other persons on the highway within the past three years 
• Had your Arizona Driver's License suspended as a result of excessive traffic violations or any other act that would automatically suspend your license, or received a suspected license from any other state as a result of similar circumstances 
• Been convicted of any crime under a domestic violence statute 
• Lied during any stage of the hiring process 
• Falsified the background questionnaire or application

Salary : $27 - $41