PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER, SR

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Under close supervision, responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, identifies and dispatches appropriate law enforcement, fire and emergency service units, and gathers and relays critical information; complies with Police and Fire Department policies and procedures to assure the safety of officers and the public.  

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency calls; interviews callers and gathers details; prioritizes calls for service and determines appropriate personnel to respond; dispatches emergency responders; relays pertinent information to law enforcement and emergency services officers in a concise manner; provides information and assistance to the public within scope of authority.
• Provides detailed call information to officers as needed; maintains status and awareness of Police patrol unit locations; monitors message traffic and relays information to officers.
• Enters emergency assistance calls into the computer aided dispatch (CAD) incident logs; inputs information into the ACJIS & NCIC computer system; maintains records and files.
• Contacts other law enforcement agencies for additional information and resources as needed, and relays pertinent information regarding incidents.
• Notifies key City of Buckeye personnel on critical incidents; follows all Department policies and procedures to assure that officer and public safety is the top priority.
• Enters and verifies warrant information, and confirms warrants for other agencies.
• Performs inquiries and criminal history checks for officers through ACJIS & NCIC; sends inquiries to other agencies for warrant confirmations or general information.
• Enters data for records and reports; processes forms and record files; queries system databases as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Education and Experience:

Lateral Applicants: High School diploma or GED equivalent. One (1) year experience as a public safety dispatcher in a law enforcement agency and one (1) year of clerical and computer experience.

Entry-level Applicants: High school diploma or GED equivalent. A minimum of four (4) years clerical, computer and customer service experience or combination of education and experience resulting in skills necessary to perform the required job duties.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Equipment utilized in law enforcement communications including radio, computer and dispatch equipment.
• Law enforcement patrol procedures.
• Local geographical area, road systems, and the locations of landmarks.
• Police and Fire Departments’ standard dispatch policies and procedures.
• Basic principles of record keeping and records management.

Skill in:

• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
• Obtaining information from hostile or emotional citizens.
• Communicating clearly and concisely and relaying details accurately.
• Remembering names, numbers and locations, and reading maps quickly and accurately.
• Working under pressure of deadlines, and establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with employees, officials, other agencies and the general public. 
• Public relations and customer service.
• Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.

12 Month Goals:

• Successfully complete Telecommunications Operator Training and show proficiency in call taking and dispatching duties.
• Complete APCO PST 1 course.
• Obtain Level A Terminal Operator Certification.

Must obtain Terminal Operator Certification Level A within six months of hire if not possessed at time of hire/placement. Must be able to type a minimum of 35 words per minute. Working nights, weekends and holidays is required.

Lateral Applicants: Starting pay will be commensurate with experience. This position has a hiring incentive of up to $5,000. Half of the incentive to be paid to the employee at the six (6) month anniversary and the remaining half to be paid at the one (1) year anniversary.

Entry-level Applicants: Starting pay will be $26.59 per hour. This position has a hiring incentive of up to $2,500. Half of the incentive to be paid to the employee at the six (6) month anniversary and the remaining half to be paid at the one (1) year anniversary.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:  It is the policy of the city to provide employment opportunities to all persons based solely on ability, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

The City of Buckeye complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department, (623) 349-6292, hr@buckeyeaz.gov.

The City of Buckeye recognizes years of service from other municipalities and state organizations which can be credited towards vacation accrual.

Salary : $55,307 - $82,950