Police Dispatcher (Entry-Level)

THIS POSITION IS FOR THE WEST CITIES COMMUNICATIONS CENTER IN SEAL BEACH, NOT THE CITY OF CYPRESS.

The West Cities Police Communications Center is seeking highly-motivated, professional, enthusiastic, flexible and dedicated Entry-Level Police Dispatchers who have a proven background in job performance.  The Police Dispatcher serves as the primary link between the public and the Police Officers in the field.

The West Cities Police Communications Center (West-Comm) was formed by a Joint Powers Agreement between the cities of Cypress, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach.  The center is located at the Seal Beach Police Department, just one mile from the ocean and the historical Old Town District.  West-Comm is a civilian managed organization committed to providing quality public safety services. To achieve this, it values diversity among staff and encourages each employee to take personal responsibility and make individual contributions.  It is committed to professional and technical progress and motivated performance while serving as the vital link between the public and the police agencies it serves.  West-Comm also provides dispatch services to the Orange County Harbors, Beaches, and Park Rangers.Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• On assigned shift, receive and dispose of incoming telephone and voice radio calls.
• If an emergency call, secure and record information as to the exact location, and use police radio to dispatch necessary police units.
• Maintain status of units on assignment, keep department officials informed of situations, and dispatch equipment when so advised.
• Log all police calls for service.
• Compile data and prepare reports of reported emergencies, equipment dispatched, and/or status of emergency.
• Assign case numbers, run vehicle and record checks, compile and maintain all departmental records.
• Process case reports, traffic accident reports and master index cards.
• Process warrants and police reports; conduct effective and cooperative communications and working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties.
• Perform related duties as required.

Ability to: Learn and maintain knowledge on Rules of the Federal Communications Commission Rules regarding police radio transmission, geography of affected cities and location of streets and landmarks; operate the agency’s Computerized Dispatch System (CAD); effectively read and interpret maps; analyze dispatch calls and situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; work under stress and exercise good judgment in emergency situations; perform responsible clerical work of moderately-high difficulty; maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence; type at 35 wpm; and hear and speak clearly and distinctly in a well-modulated voice, using good diction.

Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent, prior public safety dispatch experience preferred, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.

Successful completion of POST certified dispatch training program is required after hire.

Physical and Environmental Requirements
Sit and lean forward to prepare and review dispatch records, statistical reports, procedural manuals, and other police records; operate a computer terminal to access, retrieve, and enter records and reports; reach above or below shoulder level to retrieve records, reports from files, shelves, and storage areas; must operate telecommunications, radio, and alarm equipment; must possess normal vision and hearing acuity. Work is performed indoors in a controlled office environment and incumbent must be able to work closely with others, in confined spaces, and around electrical energy. Incumbent must be able to work variable work hours, including weekend and holiday assignments. Public interfaces are typically associated with calls for service and complaints. An incumbent may be required to operate an agency owned vehicle to deliver or pick up items or information for affected cities; therefore, possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and proof of an acceptable driving record is required to perform this activity. While subject to duties which require driving a vehicle, an incumbent must maintain an acceptable driving record.Selection Process:

• Application Screening (Qualifying) 
• POST Written Exam
• Dispatch Sit-Along
• Oral Board Interview
• Interview with Police Communications Director

Employment Disqualification Standards

Criminal
1. Any felony conviction except as provided in Government Code 1029(b)-(e).

Illegal use or possession of drugs
1. Any adult use or possession of a drug classified as an illegal opiate, hallucinogen, stimulant, or depressant in the past 7 years.  This includes cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, GHB, ecstasy, etc.

Financial
1. A pattern, history, or irresponsibility as evidenced by debt collections, civil judgements, or failure to pay, etc. Exigent circumstances may be evaluated on an individual basis.

Motor Vehicle Operations
1. Any conviction of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs within the past seven years of the date of application or more than one conviction of driving under the influence at any time.

ALL WEST CITIES POLICE COMMUNICATIONS APPLICANTS WILL UNDERGO ATHOROUGH BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION TO ENSURE CANDIDATES ARE OF GOODMORAL CHARACTER (GOV’T CODE SECTION 1031).
If you have any questions about your situation, please contact the West Cities Police Communications Director at (562) 594-7243.

Salary : $6,051 - $7,719