Police Dispatcher

About the Company

The La Mesa Police Department maintains the highest commitment to the community through service, honor, integrity, and professionalism. If you are ready to join our tradition of excellence, we welcome your interest - apply today!

LATERAL HIRING INCENTIVE BONUS UP TO $15,000!

About the Role

The La Mesa Police Department seeks your interest in a unique career opportunity as a Police Dispatcher (Experienced). A Police Dispatcher is responsible for all incoming telephone calls to the Police Department, including 9-1-1 calls; handling the Police Radio; and documenting all activities in a computer-aided dispatch program while operating multiple computer systems.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency calls from the public requesting police or other emergency service; determine nature, location, and priority of calls and dispatch units accordingly; transfer calls to appropriate agency in accordance with established procedures.
• Obtain and dispatch other support services including helicopter support, tactical teams, bomb squad, canine, public works, fire department, medical response, highway patrol, and border patrol.
• Maintain contact with all units on assignment through computer-aided dispatch; maintain status and location of police field units; maintain computer records of traffic stops and other officer-initiated activity.
• Operate a variety of public safety communications equipment including a multi-channel radio, 911 emergency telephone equipment, computer-aided dispatch systems, instant recall recorders, and paging and intercom systems. Type minimum of 40 nwpm.
• Operate computer terminals and teletype machine to enter, modify, and retrieve data such as stolen and recovered property, towed and stolen vehicles, missing and unidentified persons, citations, field interviews, driver license and vehicle registration information, and warrants on wanted persons; compose and transmit messages to other agencies.
• Retrieve information from State and National computer networks regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, restraining orders, criminal histories, parolees, and other related information; relay information to officers in the field.
• Perform minor routine maintenance on department equipment including dispatch and general office machines; request service and repairs as necessary.
• Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in communications, public safety dispatch, or a related field.
• Experience: At least one year experience in a law enforcement agency as an emergency call taker AND radio operator (must be law enforcement dispatching). Experience in operation of a computer-aided dispatch system (CAD) is required.
• Certificate: A California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course certificate is required. For out-of-state applicants, the successful completion of probation as a 9-1-1 Call Taker and Radio Dispatcher from a law enforcement agency is required.

Required Skills

• Exceptional multi-tasking ability
• Strong decision-making ability in a high-stress environment
• Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness
• A team-player mentality and perspective; adaptable, dependable, and highly productive
• Emotional maturity, patience, and a positive attitude
• Shows initiative and professional assertiveness
• A heart to serve the public in a highly rewarding, unique career
• Thrives in a fast-paced, intellectually challenging environment
• Capable of handling the unexpected in a competent manner

Pay range and compensation package

LATERAL HIRING INCENTIVE BONUS UP TO $15,000!

(Hire/Training/P.O.S.T/Service Time)

City of La Mesa is an equal opportunity employer.