Police Dispatcher

Job Summary

Essential Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job flyer does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Answers emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, personal assistance, and emergency medical assistance; determines appropriate call classification and priority.
• Answers incoming emergency calls; interviews and calms callers, and gathers details; evaluates information, prioritizes calls, determines actions required, and appropriate response; dispatches emergency responders and resources; relays pertinent information to law enforcement and public safety personnel in a concise, organized, and understandable manner; monitors active radio channels and provides immediate information and assistance.
• Follows VPD procedures to provide assistance and information to Police Officers and other emergency services personnel; notifies other state, federal, and regional agencies as needed.
• Enters call information into Computer Aided Dispatch records management system, including California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (CLETS) information; tracks a variety of law enforcement and public safety agency resources, personnel, and incidents.
• Provides detailed call information to officers; maintains status and awareness of all public safety unit locations; monitors message traffic, and relays information to assure that responders' safety is top priority.
• Searches state and national data bases at officer's request.
• Gathers information on non-emergency calls, and responds appropriately; provides information, instructions and assistance to the public within scope of authority and training.
• Maintains and updates computer databases and files; enters and retrieves data, and prepares reports.
• Monitors alarms, cameras, teletypes, and special broadcast frequencies; trouble-shoots communications center equipment and resolves technical issues within scope of authority and training.
• Assures that security protocols are followed, and all reports and paperwork are completed in a timely manner; updates, corrects, retrieves, and releases information according to procedures.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the Vernon Police Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND one year of clerical and computer experience.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• City and VPD policies and procedures.
• City policies and procedures for dispatching law enforcement officers and other emergency services.
• State and federal laws, regulations and statutes, governing dispatch for emergency services.
• Law enforcement and public safety agency terminology.
• Police radio, dispatch, and communication protocols, procedures, hardware, and software.
• Principles and practices of confidential records management, and file maintenance.
• Geography, roads, and landmarks of City and surrounding areas.

• Communicating clearly and concisely, and relaying details accurately.
• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency situations.
• Closely following verbal and written instructions and procedures.
• Dealing tactfully and courteously with the public, handling stressful situations and angry people, and obtaining information from hostile and emotional callers.
• Communicating verbal and written instructions, advising callers of actions and consequences, and maintaining security of confidential information.
• Remembering names, numbers, and locations, and reading maps quickly and accurately.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software, and entering information with speed and accuracy.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.