IPD Police Dispatcher II - City of Indio, CA - Indio, CA

***DISCLAIMER: The City reserves the right to accelerate or extend the “Closing Date” of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received. The City is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make all reasonable accommodations for the disabled to participate in employment programs and facilities. Women, minorities, and disabled individuals are encouraged to apply. The finalist candidate must pass a pre-employment background, physical and drug screen.***

***Candidate must be available for a minimum of four shifts per month. The number of shifts offered per month will be based solely on departmental needs and is not guaranteed at four per month.***

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, learns to receive and process and receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches Police and other public service entities as required; enters, retrieves, and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; assists in the training of less experiences personnel; learns applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Police Dispatcher II is the journey level class in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned police dispatching duties. Incumbents are responsible for performing the full range of duties with minimum supervision and apply sound judgment regarding their scope of authority in dispatching personnel. This class is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Dispatch Supervisor in that the latter has the responsibility for performing the more complex and sensitive duties and for providing supervision.

Duties:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Learns to receive and process and receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches police and other public service entities as required; provides pre-arrival instructions; enters, retrieves, and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; assists in the training of less experienced personnel.

Learns and develops an understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; uses law enforcement terminology and cites code sections by number.

Screens incoming calls to determine necessity, priority and type of response required; monitors other radio frequencies to be aware of incidents elsewhere that may affect City of Indio police operations; dispatches and monitors the status of field units; interprets level of service needed through information obtained from field officers or citizens; maintains calm in radio transmissions during hectic, tense, and dangerous situations.

Maintains accurate computer log of incoming service requests and actions taken; prepares other reports and records as directed; maintains files necessary for dispatch as assigned; enters, updates, and retrieves information from various computer networks; coordinates multi-agency responses when necessary; transfers calls to appropriate agencies if warranted.

Informs the Watch Commander of calls in progress; maintains records of all pending and dispatched calls for service; receives information and calls for service from other law enforcement agencies; provides information to other agencies by telephone and teletype.

Monitors station security; monitors security and holding cell cameras.

Responds to questions and concerns from the general public, department staff, and other agencies; takes and records telephone and counter reports; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints; may represent the police department and the City’s dispatching services on various work groups, interview panels and committees.

Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:

Receives general supervision from the Police Dispatch Supervisor. Incumbents of this class do not routinely exercise supervision, but may provide technical and functional supervision as needed.

OTHER DUTIES:

May work in the Emergency Operations Center and Mobile Command Center.

May assist in the release of towed vehicles on weekends.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Police Dispatcher I/II. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of one year of experience equivalent to that of a Police Dispatcher I in the City of Indio.

LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATE(S):

Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license. Possession a Dispatch Certificate from P.O.S.T.

Additional Information:

KNOWLEDGE:

Civil, criminal, and municipal provisions relating to the various activities of the City of Indio’s Police Department; law enforcement, fire, and other operating procedures and functions as they relate to the dispatch function; geography of the City of Indio and the surrounding environment; legal and procedural techniques and regulations regarding transmission and reception of police radio traffic; basic radio and related equipment maintenance; modern office administrative practices and procedures; methods of providing services and information; ability to learn alphanumeric and other coding protocol; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; standard office procedures, practices, and equipment; modern office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

SKILLS:

Effectively operate specialized law enforcement automated information, communication, and dispatch systems.

ABILITIES:

Perform a variety of complex work with speed and accuracy; remain calm under emergency situations; learn to operate specialized law enforcement automated information, communication and dispatch systems; work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, overtime, and rotating shifts; wear a department uniform; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.