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

***The employee must be willing to work a flexible schedule: must work days, nights, weekends, holidays, and employee may need to work a flex shift or a cover shift***

***First review of candidates will take place after March 8, 2016***

***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 physical and drug screen.***

DEFINITION:

Under direct supervision, learns to receive and process 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; learns applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The IPD Police Dispatcher I is the entry-level class in the IPD police dispatcher series allowing the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents perform the more routine and less complex assignments within an established procedural framework, where there are minimal consequences of error. Incumbents must gain a thorough working knowledge of response procedures and must develop the ability to utilize sound judgment initiating and coordinating responses to situations that may affect the lives and safety of the public, law enforcement, and other emergency services personnel.

Duties:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Learns to process routine and non-emergency and emergency calls for service; screens incoming calls to determine necessity of police response, the priority of response, and the type of response required.

Maintains accurate computer log of incoming service requests and actions taken; enters, retrieves, and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; and coordinates multi-agency responses when necessary; and provides information to other agencies by telephone, radio, or teletype.

Dispatches police and other public service entities as required; monitors other radio frequencies to be aware of incidents elsewhere that may affect City of Indio police operations; monitors the status of field units; interprets level of service needed through information obtained from field officers or citizens; maintains a calm demeanor in radio transmissions during hectic, tense, and dangerous situations; informs the Watch Commander of calls in progress or calls that require additional discretion.

Prepares other reports and records as directed; maintains files necessary for dispatch as assigned; enters, updates, and retrieves information from various computer networks.

Monitors various security systems on 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, and committees.

Researches county, state, and federal national computer data banks to obtain information requested by officers or other law enforcement personnel as required.

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

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.

May be called to testify in court when subpoenaed by a judge or member of the court.

OTHER DUTIES:

May work in other dispatch command posts

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

The required qualification is to possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

The required qualification is to possess two years of experience involving high volume public contact.

Keyboarding/ Data Entry:

Position requires ability to type at the net rate of 40 words per minute and pass necessary data entry assessment(s).

Other Requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible to work in the U.S. and be 18 years of age by the time of appointment.

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 nights, 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.