Job Description

Police Dispatch Operator

Under general supervision, receives police and emergency calls and dispatches Police units following prescribed procedures; answers non-emergency calls for public safety and other City departments; performs a variety of general administrative support duties including record keeping, typing, and filing; and performs related work as required.

Receives calls, complaints and inquiries from the public for police or other emergency services over the phone; answers 911 calls; screens incoming calls to determine necessity, priority and type of response required in accordance with established procedures.

Dispatches public safety emergency units using a computerized dispatch system, including determining priority of emergency and contacting and sending appropriate response unit.

Operates computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities; tests and inspects equipment as assigned.

Logs call data in a written or automated format; monitors calls after initial dispatch to provide additional coordination, support, or information.

Enters, updates, and retrieves a variety of records from a database, including stolen vehicles, vehicle registration information, and warranted or missing persons.

Accesses Federal, State, and local law enforcement information databases to obtain information regarding outstanding warrants, criminal history, records information, and vehicle data; relays such information to sworn staff.

Monitors jail and station cameras.

Acts as a liaison to the public and representatives of other agencies for the department; provides initial non-emergency contact with the public and representatives of other agencies for the requesting of police records or related services; determines the nature of the contact; provides factual information regarding services, policies, and procedures; directs the caller to the proper individual or agency.

Maintains accurate departmental and law enforcement records and files; researches and compiles information from such files.

Attends necessary training, shift briefing sessions, participates in drills, and test scenarios to prepare for unexpected emergencies.

Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: principles, practices, methods, and techniques of law enforcement agencies; techniques for eliciting and providing accurate and timely information in emergency situations; principles, practices, methods techniques and terminology used in public safety dispatching, including computer aided dispatch and related emergency systems; operational characteristics of computer-aided communication systems and devices; terminology used in dispatch operations; City and County geography, maps, streets, and landmarks; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility; record keeping principles and procedures; principles and practices of data collection and report preparation; City and mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols; techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff; the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar; modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to: assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment; dispatch appropriate response units for a diverse range of emergency situations; memorize codes, names, street locations, and other information; read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation; understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed; obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations; compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports; perform technical, detailed, and responsible office support work; compose correspondence independently or from brief instructions; organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems; enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines; effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax; establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. Experience: Two (2) years of clerical or technical administrative experience working in a job with extensive interaction with the public, preferably in a law enforcement environment. Licenses and Certifications: None.

Physical demands: Must possess mobility to work in a centralized communication operations environment, using public safety emergency services equipment including computer-aided dispatch systems, telephones, radios and other communication devices, as well as standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone and radio. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Performance of the work frequently requires positions to remain at a workstation for extended periods of time. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds. Environmental conditions: Employees work in a centralized communication operations environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. E-Verify: The City of El Monte is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the United States.

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