Public Safety Dispatcher

Under the direction of the assigned administrator, the Dispatcher receives and dispatches police and fire 911 and non-emergency city-wide calls for service. The following list of functions, duties, and tasks is typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform other closely related or department-specific functions, duties, and tasks from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Receives, responds, records, prioritizes, assigns case numbers, and initiates and monitors calls for service for incoming 911 calls, 911 text messages, and other police and fire calls for public safety and city-wide services.
• Dispatches and monitors Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Police units for routine and emergency calls for service based on the type and location of the call and staff availability, ensuring the safety of sworn, fire, and non-sworn personnel.
• Answers inquiries from the public, both in person and over the phone, directs callers to the appropriate staff member, and takes messages as needed.
• Operates teletyped and computerized law enforcement and fire information systems; retrieves, and updates information, including wants and warrants; and relays them to the police or fire officers as appropriate.
• Enters and monitors information, including arrest disposition, missing persons, stolen vehicles, warrants and bulletins, pawn slips, criminal histories, restraining orders, and firearms, and serializes it into law enforcement record-keeping systems.
• Researches historical records and databases as requested by sworn, non-sworn, and Fire personnel.
• Monitors the Flock system for stolen vehicles, missing people, etc.
• Monitors Tablet Command, Automated License Plate Reader, Rapid Deploy, Session Phoenix, Closed-Circuit Televison, California Law Enforcement Processing System, Phoenix G2 fire station alerting system, ensuring system operation and fire notification are sent to the units.
• Maintains emergency notification data for businesses in the City and provides after-hour business notifications of public needs; enters business licensing, edits CAD information, and enters alarm permits.
• Contacts external agencies for warrant information and abstracts; contacts outside agencies public and private to request mutual aid, assistance, or information.
• Contacts the American Red Cross to set up emergency placement for families.
• Prepares officer paperwork for each arrest, looking up photos, and contacts reporting parties' information when needed over the phone.
• Activates emergency medical calls for service and provides emergency medical instructions to callers or patients for proper care prior to emergency service arrival.
• Prepares calls for service for cannabis payment to the City of Barstow.
• Provides training to new personnel and staff while working on assigned shifts.
• Assists the Police Services Supervisor in creating and implementing the dispatch training program.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
(At time of application)
Knowledge of:

• Standard law enforcement and fire communications/dispatch and office procedures, methods, and computer equipment
• City and surrounding area geography
• Techniques used in dealing with the public in emergencies and customer service
• Local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and procedures
• Organization and department operations, services, and policies
• General office procedures and protocols

Skills and Abilities to:

• Remain calm, speak clearly, listen, remember and recall facts, and determine the course of action in emergency situations
• Listen, speak, and enter data simultaneously
• Use sound judgment in prioritizing calls and dispatching personnel and equipment
• Operate modern office equipment, including computers and applicable software
• Operate equipment relevant to work performed
• Accurately type and tabulate data at an acceptable rate of speed
• Accurately perform basic mathematical calculations
• Respond to questions from the public and staff
• Plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines
• Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing
• Maintain a courteous and tactful yet firm relationship with the public in stressful situations
• Understand and respond to requests from the public and staff during routine and emergency situations for assistance by phone, radio, and in person.
• Function under stress and complete multiple tasks simultaneously while monitoring both radio traffic and telephones.
• Relate well, communicate, and work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders who represent a range of ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds

( At time of application and in addition to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed above .)
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Dispatcher: High school diploma and two (2) years of general office experience, some of which is in law enforcement or an equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, ability, and skills.
Senior Dispatcher: in addition to the above job requirements, three (3) years of experience as a police dispatcher.
LICENSE(S) REQUIRED:

• Valid state-issued drivers license and a good driving record.

CERTIFICATIONS AND TESTING REQUIRED:

• Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) certification as a dispatcher

• POST Communications Training Officer, CPR, and EMD certificates are required for Senior Dispatchers

( Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations )

• This position works primarily in an indoor office environment.
• Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Light Work: exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally (up to 1/3 of workday), and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of workday), and/or a negligible amount of force constantly (2/3 or more of workday) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work.