Police Dispatcher (Lateral)

Salary : $59,040.00 - $83,076.00 Annually

Location : City of Westminster, CA

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 2023-11

Department: Police

Opening Date: 06/01/2023

Description

THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER NOW OFFERS A $10,000, ONE-TIME SIGNING BONUS FOR QUALIFIED LATERAL POLICE DISPATCHERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM. THIS BONUS WILL BE PAID OUT AT $5,000 UPON HIRE AND $5,000 UPON COMPLETION OF PROBATION.

TO QUALIFY FOR THIS SIGNING BONUS, CANDIDATES MUST

• Possess a POST Communications Certificate.
• Successfully completed a probationary period within a California public safety agency or equivalent or have one full year of Dispatcher experience within the last four years.

This position will receive a 2% increase in August 2023.

DEFINITION
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.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from Communications Supervisor. Exercises no supervision of staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a single-level classification that performs the full range of receiving and dispatching emergency calls for the Police Department. Responsibilities are centered on extensive contact with the public over the telephone, in both emergency and non-emergency situations to receive, transmit, and provide factual information, forms, and reports. All activities must be performed within specified legal guidelines. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Communications Supervisor in that the latter is the full supervisory-level class in the series responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of staff involved in police dispatch services.

Examples of Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Receives and evaluates police and emergency calls, and related business calls for the City during an assigned portion of the 24-hours-per-day/7-days-per-week Police Department operations; provides information and/or transfers calls to the appropriate department, agency, or response organization; takes messages for Police Department personnel.
• Dispatches public safety emergency units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system, including determining priority of emergency and contacting and sending appropriate response unit.
• Maintains contact with field units, including accounting for location and status of units and maintaining records of field calls; sends back-up units, as necessary, ensuring the safety of field units.
• 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 teletype database, including stolen vehicles and property, vehicle registration information, guns and property, 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.
• 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, which requires knowledge of legal guidelines, departmental policies and procedures, and the use of tact and discretion, or 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.
  • May act as a Communications Training Officer (CTO) to orient and train newly hired dispatchers.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• Business arithmetic and basic statistical techniques.
• Basic principles of record keeping.
• Functions, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies.
• Westminster Police Department policies and standard operating procedures.
• Terminology and procedures used in public safety dispatching.
• Operation of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone lines and radio systems.
• City and County geography, maps, streets, landmarks, and driving directions.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

ABILITY TO:

• Assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment.
• Speak in a clear and concise manner.
• Type 35 wpm.
• Memorize codes, names, street locations, and other information.
• Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
• Terminology and procedures used in public safety dispatching.
• Operation of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone lines and radio systems.
• Applicable codes, regulations, policies, technical processes and procedures, including penal, vehicle, and health and safety codes and regulations.
• Interpret, apply, and explain policies, procedures, and regulations.
• 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.
• Make accurate arithmetic and statistical computations.
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner, organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION & 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:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and one (1) year of general clerical experience involving public contact. Incumbents must be able to type at least 35 words per minute. Must be currently employed as a non-probationary Public Safety Dispatcher with a California law enforcement agency OR have one full year of Dispatcher experience within the last four years.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License.
• Possession of, ability to obtain, or completion of P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher course within one year of appointment.
• Twenty-four (24) hours of Continuous Professional Training (CPT) required every two (2) years.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use 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. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. 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 ELEMENTS
Employees work in an office 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. The principal duties of this class are performed in a police station environment with exposure to criminal offenders, mentally ill individuals, and persons potentially infected with communicable diseases.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Classification requires successful completion of a pre-hire physical and detailed police background investigation. Employees work rotating shifts, including mornings, day, swing, and evening watches that shall include weekends and holidays.

Please refer to the MOU for detailed benefits:

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Employees may receive an additional 5% of base pay for possessing an AA degree; or an additional 10% of base pay for possessing a BA/BS degree
BILINGUAL PAY: $150 per month for demonstrated proficiency in specified languages

LONGEVITY PAY:
10 years of service: $95 per month
15 years of service: $150 per month
21 years of service: $150 per month plus 2% of base salary
22 years of service: $150 per month plus 4% of base salary
23 years of service: $150 per month plus 6% of base salary
24 years of service: $150 per month plus 8% of base salary
25 years of service: $150 per month plus 10% of base salary

RETIREMENT BENEFITS: The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). The City's contract provides for the following retirement tiers:

Tier 2 (hired on or after July 28, 2011 and a current CalPERS member): 2% @ 60 formula; employees contribute 7.0% of salary towards retirement costs.

Tier 3/PEPRA (hired on or after January 1, 2013 and not a current CalPERS member): 2.0% @ 62 formula; employees contribute one-half of normal cost, which is 5.75%.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Optional employee participation in Section 457 supplemental retirement plans/deferred compensation.

INSURANCE BENEFITS: The City's cafeteria benefits plan provides $1,600 per month toward the purchase of health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as additional voluntary products. Unused cafeteria plan dollars may be received by the employee as taxable income. Employees who participate in the CalPERS health insurance program and are enrolled in the Family level of coverage shall receive an additional City contribution of $200 per month (total of $1,800 per month).

A pre-tax flexible spending account is also available for health care and dependent care expenses. The City also provides a City-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) plan. City contributions toward retiree medical insurance are based on length of employment.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Tuition reimbursement up to $1,000 per fiscal year for approved courses is available.

VACATION: Employees earn 120 hours of paid vacation during their first year of service. An additional eight hours is earned for each additional year of service up to five years. Additional benefits apply after 20 years of service.

HOLIDAYS: Employees receive 104 hours of paid holiday to be used at the employee's discretion.

SICK LEAVE: Employees earn 96 hours of paid sick leave per year.

01

If selected, are you willing and able to undergo a thorough background investigation, including but not limited to review of: legal documents; federal, state, and local law enforcement checks; drivers license and DMV record; high school diploma; college transcripts; proof of automobile insurance; employment verifications; and personal and professional reference checks?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you currently employed as a non-probationary Public Safety Dispatcher with a law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have at least one (1) full year of experience as a Dispatcher at a law enforcement agency within the last four years?

• Yes
• No

04

Have you successfully completed the California POST Basic Dispatcher course?

• Yes
• No

Required Question...