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Police Dispatcher

qualifications

Knowledge of:

  • Basic law enforcement terminology, rules, and procedures
  • Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of common office equipment
  • Law enforcement dispatch policies and procedures

 

Skill/Ability to:

  • Memorizing codes, names, locations and other detailed information; obtaining information from individuals in emergency situations Understanding and following oral and written directions
  • Making rapid and sound independent judgments in emergency situations
  • Using two-way radio communication equipment effectively
  • Using an online computer to access a variety of information
  • Working under periods of stress and dealing with multiple activities simultaneously
  • Performing routine clerical duties
  • Communicating tactfully and effectively with the public, including persons who may be emotional or difficult to understand
  • Maintaining accurate files

becoming a police dispatcher

Under general supervision, receives emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatches police units or other police personnel; performs related work as assigned.

This is a specialized police civilian class responsible for providing technical communications support for police activities including dispatching services in both emergency and routine situations, performing varied record keeping and similar work in support of police activities. This classification is distinguished from the Police Clerk series in that the primary responsibilities of Police Dispatchers relate to the operation of a computerized communication center.

Police Civilian Supervisor, Communications or designee.

  1. Receives and prioritizes incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency telephone calls.
  2. Operates radio to dispatch patrol units and other police personnel to crime scenes and other transit system emergencies and incidents.
  3. Operates computer terminal to access a variety of police information.
  4. Provides radio assistance and information to Police Officers.
  5. Coordinates emergency responses with other law enforcement agencies and emergency services.
  6. Maintains service records and logs other computerized information. 
  7. Coordinates activities with those for central control for emergency train intercepts, power turn off and other revenue vehicle system emergencies. 
  8. Provides police-related telephone information to District patrons; answers telephone inquiries from other law enforcement agencies. 
  9. Notifies outside law enforcement agencies of crime and emergency incidents within their jurisdiction; assists in processing police warrants.
  10. Provides records assistance to the Police Department’s property and traffic units; monitors District system alarm calls and coordinates response. 
  11. Performs a variety of clerical duties, including typing on computer keyboard to input and retrieve automated internal records and local, state, and national criminal information. 

Education:

Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent.

 

Experience:

The equivalent of one (1) year (full-time) verifiable experience in a position requiring extensive public contact, communication skills and effective interpersonal relationships. Previous experience with computer terminals and safety dispatching is desirable.

 

Other Requirements:

Must be able to successfully pass a detailed background investigation prior to appointment.Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime. Must type at 35 net wpm with no more than ten (10) errors. Must be able to move quickly from one workstation to another and perform any Police Dispatcher, combination of duties or other related tasks at the same time.

Environmental Conditions:

Office environment; exposure to computer screens.

 

Physical Conditions:

Requires maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time.

WE'RE HIRING

  • The best training, community outreach skills, and award-winning policing techniques
  • State-of-the art safety equipment
  • Resources to solve real-life problems
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our hiring process

Frequently asked Questions

California State Minimum Selection Standards (Per P.O.S.T)

  • The minimum peace officer selection standards are set forth in Government Code Sections 1029, 1031, and 1031.4. Every California peace officer must be:
  • Free from any disqualifications for employment, including felony convictions (GC 1029) 
  • Be legally authorized to work in the United States under Federal Law.
  • At least 21 years of age for specified peace officers (GC 1031.4)
  • Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record
  • Of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation
  • high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution
  • Found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer
Candidates need to be 20 to apply and attend the academy 21 at the time of swearing in
  • Three (3) or more moving violations within three (3) years prior to the date application
  • Involvement as a driver in two or more chargeable (at fault) collisions within three (3) years to date of application 
  • Integrity: Any material misstatement of fact during any stage of the hiring process
  • Any prior felony conviction
  • Any misdemeanor conviction within three (3) years prior to the date of application 
  • Two (2) or more misdemeanor convictions as an adult 
  • Use of a hallucinogenic drug within 7 years of application
  • Use of any other illegal drug use as an adult not mentioned above within 3 years of application 
  • Having any outstanding warrant of arrest at time of application 
  • Admission(s) of any act of domestic violence
  • Admission(s) of any criminal act against children

Note: The hiring and background requirements are quite stringent. This is not an all-inclusive list of disqualifying factors, (see BPD Policy 1000 v.2/2/17).

  • Application
  • Written test
  • Physical Agility test
  • Oral board interview
  • Background Investigation (including polygraph) 
  • Chief’s Interview
  • Conditional Job Offer (From Human Resources)
  • Medical exam
  • Psychological exam (Police Officers and Police Dispatchers only)
  • Final Job Offer (From Human Resources)
  • Do an online search for “POST Pellet B practice test”
  • Research the department online
  • Do a ride-a-long (call 510-464-7681 to set up after application has been submitted)
  • Research oral board sample questions online
  • The process takes approximately 3-6 months

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