Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, receives ‘911’ calls and performs dispatch duties for the City of Turlock Police and Fire Departments; receives and dispatches incoming calls from external and internal customers, to operate the Department of Justice automated files to include national inquiries and input, to triage and prioritize the calls for service from the public in order to dispatch appropriate personnel; to perform clerical duties assigned to Communications.

This classification is assigned to the Turlock Associated Police Officers bargaining unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime assignments.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Emergency Services Dispatcher I – This is an entry level class with twelve (12) months prior police or fire dispatcher experience who serves an eighteen (18) month probationary period and is expected to promote to Emergency Services Dispatcher II.

The Emergency Services Dispatcher II –This is an advanced level class with eighteen (18) months experience as an Emergency Services Dispatcher I with the Turlock Police Department and has a POST Basic Dispatch Certificate.

Lateral Emergency Services Dispatcher Applicants – In order to be considered as a lateral POST Emergency Services Dispatcher for the Turlock Police Department, the applicant must have a California POST Basic Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate, be currently employed and working in a non-probationary status at a law enforcement agency in a communication center with a California POST agency for a minimum of eighteen (18) months. Lateral applicants may serve a twelve (12) month probationary period. Appointment may be made anywhere within the salary range of Emergency Services Dispatcher I/II.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by the Public Safety Communications Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE

FOLLOWING:

• Respond to and screen incoming telephone calls on 9-1-1 and miscellaneous phone lines in Communications
• Dispatch appropriate personnel on calls received for police and fire
• Operate the computer aided dispatch system (CAD) keeping track of all related events and times
• Supply information to the public as needed
• Operate the touch screen city wide radio system
• Patch radio channels on multi agency/department involved incidents
• Inquire and input data into the California Department of Justice CLETS System
• Maintain confidentiality of information obtained
• Compile DVD reports for court on calls for service as subpoenaed
• Testify in court on calls received and handled while on duty
• Perform a variety of related clerical work in the Communications Center
• Process criminal warrants for service
• Abstract and maintain records on warrants served
• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Telephone operation techniques
• Police and Fire emergency procedures
• Operation of emergency radio systems

Ability to:

• Read, write, speak, and understand English fluently
• Maintain typing proficiency at the job required level
• Think clearly and quickly in emergency situations
• Read computer screens and monitor visual changes
• Multitask
• Recall information given both verbal and written
• Follow oral and written directions Compile information and maintain reports in CAD
• Reference manuals for accurate input of data into CLETS and NCIC
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the course of work
• Locate major streets, public places, and landmarks in the city limits
• Be able to receive and remember specific information received and dispatch emergency service calls expeditiously and correctly.
• Successfully complete the Department of Justice CLETS required workbook (new employees must meet this requirement within six (6) months from date of appointment).

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge

and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Emergency Services Dispatcher I

Twelve (12) months experience as a dispatcher for a law enforcement or fire agency.

Emergency Services Dispatcher II

Thirty-six (36) months experience as a dispatcher or Eighteen (18) months as a City of Turlock Emergency Services Dispatcher I.

Training:

Be a high school graduate from a United States public or private high school.

Or

Pass the General Education Development Test indicating high school graduation level

Or

Pass the California High School Proficiency Examination.

Licenses:

Possession of a valid California driver's license (minimum class C) at the time of application, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Typing certificate with a typing speed of thirty-five (35) words per minute net corrected.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Physical Conditions:

Maintain the following physical abilities: See well enough to read instructions, read fine print, view computer screen, operate vehicle and related equipment; hear well enough to converse on the telephone and in person, assist the public and other staff; use hands and fingers for use of computer keyboard, copy machine, filing, writing, drive vehicles and answer telephone.

Dispatchers work rotating shifts (including day shift, swing shift, cover shift and night shift), weekends and holidays and are subject to callback and overtime assignments.