Dispatcher I

Under general supervision, perform a variety of dispatching duties for emergency and non-emergency calls on campus; to dispatch police officers to calls for service; to operate a variety of communications equipment including radio, telephone and computer systems; and to perform a variety of specialized administrative duties in the maintenance and the release of highly confidential records.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class is distinguished from the Dispatcher II classification by the performance of more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. Incumbents at this level perform standard dispatch duties which include receiving and screening incoming calls, communicating with law enforcement staff, and using automated computerized dispatch and police information systems and databases to input and retrieve data.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from assigned Sergeant.

1. Receive emergency and non-emergency calls for service within the jurisdictional boundaries of the District; determine nature, location and priority of call and dispatch units accordingly; provide assistance, information and directions to non-emergency callers.
2. Maintain awareness of Police Officers' and Campus Safety Officers' activity in the field; communicate with field units through radio in accordance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations; maintain status and location of units on foot patrol, vehicle patrol, parking enforcement, and special assignments.
3. Retrieve information from state and federal computer networks regarding wanted persons, stolen vehicles and property, vehicle registration and other related information; relay information to officers in the field.
4. Conduct specialized research; assist law enforcement and authorized staff, locate needed information including reports and records; check warrants, criminal histories and student information in computer.
5. Maintain and update accurate computerized police records and reports.
6. Disseminate records information to law enforcement staff, outside agencies, the public and other employees according to established guidelines, rules and regulations.
7. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of responsibility; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
8. Perform a variety of general office duties related to the area of responsibility including compose, format, type, word process, proofread and distribute a variety of general correspondence such as reports, letters, memoranda, and emails.
9. May oversee the work of student workers or temporary staff.
10. Answer the telephone and greet guests; provide information to students, faculty, staff and the general public relative to assigned functions; explain College programs, policies, and procedures.
11. Process, contact owners, and release found property, including vehicle impound and storage releases.
12. Monitor and respond to the police Dispatch email account in a timely manner.
13. Monitor and configure surveillance camera and alarm systems. Make the necessary notifications to field personnel related to suspicious or illegal conduct, intruder and/or fire alarm activations.
14. Monitor arrestees held in the booking room with surveillance camera.
15. Receive, screen, and sort office mail; route to appropriate staff; respond to routine correspondence; send and receive fax transmissions.
16. Send emergency information utilizing email, social media, and Emergency Notification Systems (ENS).
17. Attend in-house training and off campus training as required.
18. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge of :

• Operations, services and activities of a police communications center.
• Operations of a computer aided dispatch system.
• Techniques of questioning for both emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Dispatching techniques with use of radio system for communicating and receiving information.
• Current law enforcement codes, procedures and practices.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping, security and dissemination.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Standard office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• MS Office applications including Word and Excel.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

• Attend and successfully pass a three week P.O.S.T. approved Basic Dispatcher course.
• Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
• React calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Determine priority of emergency situations.
• Effectively communicate and elicit information from upset and irate callers.
• Operate 9-1-1, radio transmitting and computer aided dispatch systems.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision and during irregular work hours.
• Type accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer, teletype and radio.
• Maintain confidentiality of work performed.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, linguistic, ethnic backgrounds and disabilities of community college students and staff.
• Work varying shifts including graveyard, day, and swing shifts.
• Work weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Education:

Completion of the twelfth grade or the equivalent.

Experience:

One year of responsible police communications or public safety dispatching experience.

Certifications:

Must possess or within twelve (12) months of hire obtain and maintain a State of California Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Dispatcher Certificate.

Other Requirements:

Successfully pass P.O.ST. standard dispatching testing. Background investigation that includes fingerprinting. Candidates must successfully pass medical and psychological examinations.