Distinguishing Characteristics

Under general supervision, receives 911 emergency and routine calls for service from the public, monitors radio traffic and dispatches Police and Fire units, processes and files crime reports, arrest reports, and other Police Department documents, and performs other related tasks as required.

The Public Safety Dispatcher is assigned to the Communications Center within the Police Department to receive requests for Police and Fire assistance and take appropriate action. The Public Safety Dispatcher is assigned to the Communications Center within the Police Department to receive requests for Police and Fire assistance and take appropriate action.

Representative Duties / Qualifications

• Operates a computer keyboard to provide input information into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) and other data processing equipment as required;
• Receives 911, emergency and non-emergency calls for service for Police and Fire services from the public. Determines the location and priorities for action. Dispatches calls to field personnel, monitors progress, location and needs of field personnel during specific and general activity in accordance with established procedures;
• Operates a computer aided dispatching (CAD) and records maintenance system (RMS) memorializing the dispatching of Police and Fire units. Monitors, makes inquiries and entries into the automated Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) databases through the county message switching computers in accordance with established procedures;
• Processes, routes and files arrest reports, crime reports, District Attorney packets, missing person reports, warrants, subpoenas, citations, registers, dispositions, alarms, restraining orders, fingerprints, booking photographs, RAP sheets, and other miscellaneous departmental paperwork as required;
• Answers departmental telephones, provides accurate and thorough information to the public requesting assistance, directs calls, and takes messages;
• Assists walk-in citizens in the front lobby with complaints, reports, and other requests at the front counter;
• Monitors and responds to station alarm activations for Police, Fire and Public Works;
• Maintains operating knowledge of communications and office equipment within the Communications Center and requests repairs when needed;
• Receives calls for service and dispatches on-call Public Works personnel after business hours;
• Female Public Safety Dispatchers perform matron duty as required;
• Assists with the training of other employees within the Communications Center as assigned;
• Performs other duties as required.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability to:

• Learn the operation of radio transmitting communication equipment; 
• Think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations; 
• Understand radio communications; 
• Speak and enunciate clearly; 
• Perform a variety of typing and clerical work of average difficulty; 
• Type at a speed of not less than 35 WPM from clear copy; 
• To learn the location of major streets, public places and landmarks within the City limits; 
• Understand and carry out oral and written decisions; 
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Knowledge of:

• Modern office methods and procedures.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and ability would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and experience would be:

Education:

• Equivalent to graduation from high school.

Experience:

• One (1) year of clerical experience, preferably including experience involving direct public contact.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the ability to work any shift, holidays, weekends, scheduled and emergency overtime and work under potentially stressful situations;
• Must adhere to P.O.S.T Code of Ethics, display loyalty to the department, city government, and community;
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time and meet the standards of stature by physical exam, as well as pass a polygraph and psychological screening, background investigation, written and oral examinations;
• Must have no record of felony criminal convictions or misdemeanor convictions, which could affect credibility as a witness in a court of law.
• Minimum age of 18 years by date of employment.

REQUIREMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED AN ACADEMY GRADUATE CANDIDATE:

• Must have successfully completed P.O.S.T. Basic Academy Training, or possess a current P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate (attach a copy), or be currently employed as a public safety dispatcher in the state of California.  
• Candidates not meeting the aforementioned criteria will be considered entry level.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Individuals interested in being considered for the Public Safety Dispatcher position must submit an application and responses to the required supplemental questions by the final filing date.  It is preferred you apply through the NeoGov system by using the link:  APPLY HERE
 
Applicants are expected to accurately document their related experience and any training, education, and/or skills relevant to this position.  Applicants should respond to all supplemental questions, even if the information is also contained in the application.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING TYPING CERTIFICATES 
Failure to attach or submit a current (dated within 2 years from the date of application) typing certificate will cause you to be disqualified from this recruitment for failure to follow directions.

Typing certificates must be an original 5-minute timed typing certificate noting a net typing speed (after errors) of 35wpm or more. This certificate must be dated no later than 2 years before the application date and provided from an accredited school, agency, facility or institution that is deemed acceptable by the City's Human Resources Department staff.

On-line typing tests will not be accepted. E-mailed test results from typing test websites will not be accepted.

The certificate must contain the official emblem and name of the agency that administered the exam, as well as the following information:

* Name of Applicant
* Number of corrected (net) words per minute typed during a five (5) minute timed test
* Date of Certificate – can not be more than 2 years old as of the date of application
* Signature and title of person verifying the typing test
* Address and telephone number of agency administering the exam

Please note, only typing exams of 5 minutes in length or more will be accepted. Your net typing speed on your certificate must be greater than or equal to the required typing speed for this City of Benicia position.

IT IS THE APPLICANTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINDING A LOCATION THAT OFFERS TYPING TESTS/CERTIFICATES.  PLEASE DO NOT CALL US FOR THAT INFORMATION.

Many adult schools, community colleges, and temporary employment service agencies provide typing certificates for your convenience and most do charge some type of fee, however the City will not reimburse for any costs associated with an applicant's typing certificate.

The application must be completed in its entirety.  Incomplete applications MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Application materials will be carefully evaluated; applicants who document possession of experience and education which most closely meet the requirements of the position will be invited to participate in the next phase of the selection process, which will include an interview process.

Prior to appointment, candidates must pass a thorough background investigation including a polygraph, and a pre-placement medical/psychological screening, including a drug screen.

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to future steps in the process.

If, due to a disability, you need accommodations at any point during the application or testing process, please contact Human Resources at (707) 746-4766.