police dispatcher

Job Description

This recruitment offers a $5,000 sign-on bonus to eligible Lateral-Level Police Dispatchers, and $2,500 sign-on bonus to eligible Entry-level Police Dispatchers joining UWPD

The Division of Campus Community Safety (DCCS) unifies front-line public safety units across the University for a holistic approach to campus community safety, innovation in approaches, and clarity in leadership responsibility and accountability. Key units include UW Emergency Management, SafeCampus and the UW Police Department Seattle campus. Division staff work daily in partnership with units across and outside the UW system to both create safer, welcoming campus environments; prepare for potential natural or human-made disasters; and respond appropriately to incidents. 

Safeguarding the academic community with P.R.I.D.E.

The University of Washington Police Department (UWPD) has the exclusive responsibility to act upon law-enforcement matters and perform police functions for the Seattle Campus of the University of Washington, 24 hours a day.  Police Officers at the UWPD respond to public calls for service within a very diverse community, providing community-oriented law enforcement services to the campus and nearby areas, enforcing state laws, city ordinances, and University regulations. Police Officers conduct criminal and traffic investigations, make arrests, prepare necessary documentation and testify in court. Officers also provide for the safety and security of persons and property at University events and attend community meetings. Watch our UW Police Video to meet us and see what it is like to work on the Seattle Campus.

DCCS has an outstanding opportunity for Police Dispatcher/Call Receiver. The Police Dispatcher/Call Receiver performs specialized and varied work in the Police Department Communications Center to include receiving and transmitting law enforcement and related public safety information. This position is responsible for answering department telephones including emergency 911 telephone calls, determining the nature of the caller's business and dispatching police mobile units, or referring the call to the appropriate resource; prioritizing and routing emergency calls to fire, police and emergency medical services. There is often a high volume of calls, many of which involve accidents or crimes in progress.

The Dispatcher will operate radio dispatching equipment, various computer systems, and associated recording equipment.  Additionally, Police Dispatcher/Call Receivers compile information and write and generate accurate reports.

The department strongly subscribes and operates under the tenants of community-oriented policing and service. The Communications Center operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Competitive candidates will possess demonstrated experience in thinking clearly and acting quickly and making correct decisions, taking charge of conversations, obtaining accurate information from callers, entering information into a computer while talking and making sound and quick decisions.  Inherent to success in this position is excellent organizational skills to include multitasking while coping with numerous interruptions and remaining calm and professional in emergency situations.

This is an opportunity to join a team of men and women who are committed to the highest standards of professionalism and service and to work in an environment that is focused on-going employee development. 

UWPD is very proud to be the only police agency in Washington that has achieved triple accreditation, CALEA, IACLEA, and WASPC.
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school graduation or equivalent AND two years of experience to include dispatching responsibilities and/or completion of an accredited dispatcher program.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to work nights.

Desired:

• Strong customer service skills

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills to include demonstrated ability to clearly and concisely speak English and understand English

• Word processing/computer experience

• Accurate keyboarding skills

• Demonstrated ability to accurately hear and simultaneously document verbal information

• Proven ability to exhibit patience and remain calm and professional while questioning callers for whom English may be an additional language, callers who may be verbally abusive, emotionally upset, uncooperative or frightened

• Ability to work in a high-pressured, high security environment

• Ability to take direction, work independently and as part of a team

• Ability to work in a confined area, primarily seated in an office setting for extended periods of time with no outside visibility.

• Must believe in teamwork and have strong commitment to excellence and continued improvement

• Police dispatch experience

• Experience with emergency 911 calls

• CAD/RMS experience

• Current WSCJTC T1/T2, ACCESS certifications or out of state POST certification

• Fluency in other languages (such as Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Russian)

Conditions of Employment:

• Employees must be willing to work any shift or workweek, including mandatory overtime and holidays, as assigned.

• Work is performed primarily seated in an office setting with no outside visibility.

• All final applicants will be required to complete a minimum of four hours observation in the University of Washington Communication Center. This should be scheduled before taking the polygraph examination or psychological evaluation.

• No felony convictions and no pattern of misdemeanor convictions that could compromise access to confidential records.

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of comprehensive background investigation, polygraph, and psychological examinations.

• This position is located at UW Police Department in a state-of-the-art building on 15th Ave NE.  Must be comfortable working in a police station environment.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Apply by application closing date.
Testing: Must be completed by the application deadline to be considered for the initial review 
Oral Boards: Scheduling TBD

Reapplication is permitted at any time, except for candidates disqualified for reasons of prior felony convictions or non-correctable selection. 

Please note: It may take 2 to 4 months to successfully complete all phases of the selection process from Oral Boards to Official Offer of Employment.

Be sure to check back periodically for updated recruitment information.

Apply on-line by the application deadline noted. A complete application includes:

• Copying/pasting an updated resume into your candidate record
• Completing all additional Workday Recruiting tasks.

Part of the application process for this position includes completing the US Work Authorization Assessment to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. 

All information submitted will be considered to determine the applicant's qualifications for this position. Please ensure that your current email address is listed in your online candidate profile as well as in your resume. A Personal History Statement may be emailed to you early for completion.  A completed Personal History Statement will be required for those who progress to the Background Investigation Process.  Detailed information requested includes:

• Addresses of all residences;
• Personal and Professional References;
• Names and addresses of family members;
• Arrests and criminal history;
• Traffic driving record;
• Military service;
• Employment history;
• Drug use;
• Education history;
• Memberships in professional organizations;
• Financial information;
• Copies of the following documents:
  • High school diploma/GED certificate;
  • Social Security card;
  • Driver's License;
  • Birth Certificate (Certified copy)
• Any other documents, certificates, resumes, performance evaluation reports, etc., which show your abilities and training for the position

Testing [APPLICANTS WILL BE ASSESSED A FEE FOR TESTING]:

The Dispatcher Exam is administered through Public Safety Testing.  Results are provided to the University of Washington Police Department for decision-making. You must select University of Washington Police Department as an agency for us to access your required testing scores. 

Please note: You must successfully complete the PST Typing Test before your Dispatch Written Exam date. Failure to do so may result in a failure of the test.

What to expect at the website:

• Flexibility to schedule your test time.Tests are conducted multiple times a week, including Saturdays and offered at multiple locations
• Information on completing the required typing test
• Detailed information on how to create a testing account
• Written Exam Requirements
• PST Policies for test day
• Test-Date-Location Information (Test & Event Calendar)
• Fee structure for agency selections
• Out of state testing information

The test will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis, however, scores are important.  Scores will be automatically forwarded to the University of Washington Police Department for further decision making.  Those who attain passing scores may be invited to participate in other stages of the Department's selection process:    

Oral Boards: Applicants who pass the testing phase may be invited to participate in Oral Boards (structured panel interview). 

Observation (to be scheduled)

A minimum four-hour observation session at the UWPD Communications Center will be required of final candidates.  Candidates will be contacted directly for scheduling.

Additional selection steps include a polygraph, background investigation and psychological evaluation.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$61,920.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$83,256.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

SEIU Local 925 Nonsupervisory

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at or  

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law. 

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