Dispatcher Clerk

Position Description

A dispatcher is a critical link between the community and patrol units in the field. Our state-of-the-art communications center is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Dispatchers may be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

The skilled actions of our dedicated dispatchers are vital to our community and law enforcement professionals.

BE ONE OF US

Under general supervision, to receive and transmit radio and telephone communications in the Sheriffs Department via the County's 911 dispatch center; receive/process all emergency calls within the county; dispatch law enforcement and non-fire personnel and equipment as needed; perform a variety of clerical/stenographic duties; and does related work as required.

Example of Duties

Receive emergency calls from the public requesting sheriff, police, fire, medical, or other emergency service. Determine nature and location of emergency. Determine priorities and dispatch sheriff, police, ambulance or other emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures including utilization of EMD to give pre-arrival instructions on medical calls including CPR and basic first aid. Receive and process 9-I-I emergency calls. Maintain contact with all units on assignment; monitor status and location of sheriff, police, and ambulance units; answer non-emergency calls for assistance; enter, update and retrieve information from a variety of computer systems. Receive requests for information regarding vehicular registration, driving records, and warrant information, and provide pertinent data. Monitor and assist numerous other departments within the county including District Attorney's Office, Probation Department, Road Department, Child Protective Services, Park Rangers, and Animal Control. Runs law enforcement communications equipment, including NCIC computer. Assigns case numbers and maintains daily logs; maintains various files. Checks files for required information. Appears in court as witness for departmental actions related to dispatch/responder matters. Maintains records for emergency disaster plans, updating manuals and OES policy references as required. Types, sorts and files a variety of materials. Prepares reports/departmental logs. Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:  Terminology and codes used in law enforcement, medical, fire and related emergency radio and telephone communications. County and city road systems, geography and areas of residential and commercial development. English usage, including proper use of vocabulary terms, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Skill and Ability to:  Learn radio, telephone, dispatching skills and codes; speak clearly, distinctly and pleasantly; understand and follow written/oral directions; receive and transmit information in a professional manner; deal effectively with those who may be emotionally distraught; transmit information accurately and efficiently both orally and in writing; work calmly and effectively in a variety of situations; establish and main effective working relationships with others; learn law enforcement procedures and terms quickly. Successfully complete series of POST courses related to job requirements; and deal effectively and courteously with the general public. Assess and prioritize to determine appropriate response levels for law enforcement, medical, fire and other emergency situations. Operate a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, telephones and computer systems. Apply departmental and other procedures and policies to dispatching situations. Attend to multiple activities and sources of input simultaneously. Obtain information from individuals in emergency situations, including those who are emotionally distraught, angry, or difficult to understand. Remain calm and make rapid and sound independent judgment in stressful emergency situations. Communicate tactfully and effectively with the public, public safety personnel and others, including clear enunciation.
Training and Experience:
 
Equivalent to graduation from high school and one (1) year of responsible experience dealing with the general public.
 

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid California driver's license. Willingness and availability to work variable shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays. Successfully attend and complete courses of instruction as required by departmental policies, inclusive of 120 hours of Basic Dispatching and 40 hours Emergency Medical Dispatch training.
For more information on how to become a 9-1-1 Dispatcher please visit: Public Safety Dispatcher Information
 

---