Public Safety Dispatcher II - Lateral
: Job Details :

Public Safety Dispatcher II

To be qualified as a lateral dispatcher, you must currently be employed as a Public Safety Dispatcher, have passed the formal probationary period at your current agency, and meet the minimum qualifications stated below.

Class Purpose: Under general supervision, Public Safety Dispatcher II's perform the full range of radio-telephone operational duties in dispatching public safety personnel and equipment. This is the journey level class in the Public Safety Dispatcher series.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Public Safety Dispatchers receive routine and emergency calls and transmit messages via communications systems consisting of radio, 9-1-1 emergency telephone lines and data terminals which operate on a seven day, 24-hour basis. Incumbents report to an Operations Supervisor, who is responsible for supervising, directing, assigning and evaluating the work of dispatch employees on an assigned shift. This position is distinguished from the next lower class of Public Safety Dispatcher I in that the latter is the trainee level class.

Typical Tasks:

• Transmits and receives messages to and from User Agencies via public safety radios, 9-1-1 emergency telephone lines, data terminals, and other communications equipment.
• Monitors and maintains status of assigned public safety personnel and equipment; may initiate actions to ensure adequate area-wide protection.
• Analyzes situations accurately and takes effective action to help assure field safety.
• Receives reports of situations which may result in, or have resulted in, various types of emergencies and coordinates the dispatching of emergency vehicles and public safety personnel.
• Reads and utilizes computer codes, formats and displays.
• Inquires, interprets, verifies, receives and disseminates information from national, state and local law enforcement computer networks.
• Maintains records and prepares reports of calls received and actions taken as necessary.
• Provides backup to other dispatchers as necessary.

Knowledge of:

• The operation of a public safety computer system, video display terminals, radio dispatching consoles, enhanced 9-1-1 telephone system and other associated public safety communications equipment.
• Public safety and related User agencies that provide emergency services in the area.
• Techniques, policies, methods and procedures used in the operation of a modern, mid-size public safety communications center.
• Record keeping techniques and proper office procedures.
• Primary roads, streets, highways, area, major buildings and public facilities within the boundaries of the Authority User and Associate User Agencies.
• Center operational policies and procedures.
• Federal Communications Commission laws and regulations applicable to radio-telephone operation.

Skill and Ability to:

• Effectively operate the public safety computer system, telecommunications system, video display terminals, radio dispatch consoles, and associated equipment.
• Interpret rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Prepare clear, concise and understandable written documents.
• Coordinate multiple events and emergency responses.
• Read, write, spell, and speak in a clear and concise manner.
• Make sound decisions using all available information.
• Read and interpret written instructions, city and county maps.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, User agency personnel and the public.
• Accomplish tasks in a controlled and competent manner while working under stress.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities are qualifying. A typical way for lateral candidates to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be the equivalent of graduation from high school plus one (1) year of public safety dispatching experience within a police, fire, emergency medical or consolidated emergency communications center. Promotional candidates should meet or exceed the promotional appointment criteria established by Policy No. 1050.

Minimum Employment Standards: The minimum employment standards for all classifications are established by Policy No. 1021.

Must be eighteen (18) years of age. This is the minimum age for full time public employment.

Have the ability to hear and comprehend radio traffic and routine interpersonal communications with supervisors and dispatchers working adjacent console assignments. One of the reasons this position exists is to perform this function.

Have color vision adequate to determine various console lighting and color monitor displays. These positions receive and dispatch calls for service. Having adequate color vision is necessary to perform these functions since they require reading a color monitor and deciphering color-coded prompts.

Have the ability to read, write and speak clear and concise English. These positions must be able to read, write and speak in clear and concise English in order to assist and direct employees in the functions and on-line operations of the Center. These positions must also be able to verbally and accurately communicate with all types of citizens and Users Agency personnel in the receipt of emergency 9-1-1 requests and the dispatching of appropriate public safety personnel and equipment.

Have legible handwriting. During periods of Computer-Aided-Dispatch failure or down-time for maintenance, the entire facility must utilize dispatch cards (or Punch Cards). The cards are hand written with all information from the incident including reporting party's name, address and telephone number; nature of the incident; unit status; description of suspects and vehicles and narrative information as it is received from reporting parties and User field units. These cards are passed from one dispatcher to another prior to and during dispatch. The inability of one dispatcher to read addresses and related dispatch information written by another dispatcher could cause an erroneous dispatch resulting the loss of life and/or property. The written material also becomes the official log of incidents under manual dispatch operation and are subject to investigation and/or discovery during any litigation occurring from the incident.

Have manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer terminal, telecommunications device and multi-function radio operating console. One of the reasons these positions exist is to perform this function. A computer terminal and multi-function radio operating console are the primary devices on which the dispatcher performs her/his work.

Have the physical, mental and functional ability to work effectively and accurately in a fast-paced environment and to remain calm and professional when handling potentially stressful incidents. One of the primary responsibilities of these positions is to receive emergency 9-1-1 telephone calls involving the safety of life and property, determine the nature and course of action and then dispatch equipment and personnel, requiring split-second decisions and response. Mental stability is critical in fulfilling this primary responsibility. Physical and functional ability attributes of Public Safety Dispatchers are listed under Physical Requirements in a following section of this document.

Willing to submit to a comprehensive law enforcement background investigation. Required due to the position's access to confidential law enforcement information.

Shall not have been convicted of any felony or any other crime which would prohibit Department of Justice approval for access to law enforcement information. Required due to the position's access to confidential law enforcement information.

Possession of a Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card. Public Safety Dispatchers must be capable of performing a full range of operational duties and assignments, which may include Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD). At minimum, a valid and current Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation Level 'C' (CPR) card and Basic First Aid card is required in order for all Public Safety Dispatchers to gain a working knowledge of emergency medical field techniques and procedures. Valid and current CPR and First Aid cards are basic requirements for certification of a Public Safety Dispatcher as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD). If the candidate is not certified, the agency will facilitate training and certification.

Physical Requirements:

Strength: Opening and closing file and workstation drawers; be able to propel one's self between a dispatch work station, files and station printer; be able to remain up-right and operate a radio and telephone console for a minimum of eight hours (less breaks and meals); stand behind and bend over dispatchers who are working on a dispatch terminal to provide back-up or assistance.

Flexibility: Bend, reach and stoop to change and master tape recordings and to replace station printer paper; continuously moving within a 120-degree arc at the dispatch workstation to operate the telephone console set, 9-1-1 ANI/ALI unit call transfer buttons, computer key board and radio console selection and instant transmit switches.

Coordination, stamina, movement and dexterity: Selecting and operating radio console controls; remain upright in a crowded meeting or training room; operate CAD terminal, enter information and talk on the telephone at the same time