Job Description

Police Dispatcher

The City of Westminster now offers a one-time sign-on bonus of $10,000 for qualified lateral police dispatchers to join our team. This bonus will be paid out at $5,000 upon hire and $5,000 upon completion of probation. To qualify for this bonus, candidates must possess a POST Communications Certificate and have successfully completed a probationary period within a California public safety agency or equivalent or have one full year of Dispatcher experience within the last four years. Note: This position will receive a 3% increase in July 2025.

Under general supervision, receives police and emergency calls, and dispatches Police units following prescribed procedures; answers non-emergency calls for public safety and other City departments; performs a variety of general administrative support duties including record keeping, typing, and filing; and performs related work as required. Receives general supervision from Communications Supervisor. Exercises no supervision of staff.

Examples of typical job functions include receiving and evaluating police and emergency calls, dispatching public safety emergency units, maintaining contact with field units, operating computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment, logging call data, accessing law enforcement information databases, acting as a liaison to the public and representatives of other agencies, maintaining accurate departmental and law enforcement records, attending necessary training, and performing other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of principles and practices of data collection and report preparation, business arithmetic and basic statistical techniques, basic principles of record keeping, functions, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies, Westminster Police Department policies and standard operating procedures, terminology and procedures used in public safety dispatching, operation of computer-aided communications equipment, city and county geography, applicable Federal, State, and local laws, modern office practices, English usage, techniques for providing a high level of customer service, ability to assess and prioritize emergency situations, speak in a clear and concise manner, type 35 wpm, memorize codes, names, street locations, and other information, read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation, operation of computer-aided communications equipment, applicable codes, regulations, policies, technical processes and procedures, interpret, apply, and explain policies, procedures, and regulations, obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations, compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports, perform technical, detailed, and responsible office support work, compose correspondence independently or from brief instructions, organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems, make accurate arithmetic and statistical computations, enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy, organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner, operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications, use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing, use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines, establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and experience equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and one (1) year of general clerical experience involving public contact. Incumbents must be able to type at least 35 words per minute. Must be currently employed and have successfully completed probation as a Public Safety Dispatcher with a California law enforcement agency or have one full year of Dispatcher experience within the last four years. Possession of, ability to obtain, or completion of P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher course within one year of appointment. Twenty-four (24) hours of Continuous Professional Training (CPT) required every two (2) years.

Physical demands include mobility to work in a standard office setting, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, hearing and speech to communicate in person, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds. Environmental elements include working in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. The principal duties of this class are performed in a police station environment with exposure to criminal offenders, mentally ill individuals, and persons potentially infected with communicable diseases. Classification requires successful completion of a pre-hire physical and detailed police background investigation. Employees work rotating shifts, including mornings, day, swing, and evening watches that shall include weekends and holidays.

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