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Police Dispatcher/Lateral Entry

GovernmentJobs.com, Ontario, California, United States, 91764

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Police Dispatcher Position

The Ontario Police Department is seeking applicants with one year of continuous experience in public safety emergency communications and two-way radio operations to join the Department's communication operations. Police Dispatchers are the first to act in an emergency and are the most valuable link between the public and the Police personnel who serve and protect the community. Being a Police Dispatcher in Ontario means being a part of an elite and well respected professional group. Ontario's Police Dispatchers have chosen a profession that is in the business of helping others and find it to be a highly rewarding career. This position responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service; identifies and dispatches Police units using telecommunications equipment; gathers and relays critical information to law enforcement officers; documents calls and responses; and complies with department policies and procedures to assure the safety of City personnel and the public. This position entails the need for applicants with dedication and strong desire to provide excellent customer service and enhance our community safety. Additionally they must possess the ability to work under pressure while remaining productive. All appointments to this position are subject to the successful completion of an in-depth background investigation conducted by the Ontario Police Department as well as a physical examination including a drug screening. The background investigation is a rigorous process which often takes several months to complete. A typical background investigation includes but is not limited to: background interviews with individuals designated by the Ontario Police Department (this may include current and former co-workers, friends, relatives, neighbors, or any other relevant individual), criminal background check, credit check, polygraph examination, and physiological evaluation. Candidates may be disqualified from further consideration during the background investigation for a variety of reasons including if they have: an excessive number of traffic citations and/or collisions; arrests and/or convictions; a history of illegal substance abuse; poor credit history (factors include bankruptcy, foreclosures, liens, repossessions, and recency); or thefts from a previous employer. The essential functions typically performed by the Police Dispatcher include the following: Receives, identifies, and records a variety of calls for assistance from the public related to Police services. Hears, understands, and reacts to radio and telephone communication often simultaneously. Calms distressed callers, uses interview techniques to gain incident information, and enters calls for service in a timely and accurate manner. Provides information to callers, prepares telephone requests for assistance, assigns incident numbers to occurring events, and refers callers to other staff/agencies as appropriate. Dispatches Police personnel and equipment based on computerized recommendations, response procedure guidelines, and knowledge of agency requirements. Communicates with Police personnel in the field and informs emergency command staff of pending responses from other agencies. Maintains status of calls via computer screens, keyboard, and other communications equipment. Conducts tests of emergency communication equipment as needed. Coordinates use of radio frequencies among ground units and performs routine communication via radio paging for administrative staff. Testifies credibly in court. Prioritizes safety related information and analyzes complex information for situational changes. Applies a working knowledge of regional geography for all the areas served by the Communications Center. Serves as back up for Records Division after hours, including CLETS entries. Transmits all-point bulletins received by teletype or radio to field units. Contacts other agencies to check on subject warrants. Runs registration checks on vehicles, property, wanted information, and driver's license status and responds to special requests. Performs other duties as assigned. The following are the minimum qualifications for the Police Dispatcher position. If you do not possess these qualifications, please consider applying for the Police Dispatcher Trainee if/when that position becomes available. Education: High School diploma or recognized equivalent. Experience: One year of continuous experience in public safety emergency communications and two-way radio operations and techniques, and complaint phone processing within the last 3 years. POST Requirements: In addition to the experience requirements above, candidates must demonstrate successful completion of one of the following requirements as defined by Commission Regulation 1957: Proof of possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate; or Proof of successful completion of the POST-certified Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course (80 hours minimum) and completion of probation as a public safety dispatcher during previous employment; or Completion of the POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery. If you have previously completed the POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery with another agency, the City of Ontario will accept your score provided that the previous exam was completed with one year and you have a T-Score of 45 or higher. The City of Ontario will not conduct its own written examination. Proof of successful completion of one of the requirements listed above must be attached to your application. Failure to attach documentation to your application will result in disqualification from the selection process. Desirable: Knowledge of CLETS terminal use for law enforcement purposes. Knowledge of computer video display terminal and keyboard. Knowledge of geography and major road networks of the City and surrounding service areas. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the Ontario Police Department. Special Requirements: Ability to work any shift in a 24-hour/day, 7-day/week operation on a rotational basis including weekends and holidays. Shift assignments are based on seniority. Ability to work mandatory overtime. Ability and willingness to wear mandatory uniform and communication head set. Ability to type at a speed of 45 words per minute. Ability to learn and retain an extensive amount of codes, terminology and procedures required to perform the basic functions of the job. Ability to: Operate a current version Windows based personal computer. Operate a personal computer keyboard with sufficient speed and accuracy to accomplish the core job functions of Police Dispatcher. Read, learn, and understand complex instructions and documentation including standard operating procedures, training materials, general orders, maps, and related material. Perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Understand and retain complex instructions and training concepts. Interact and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Establish, maintain, and foster positive, harmonious, and effective working relationships and demonstrate a cooperative and professional attitude at all times. Maintain the confidentiality of information as prescribed by law. Speak to callers using clarity, courtesy, and tact. Work in an environment with exposure to stressful situations which may result from pressure to provide an appropriate and timely response and follow-up required by emergency and routine events that often occur simultaneously. Sample Career Progression: Police Dispatchers are eligible for promotion to Senior Police Dispatcher upon meeting all requirements, receiving satisfactory performance evaluations, and recommendations from management. Employees interested in promoting to the level of Police Dispatch Supervisor must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and must successfully compete in a recruitment process. The position of Police Dispatcher and subsequent positions in this career field are both challenging and rewarding due to the nature of emergency work. Below is a sample career progression for an employee in the Ontario Police Department's Communications Division. Police Dispatcher $4,525.73 - $5,555.33 per month Senior Police Dispatcher $4,976.40 - $6,108.26 per month Police Dispatch Supervisor $7,023.46- $8,533.20 per month Police Communications Manager $7,758.40 - $9,427.60 per month The probationary period is to be regarded as an integral part of the testing procedures and shall be utilized for closely observing an employee's work and adjustment within the organization. Police Dispatch Trainees are subject to a probationary period of 18 months. Original and promotional appointments to the positions of Police Dispatcher, Senior Police Dispatcher, and Police Dispatch Supervisor are subject to a probationary period of 12 months. Employees within the Police Dispatcher series will not attain regular status until the successful completion of the probationary period as a Senior Police Dispatcher which could take 3.5 to 5 years following the employee's original hire date. How to Apply: Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" link at the top of this announcement. If this is the first time applying for a position using governmentjobs.com you will be prompted to create a new user account, otherwise log in with