Dispatcher II (Lateral)

Dispatcher II

The City of Folsom is currently recruiting for a Dispatcher II to join the Communications team for the Folsom Police Department. Qualified candidates must have at least one (1) year of full-time dispatch experience with a governmental law enforcement agency, must have utilized a computer-aided dispatch system to perform job duties, and must possess a valid P.O.S.T. Dispatch certificate.

Under immediate and general supervision of the Communications Supervisor, the Dispatcher II will receive all incoming requests for service either by telephone or radio; evaluate information received, determine proper course of action, and follow departmental procedures in carrying out the correct course of action. Dispatcher IIs may oversee, monitor, and / or direct the work of lower level personnel.

This is a non-exempt position represented by the Folsom Police Officers Association (FPOA). Successful candidates must pass multiple interviews, followed by an extensive background process, pre-employment physical, psychological evaluation, and anti-deception test.

Examples of Essential Duties

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed.

• Receive and respond to incoming routine and emergency telephone and radio calls, including 911 emergency calls.
• Process calls from the public and dispatch police units using a computer-aided dispatch system.
• Answer inquiries and public complaints, and dispatching appropriate units or equipment to handle routine and emergency calls.
• Supply information to the public.
• Maintain contact with local units on assignment and with personnel from other law enforcement agencies.
• Monitor, respond to, and determine proper course of action related to radio transmissions.
• Compile data and prepare reports of calls for service, equipment dispatched, and disposition.
• Use computer system to request information from other law enforcement agencies and to input and retrieve data.
• Perform a variety of difficult and technical police record keeping work.
• Conduct all types of searches, including body and strip searches as necessary; monitor collection of bodily samples.
• Perform general office assistance and assignments.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

The level and scope of the knowledge and abilities listed below are related to job duties as defined under "Distinguishing Characteristics."

Ability to : Learn to effectively operate computer aided dispatch system rooms, 9-1-1 telephone equipment, and radio equipment. Follow and interpret oral and written instructions. Accurately transfer information. Type accurately from a clear copy. Read and interpret manuals and codes. Remain calm, act quickly, and use good judgment in all situations. Compile information and maintain records. Interact with the public courteously, with patience, and a positive attitude. Work a variety of shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. Effectively communicate verbally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience : One (1) year of full-time dispatch experience with a governmental law enforcement agency. Duties routinely performed must be similar to those completed by dispatchers at the Folsom Police Department. Incumbents must have utilized a computer-aided dispatch system to perform job duties. Possession of a current and valid P.O.S.T. Dispatch Certificate is required. License, Certificate, Registration Requirements : Some positions may require the possession of, or the ability to obtain and retain, a California Class C driver license by the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Physical Requirements : Work is performed in a typical office environment. (1) Mobility : frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. (2) Lifting : frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. (3) Vision : constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. (4) Dexterity : frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. (5) Hearing / Talking : frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. (6) Emotional / Psychological : frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and / or coworker contact; occasional working alone. (7) Environmental : frequent exposure to noise. Other Requirements : Must be willing to work varied, rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.