Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral

Public Safety Dispatcher

City of Covina

$61,311.55 - $80,254.84 Annually

Covina, CA

Full-Time

Job Number: 2026-00006

Department: Police Department

Opening Date: 01/12/2026

Max Number of Applicants: 100

Description

Hiring Incentive - 3 Installment Payments

$4,000 paid upon completion of the fifth full pay period

$4,000 paid upon successful completion of field training program

$4,000 paid upon successful completion of probationary period

Description: Under general supervision, the incumbent receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches public safety and public works field units as required; provides pre-arrival instructions; enters, retrieves and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; assists in the training of less experienced personnel; learns applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs other related duties as required.

The Public Safety Dispatcher is the entry-level position that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities. Initially, under immediate supervision incumbents learn and perform a variety of technical law enforcement office support duties related to communications, record keeping and public contact.

Essential Functions

(include but are not limited to the following)

• Receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches public safety and public works field units as required; provides pre-arrival instructions; enters, retrieves and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; assists in the training of less experienced personnel.
• Learns and develops an understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties.
• Receives and enters calls for service in CAD; dispatches and monitors the status of field units; interprets level of service needed through information obtained from field officers or citizens; retrieves information for officers from CLETS, including information on outstanding warrants; coordinates multi-agency responses when necessary; transfers calls to appropriate agencies if warranted.
• Informs the Watch Commander of calls in progress; maintains records of all pending and dispatched calls for service; receives information and calls for service from other law enforcement agencies; provides information to other agencies by telephone and teletype.
• Monitors station security after hours; monitors the City's alarm system and determines the appropriate response; assists in the care of juveniles; provides matron services when required.
• Responds to questions and concerns from the general public, department staff and other agencies; takes and records telephone and counter reports; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.) Education and/or Experience: To qualify as a Lateral Public Safety Dispatcher you must be currently employed as a Dispatcher with a law enforcement agency.

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Public Safety Dispatcher.

A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess two years of work experience involving public contact and record keeping, and a high school diploma or equivalent.

License/Certificate: Must obtain a Dispatch Certificate from P.O.S.T. within one year of appointment. Ability to type at least 45 words per minute is highly desirable.

(The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.) Knowledge of: Modern office administrative practices and procedures; location of major streets, public places and landmarks in the City of Covina; public and agency desk procedures; methods of providing services and information; ability to learn alphanumeric code systems; Federal Communications Commission regulations governing voice radio and telephone communications; proper operation and care of voice radio and telephone equipment; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to: Perform a variety of complex work with speed and accuracy; remain calm under emergency situations; learn to operate specialized law enforcement automated information, communication and dispatch systems; work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, overtime and rotating shifts; wear a department uniform; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to: Effectively operate specialized law enforcement automated information, communication and dispatch systems.

Additional Information

APPLY IMMEDIATELY! This recruitment is Continuous/Open Until Filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.

The selection process may include, but not limited to, skills assessment, written examination and oral interview (100% weighted).

Applicants must attach a copy of their POST Dispatch Certificate to the employment application and must be presently employed as a Public Safety Dispatcher.

Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitution for a complete application.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference/background check (to include a conviction record and LIVE SCAN) and pass a post-offer preemployment psychological and medical examination (which may include a drug/alcohol screening).

The City of Covina utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.

Communications regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communication by any other method.

The City of Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Covina provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the City of Covina complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the City has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The City of Covina expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the City of Covina's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

THE CITY OF COVINA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR REVOKE, WITHOUT NOTICE, ANY OR ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN PRIOR TO THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT, AND TO WAIVE ANY NON SUBSTANTIVE JOB REQUIREMENT AND MAKE SUBJECTIVE DECISIONS INTERPRETING AND ASSESSING THE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF ANY CANDIDATE, INCLUDING THE DETERMINATION THAT NONE OF THE CANDIDATES, EVEN THOSE WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THE POSITION.