LATERAL PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER
qualifications
Certified:
Two years of experience dispatching police and/or fire services for a public safety agency utilizing contemporary dispatching technical tools, including computer-aided dispatching systems
-OR-
Successful completion of probation as a Public Safety Dispatcher-in-Training with the City of Sunnyvale.
Knowledge of:
Police, fire, medical, and animal control call processing protocols, along with dispatching and emergency procedures, are essential. Familiarity with contemporary dispatching tools, including computer-aided dispatch systems, is important, as is knowledge of primary city roads, buildings, and public facilities. Understanding emergency response techniques, office procedures, relevant software, police and fire codes (such as the California Penal Code, Vehicle Code, and Sunnyvale Municipal Code), proper record-keeping, and customer service principles is also crucial
Ability to:
The ability to operate a computer-aided dispatch system efficiently while managing multiple sources of information, such as phone or radio, is crucial. Strong decision-making skills are needed to ensure the safety of officers and citizens, along with the capacity to maintain composure and work under pressure in a highly structured environment. Effective communication, both written and oral, is essential, as is the ability to memorize street names and apply Department of Public Safety protocols. The role requires teamwork, independent judgment, attention to safety, and proficiency in office software.
becoming a Public Safety Dispatcher
This position pays at an hourly salary range of $55.52-$67.49
Under general supervision of the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher, processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service; dispatches police, fire, medical, rescue, animal control or other emergency equipment, by telephone or radio, utilizing complex technical aids, such as computer aided dispatch systems (CAD); and performs related work as required.
The position of Public Safety Dispatcher is a fully qualified journey-level technical classification. This classification differs from the lower-level classification of Public Safety Dispatcher-In-Training in that the Public Safety Dispatcher-In-Training is the entry level classification whereby incumbents are learning to perform the duties of the classification. It is further distinguished from the higher-level classification of Senior Public Safety Dispatcher in that the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher has supervisory responsibility.
- Answers the telephone and receives 9-1-1, emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance, evaluates the information provided and creates computer aided dispatch (CAD) system event; relays information to other jurisdictions or provides pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions to the caller; processes and prioritizes incoming calls.
- Dispatches fire, police, medical and animal control personnel and equipment on both routine and emergency calls utilizing a CAD system, multiple video display terminals, radio dispatching consoles and related equipment.
- Monitors and maintains status of public safety personnel and equipment; analyzes situations accurately and takes effective action to help ensure officer safety; may participate in the reassignment of fire equipment to ensure adequate city-wide fire protection.
- Provides operational support for police, fire, and medical operations including warrant checks and confirmations, tow requests, and facilitation of outside agency assistance and mutual aid request.
- Provides Emergency Medical dispatch, and Emergency Fire dispatch, including pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions.
- Maintains familiarity with major roads, streets, areas, and industrial and public facilities within the city limits.
- Maintains records of all calls received and prepares reports of critical incidents; performs routine clerical work associated with the assignment.
- Monitor Text to 9-1-1.
- May provide one-on-one dispatcher operational training.
Education
- Graduation from high school or tested equivalent; AND
Two years of experience dispatching police and/or fire services for a public safety agency utilizing contemporary dispatching technical tools, including computer aided dispatching systems;
Other Requirements:
- Successful completion of probation as a Public Safety Dispatcher-in-Training with the City of Sunnyvale.
Work Conditions:
- Work is performed in a structured and often stressful work environment that includes structured breaks and lunch schedules. Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading documents and computer screens, and the ability to distinguish and interpret the meaning of colors on video display terminals. The position requires the ability to view multiple video display terminals for extended periods of time in low light. Acute hearing sufficient to distinguish and comprehend simultaneous communications from several sources is required, as is the ability to speak in a clear and distinct manner and carry on multiple conversations while distinguishing background radio communications. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, books and documents weighing up to 10 pounds is also required. Work is performed in a confined area and incumbents wear a headset, which restricts physical movement about the work area. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
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