Class Summary

Under immediate supervision receives training on receiving calls at the Communications Center, including requests for police, fire, and medical aid services or to provide information and coordinating the response of personnel and equipment for emergency service by telephone, computer-aided dispatch system, and other communications equipment. Disposition of calls is done in accordance with established procedures; however, an employee of this class must be knowledgeable of local government operations, and police, fire, and medical aid systems, and the geographical layout of the city. Performs related work as assigned.

Representative Duties

The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of this class. They are descriptive, not limiting.

Essential Duties:

• 
  Operates telephone, computer-aided dispatch systems and other communications equipment;
• Receives emergency calls which must be properly processed, to provide information for the dispatch of personnel and equipment to police incidents, accidents, rescue operations, and other emergencies;
• Receives routine calls and gives information as requested;
• Receives and transmits messages between field units, receives and transmits messages through the computer-aided dispatch system, including police messages locally and nationwide;
• Prepares and maintains phone, and other log records.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• 
  Local geography including location of city streets, highways, public buildings and public facilities;
• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment including computers and related technology and software;
• Basic skills in communicating with the public and police operations.

Ability to:

• Learn quickly the operation of telephone, computer aided dispatch, radio and other communication equipment;
• Speak clearly in a well-modulated voice and to use good diction;
• React quickly, efficiently and calmly in emergency situations and adopt an effective course of action;
• Prepare and maintain records and reports;
• Perform multiple tasks at one time;
• Perform work within established policies and procedures;
• Exercise sound judgement;
• Read and interpret written materials and maps;
• Memorize and retain information;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the course of work;
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Training and Experience:

• Graduation from high school or G.E.D.; AND
• Six (6) month of work experience involving public interaction and customer service.
• Ability to type 40 words per minute.

Licenses and Certificates and Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Class “C” driver's license.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation.

Promotion to Police Dispatcher I:

• Promotion to Police Dispatcher I is made on a merit basis without examination subject to recommendation by the Department Head, and approval of the Human Resources Department. Under normal conditions, an employee may be considered for promotion after completion of a minimum of one (1) year as a Police Call Taker and upon completion of a Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

Physical Conditions or Special Working Conditions:

• May be required to work any shift in a 24-hour period including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Routinely on standby for emergency calls.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Police Call Taker is the entry-level classification in the Police Dispatcher Series. Incumbents at this level are expected to have a working knowledge of laws, ordinances, and regulations, Police Department policies and procedures applicable to assigned work. Police Call Taker differs from the Police Dispatcher I in that incumbents of the Police Dispatcher I have successfully passed probation and are fully trained and experienced to perform work to include computer-aided dispatch.

Full Summary of Benefits by Bargaining Unit:

• Blue & White Miscellaneous Unit
• Fire Safety Unit
• Police Safety Unit
• General Supervisory & Management Unit (coming soon)

VACATION: Accrual rate is determined by bargaining unit.
1-4 years of service: 10 days per year.
5-13 years of service: 15 days per year.
14+ years of service: 20 days per year.

VACATION - FIRE SAFETY SHIFT PERSONNEL ONLY:
1-4 years of service: 4.68 (24-hr. duty shifts)
5-15 years of service: 7.02 (24-hr. duty shifts)
16+ years of service: 9.36 (24-hr. duty shifts)

HOLIDAYS: 13 paid holidays per year.

SICK LEAVE: Earned at the rate of one working day per month of service to a maximum of 120 days; portions therafter may be convertible.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE: 10 days per year for General Supervisory and Management employees.

INSURANCE: The City and the employee share contributions for premiums for health insurance coverage. The City provides life insurance benefits based on bargaining unit. Visit the City's Employee Benefit website for detailed information (rates and plan information).

RETIREMENT: Benefits are provided by the City's participation in the Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). 2% @ 62 for new hire Miscellaneous and 2.7% @ 57 for Safety (Fire & Police). Visit the City's Retirement website for additional information.