Police Dispatcher (Lateral)

This recruitment is for LATERAL candidates only. This is not an entry level position. Please review the Police Dispatcher (Lateral) qualifications noted below before completing an application.

LATERAL INCENTIVE PAY!!
Come join our team! Lateral Police Dispatchers who are hired by the City receive a lump sum payment of $1,000 upon successful completion of one month of work as a Pasadena Police Dispatcher, $1,000 upon the successful completion of nine months of work as a Pasadena Police Dispatcher, and $1,000 upon the successful completion of the 18-month probationary period.

The Pasadena Police Department is accepting applications for experienced Police Dispatchers to join our team of professionals. The successful candidate must be currently employed as a non-probationary Public Safety Dispatcher with a California law enforcement agency with at least two consecutive years of experience and have completed the California POST-certified Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course. Police Dispatchers currently work a (3) 12 hour shift that include nights, weekends and holidays. This is an excellent and rewarding career opportunity to join a World Class law enforcement agency.

About the Communications Team
Our communications team is committed to providing timely and professional service to every call for help for the safety and security of the public. We are motivated, dedicated, and trained professionals whom provide the vital link between citizens and public safety personnel. We embrace and infuse the values of pride, professionalism and integrity into all aspects of our operations. We work in a newly remodeled Communications Center with mountain views and new state of the art ergonomic work stations. We work behind the scenes on  the Tournament of Roses Parade and on many Rose Bowl events. We offer progressive work schedules for around the clock coverage.

Visit the communications center team to learn more about us and to view an informational video on the communications team.

Must type 40 net words per minute, evidenced by a typing certificate. Please note that you must attach a valid typing certificate as a document to your application.  Applications without a valid typing certificate attached will be deemed incomplete. Click here  to review detailed information regarding the typing certificate requirements. 

The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the job description.

• Operates radio, automated telephone and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems to receive and transmit non-emergency and emergency 9-1-1 calls from the public; evaluates, prioritizes and sequences incoming information and determines number and type of units to send to an incident.
• Dispatches police personnel and equipment to incidents according to established procedures; maintains radio contact with police units on assignments; monitors the status of police units and their locations; monitors radio frequencies for mutual aid;  notifies other jurisdictions when necessary; gives station identification as required by the FCC.
• Responds to field unit requests via radio or telephone for information, tow truck, paramedics, animal control and notification of hospitals or other law enforcement agencies; performs inquires via California Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (CLETS).
• Testifies in court as necessary.
• Enters, maintains, retrieves, and interprets data in police department computer systems (e.g., Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management System).
• May train new Police Dispatchers and provide daily and weekly input on progress and performance to supervisors as needed. 

The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.

• Technical Knowledge
  • Computer-aided dispatch terminal, two-way radio, computerized mapping system and other computer programs used to research and obtain information;
  • Law enforcement codes, terminology, phonetic alphabet, procedures and practices;
  • City and regional geography, street names, neighborhood locales and map usage.
  • Basic CPR and first-aid procedures;
  • City ordinances, codes, procedures and practices regarding law; enforcement radio communications, including FCC requirements;
  • Computer and paper mapping systems.
• Pressure Management Skills in receiving calls for emergency and non-emergency services, elicit information to assess situations from callers, many of whom are upset, distressed and not communicating clearly, and determine appropriate equipment and personnel to dispatch.
• Analytical Skills to analyze situations as they occur and respond appropriately to ensure the protection of the public and police personnel.
• Organization/Planning Skills to determine dispatch priorities during peak workloads, use judgment in the application of policies, rules, regulations and standard operating procedures.
• Communication Skills to broadcast clear, concise and specific instructions over the radio in a distinct, well-modulated voice.
• Multi-tasking skills to monitor several complex public safety radio frequencies simultaneously.
• Attention to Detail to simultaneously listen, enter key information quickly and clearly and respond during traumatic or emotional situations.
• Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work. 
• Type 40 net words per minute. Click here  to review detailed information regarding the typing certificate requirements. 
   
• EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Must be currently employed as a non-probationary Public Safety Dispatcher with a California law enforcement agency with at least two consecutive years of experience AND have completed the California POST-certified Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course. (A copy of the course completion certificate must be attached to the online application.)
  SELECTION PROCESS
  The selection process will consist of a training and experience evaluation, interview panel, and/or department-level interviews. Probationary work period is (18) eighteen months.
  
  VACANCIES
  There are currently several vacancies in the Police Department which may be filled as a result of this selection process.

Successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation is required which may include a review of employment history, criminal conviction record, credit history, use of intoxicants and/or other controlled substances, and psychological evaluation.

Must type 40 net words per minute, evidenced by a typing certificate. Please note that you must attach a valid typing certificate as a document your application.  Applications without a valid typing certificate attached will be deemed incomplete. Click here  to review detailed information regarding the typing certificate requirements. 

A Police Dispatcher must be available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, day, swing or graveyard shifts.

FLSA Non-exempt