Communications Operator II

DEFINITION

To perform a variety of complex duties in direct support of public safety personnel including receipt and dispatching of calls for law enforcement, fire, ambulance and other emergency assistance, taking police reports, conducting traffic investigations, conducting crime scene searches, and to provide information and assistance to the public. Upon completion of initial training and probationary periods, incumbents may be rotated into the Patrol Division for up to a four month period.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Communications Operator II - This is the full journey level class within the Communications Operator series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Communications Operator I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned in the Communications Section and/or the Patrol Division. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level, or when filled from the outside, have prior experience.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from a Communications Supervisor in the Communications Center, or a Sergeant in the Patrol Division.

Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

When Functioning in the Communications Center:

Receive emergency service calls from the public requesting law enforcement, fire, ambulance or other emergency service; determine nature and location of emergency, determine priority and dispatch emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures operating a computer aided dispatch system.

Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of law enforcement and fire field units; maintain daily log of all field calls and units dispatched.

Input and retrieve a variety of public safety information using a computer terminal; enter, update and retrieve information from teletype networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles and other information.

Use telecommunications systems to coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement agencies.

Receive, respond to and document requests for warrants and Division of Motor Vehicles print outs; verify, type and file warrants; document vehicle impound information.

Maintain a variety of automated and manual logs, records and files related to dispatching activities.

Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work; maintain a variety of logs relating to public safety activities.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

When Functioning in the Field:

Operate a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Participate in performing a variety of civilian field and law enforcement work in direct support of sworn personnel including taking police reports, conducting traffic accident investigations and crime scene searches.

Assist in the processing of crime scenes; photograph crime scenes; conduct latent fingerprint searches; collect evidence; write reports; prepare sketches of crime scene as required. Serve as a field or desk officer; take phone or in person reports of criminal incidents; process requests for police reports and public information; collect and log found property; strip and pat search prisoners; fingerprint arrested parties.

Receive and process abandoned vehicle notices, maintaining control of status of reported vehicles; coordinate the removal of vehicles and notification to registered owners.

Monitor and enforce City ordinances of a non criminal nature; investigate auto accidents of a non criminal nature; document the accident scene; take statements from those involved and maintain appropriate paper work.

Perform a variety of routine follow-up investigative work not requiring sworn personnel; conduct interviews; take statements and gather evidence.

Respond to complaints from the public; investigate potential violations and alleged nuisances.

Serve as parking enforcement officer; patrol City streets and enforce laws and regulations applicable to non moving vehicles; write citations for overtime parking and illegal parking; assist in directing traffic.

Operate a computer terminal and printer to type, enter, modify and retrieve a wide variety of police reports and records, memoranda, letters and other material.

Make court appearances as required related to assigned activities.

Conduct routine statistical analyses related to criminal activities.

Perform a variety of general clerical and secretarial duties as required including data entry of investigative reports and filing of evidence reports, mug shots and fingerprint cards.

Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge of:

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Procedures used in operating Computer Aided Dispatch and 9-1-1 systems for a large agency.

Policies and procedures of receiving and processing emergency calls and requests for service.

Basic communications rules and regulations governing the operation of radio transmitting and receiving systems.

Standard radio broadcasting and dispatch procedures and rules.

Geographic features and streets within the area served.

Principles and procedures of record keeping including the maintenance and security of fire and police communications reports.

Basic principles of report preparation.

Techniques for dealing with the public in a tactful but firm manner.


Ability to:

Work under pressure, exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations.

Learn procedures used in operating Computer Aided Dispatch and 9 1 1 systems for a large agency.

Learn policies and procedures of receiving and processing emergency calls.

Learn basic communications rules and regulations governing the operation of radio transmitting and receiving systems.

Learn the geographic features and streets within the area served.

Learn general law enforcement codes, practices and methods.

Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.

Type accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.

Operate various office equipment including a computer terminal.

Work various shifts as assigned.

Work courteously with the general public on the telephone or in person.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Operate radio transmitting equipment.

Maintain familiarity with City districts and boundaries, streets, landmarks, and police jurisdictions.

Maintain confidentiality of information.

Learn the organization and functions of a municipal law enforcement agency.

Learn pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.

Apply the laws, codes, policies and procedures related to the gathering of legal evidence.

Apply Federal, State, City and departmental laws, polices and procedures.

Deal with the public firmly, courteously and tactfully.

Experience and Training Guidelines
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
One year of public safety dispatching experience or three years of experience as a police officer and the P.O. S. T. Entry-level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery as required under P. O. S. T. guidelines.

Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Specialized training in law enforcement practices, rules, procedures, codes and regulations is desirable.

License or Certificate

Possession of a valid, appropriate California driver's license at the time of employment.
 

• The issuing agency's name
• Address 
• Phone number
• Issue date
• Gross words per minute
• Number of errors
• Net words per minute
• Signature of the person issuing the certificate.

1. A completed City of Vallejo  application form - Required;
2. Responses to the Supplemental Questions - Required;
3. Valid typing certificate (See above for details) - Required;
4. Copy of P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Dispatcher Selected Test Battery showing T-Score - Required;
5. Copy of California P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Certificate - Required;
6. Copy of California Law Enforcement Telephone Systems (CLETS) Certificate with Full Access - current certificate preferred; will accept expired certificate - Required;.
7. Copy of Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification - Optional, but Highly Desired

1. Personal History Statement
2. Polygraph Examination
3. POST Dispatcher Background Investigation
4. Final Interview
5. Conditional Offer of Employment
6. Post-Offer Psychological Assessment
7. Post-Offer Medical Assessment