Job Details

Police Dispatcher

City of Martinez Police Department is recruiting Police Dispatchers to join our team!

Under general supervision, the Police Dispatcher for the Martinez Police Department is responsible for facilitation of communications between members of the public and personnel of this police department and other public service agencies. Representative duties include, but are not limited to, operating the police communications center using various equipment such as telephone, radio, computer and related communications equipment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Police Dispatcher is a non-sworn law enforcement position typically working inside the communications center of the police department. The primary function of the position is to utilize communication equipment essential to the operation of the Martinez Police Department. Such operations may involve multi-tasking in stressful situations in which public health, safety and welfare may be endangered.

Representative Duties

Essential:

• Operates radio, computer, telecommunications and related equipment
• Receives calls for service and dispatches department personnel via radio, computer or telephone
• Maintains, enters information into and queries local, regional and national computer databases
• Uses department computer aided dispatch software and records management system software to input data which facilitates the dispatching and recording of law enforcement and other operational tasks of the Martinez Police Department
• Incumbents of this classification are required to work shifts, holidays and weekends
• When assigned as a Communications Training Officer, trains, mentors, and evaluates the performance of assigned trainees

Qualifications/Education/Experience

Knowledge of: Be familiar with computers, computer related systems and operations. Ability to: Speak clearly and concisely; be mentally alert at all times while on duty; remain calm under stress; make rapid decisions, many times while performing two or more operations; possess a good memory; have a well-groomed appearance; correctly apply established department policies and procedures in the dispatch of emergency units; communicate with the public in a warm and friendly manner; follow oral and written directions and commands; prepare and maintain accurate records and reports; maintain effective working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

MINIMUM: At time of appointment, incumbent must be at least eighteen (18) years of age; be able to type at a speed of not less than 40 wpm; possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Successfully complete the CritiCall Test. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Be able to pass a thorough background investigation, polygraph test, psychological evaluation and physical evaluation including drug screen prior to appointment.

Supplemental Information

Selection Process:

Application Screening: Applications, resumes, supplemental questionnaire and/or other required documentation will be evaluated on a comparative basis. Those individuals whose materials best indicate possession of the stated requirements, may be invited to continue to the next step in the selection process.

Supplemental Questionnaire: All applicants are required to complete the questionnaire. This questionnaire will be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position.

Examination Process:

1. The best qualified applicants will be invited to take a Criticall test administered by the City. Structured examination consisting of data entry, data entry with audio, call summarization, memory recall, prioritization, probability, map reading, spelling, sentence clarity, and reading comprehension. The pass point is 70%. Applicants must pass exam in order to qualify for placement on the eligibility list. Eligibility lists may be active for up to 1 year.

2. The eligibility list will be used to fill current and future openings in this classification. Candidates who are invited to the interview process may be asked to participate in a performance skills assessment.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: This position is subject to a 12 month probationary period. NOTE: This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by the Martinez Police Non-Sworn Employees' Association.