Police Dispatcher III

The position of Police Radio Dispatcher requires a considerable degree of initiative and independent judgment within procedural boundaries in responding to a variety of situations. Work may be done separately or in conjunction with other police dispatchers. This position requires shift assignments and overtime. Dispatchers must be able to work a flexible schedule to accommodate weekend, evening ,and holiday shifts in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24-hour facility.

The UAPD has a step compensation plan for Dispatchers, which includes a 3% annual increase over 5 years.

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• Receives and transmits routine and emergency telephone and radio traffic. Dispatches and coordinates police, fire, animal control, and other services. Monitor alarm panels, cameras.
• May store records and/or check warrants.
• Receives and responds to emergency and non-emergency calls including enhanced 911, and non-emergency calls from the public.
• Processes and evaluates information received, prioritizes calls and dispatches appropriate units.
• Relays pertinent information in a factual and concise manner; relays instructions or inquiries from remote units.
• Monitors and coordinates public safety personnel activity and assignments via police radio.
• Monitors and enters statuses, locations, and activity of public safety personnel on a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
• Monitors security cameras, fire and intrusion alarms and dispatches accordingly.
• Operates computer terminal to make inquiries into computerized databases to retrieve motor vehicle information and other criminal record files, as requested, following prescribed policies and procedures.
• Enters data from officer reports into criminal information system on computer.
• Accesses, enters, and maintains sensitive data in local/state/national databases as necessary for investigative purposes.
• Monitors teletype messages and relays important information to officers.
• Utilizes technology such as computers, radio systems, telephones, fax machines and other communication equipment to complete job tasks.
• Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties.
• Obtains complete and accurate information and quickly disseminates information, both in typewritten and verbal form; copies down long sequences of numbers or addresses; may be required to keep handwritten detailed logs of work at a quick pace.
• Keeps informed of departmental regulations, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of applicable State and Federal statutes, rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, governing dispatching.
• Knowledge of Department policies and procedures.
• Skill in determining priorities and handling high-pressure situations.
• Skill in observing situations analytically and objectively and recording them clearly and completely.
• Skill in communicating clearly and concisely and relaying details accurately.
• Skill in written communication.
• Skill in handling a high volume of telephone calls.
• Skill in typing with high accuracy.
• Skill in quick decision-making during emergency situations.
• Skill in assessing, analyzing, identifying, and implementing solutions to complex problems.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in handling situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and impartially.
• Skill in recalling numerous details and essential information.
• Skill in operating radio, telephone, keyboard, computer terminal, and related communications equipment.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Ability to create and maintain manual and automated logs and other records of public safety communications activities.
• Ability to read and interpret maps to determine locations.

• High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent learning attained through experience required.
• Five years of relevant experience.
• Candidates must pass a computerized and oral examination for consideration, followed by an in-depth background investigation, to include passing a psychological examination, polygraph, and hearing test.
• This position requires shift assignments and overtime. Dispatchers must be able to work a flexible schedule to accommodate weekend, evening, and holiday shifts in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24-hour facility.

• Department will review applicant's work history as relevant to the position and may accept less than 5 years experience.