Police Dispatcher - Lateral

Overall Job Objective

Description/Duties

This recruitment will establish an eligible list for vacancies in the Police Department. Depending on qualifications and experience, the salary offered to the selected candidates may be above the minimum salary for this position. Employees may progress through the full salary range, subject to their successful performance and annual budget approval.

A Police Dispatcher - Lateral performs most of the duties of a Police Dispatcher based on previous dispatching experience. An incumbent in this class learns to perform the full scope of duties of a Mesa Police Dispatcher through a structured on-the-job training program tailored to each individual's experience, or lack of, in the areas of answering 911 calls and dispatching police services. Incumbents are trained according to Mesa Police Department policies and operating procedures. Duties include: receiving calls from the public; evaluating the calls for proper action; and initiating Police response by obtaining information required for dispatching field units. An employee in this class learns to dispatch messages and calls by voice and computer to Police units and to maintain radio contact with mobile units. This class performs related duties as required.

This is a civilian trainee class that works in the Police Communications Center. Training is provided by a Police Dispatcher on special assignment or a Police Communications Shift Supervisor. Typically, intense training is provided for 18 weeks; however, additional training to reach full performance may be required. As training progresses, employees are expected to demonstrate extensive communication skills, and to exercise good judgement under pressure. An employee in this class must progress by noncompetitive promotion within a specified time frame to the classification of Police Dispatcher after successful completion of training and satisfactory performance. A Police Dispatcher - Lateral may be assigned to either a day, swing, or graveyard shift on a regular, rotational basis that includes nights, weekends, and holidays. This class is FLSA nonexempt.

Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.

Qualifications & Requirements

Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.

Minimum Qualifications Required. Graduation from high school or GED. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to at least one year of work experience in communications involving one or more of the following areas: dispatching fire/emergency medical services or dispatching police services at a Primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) also known as a 911 Center. Experience with computer data entry and/or dealing with emergency traffic. Must successfully pass Criticall test prior to hire or promotion date.

Special Requirements. Candidates given a conditional job offer will be required to successfully complete a hearing test. Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a background investigation, polygraph testing, and psychological examination are required.

Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment/pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.

Preferred/Desirable Qualification. Bilingual speaking skills (English/Spanish) are desirable.

Link to Job Description

http://apps.mesaaz.gov/JobDescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs4650.pdf