Dispatcher I

THIS RECRUITMENT WILL CLOSE AFTER RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 100 APPLICATIONS, OR BY JULY 10, 2024, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.   

Applications must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an application.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All applicants will be required to pass the CritCall exam held by the Folsom Police Department.

Anchored in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada - 20 miles east of Sacramento and about 1.5 hours from Lake Tahoe - the City of Folsom is comprised of beautiful parks and trails, and boasts excellent schools, family-orientated neighborhoods, and outstanding shopping, dining, and cultural options. Folsom is a high-tech, forward-looking city, with firms ranging from small to large international corporations. Voted by WalletHub as the Best Place for Families to Live in California, and 2nd Best Lake Town in America, Folsom is recognized for its affordability, fair weather, education, and health.    

The Folsom Police Department is recruiting for multiple Dispatcher Is to join the Dispatch Communications team.

Under immediate and general supervision of the Communications Supervisor, the Dispatcher I will receive all incoming requests for service either by telephone or radio; evaluate information received, determine proper course of action, and follow departmental procedures in carrying out the correct course of action.  Dispatcher IIs may oversee, monitor, and/or direct the work of lower level personnel.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Dispatcher I is the entry-level class of the Dispatcher series.  Initially under close supervision, the incumbents perform the more routine duties while learning city policies and procedures and becoming familiar with the variety of departmental systems and practices and how to handle increasingly more difficult and stressful calls.  As experience is gained, duties become more diversified and are performed under more general supervision.  This class is flexibly staffed with Dispatcher II and incumbents may be advanced to the higher level after one year, successful completion of the P.O.S.T. Basic Public Safety Dispatcher Course, and demonstrating proficiency that meets the qualifications.NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed.

• Receive and respond to incoming routine and emergency telephone and radio calls, including 911 emergency calls.

• Process calls from the public and dispatch police units using a computer-aided dispatch system.

• Answer inquiries and public complaints, and dispatching appropriate units or equipment to handle routine and emergency calls.

• Supply information to the public.

• Maintain contact with local units on assignment and with personnel from other law enforcement agencies.

• Monitor, respond to, and determine proper course of action related to radio transmissions.

• Compile data and prepare reports of calls for service, equipment dispatched, and disposition.

• Use computer system to request information from other law enforcement agencies and to input and retrieve data.

• Perform a variety of difficult and technical police record keeping work.

• Conduct all types of searches, including body and strip searches as necessary; monitor collection of bodily samples.

• Perform general office assistance and assignments.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

NOTE: The level and scope of the knowledge and abilities listed below are related to job duties as defined under "Distinguishing Characteristics."

Knowledge of:

• Telephone techniques and etiquette.

• Modern office procedures, techniques, and equipment.

• Recordkeeping methods and procedures.

Ability to:

• Learn to effectively operate computer aided dispatch system rooms, 9-1-1 telephone equipment, and radio equipment.

• Follow and interpret oral and written instructions.

• Accurately transfer information.

• Type accurately from a clear copy.

• Read and interpret manuals and codes.

• Remain calm, act quickly, and use good judgment in all situations.

• Compile information and maintain records.

• Interact with the public courteously, with patience, and a positive attitude.

• Work a variety of shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

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

DISPATCHER I

Experience:

Two (2) years of full-time clerical experience involving substantial public contact.

As part of probation, a Dispatcher I must successfully complete a 120-hour P.O.S.T. Basic Public Safety Dispatcher course within 12 months of hire.

License, Certificate, Registration Requirements:

Some positions may require the possession of, or the ability to obtain and retain, a California Class C driver license by the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in a typical office environment. (1) Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. (2) Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. (3) Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. (4) Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. (5) Hearing/ Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. (6) Emotional/ Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. (7) Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.

Other Requirements:

Must be willing to work varied, rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Background Process:

If considered for appointment, candidates must pass a background investigation, which includes a criminal history check, DOJ fingerprinting, deception test, psychological evaluation, credit check, and medical evaluation which includes a drug test. The department follows federal law in which THC is included as part of the drug test.