This is supervisory police emergency radio communications work directing dispatchers and trainee dispatchers on an assigned shift in the receiving and transmitting of information to and from departmental units, the receiving, screening and processing calls from the general public and police personnel, and the dispatching of vehicles. An employee in this class is responsible for training new employees in system techniques and procedures. Contact with police officials and the general public is of major significance to the work. Work is performed under the supervision of a Police Supervisor.

• Assigns dispatchers to work positions on telephones, radio consoles or other functions; reviews work of employees; advises and corrects employees in work techniques and procedures; trains new employees in dispatching procedures and techniques, computer-assisted systems codes, and general police procedures; conducts refresher training for and explains new procedures and techniques to experienced employees.
• Meets with police communications officials and other dispatcher supervisors to discuss and coordinate modifications of procedures and correction of problems.
• Performs the following in relief of subordinate dispatchers:
• Answers incoming calls from the general public; ascertains the nature and determines the seriousness of such calls and re-routes and otherwise disposes of those not requiring emergency police department response; selects proper situation codes and types pertinent information into a computer terminal keyboard; determines nature of pertinent comments to place in text selection of terminal input format.
• Keys codes into terminal keyboard to display incoming call information; selects from available patrol officers displayed on terminal screen to dispatch; relays over a variety of radio bands data to selected vehicles; selects alternative patrol officers according to protocol and judgement when regular patrol officers are unavailable; selects disposition codes to clear jobs.
• Receives requests for information from police district units and other agencies such as the status of stolen vehicles and missing persons; utilizes computer terminals and systems commands to access police information networks to retrieve data in response to information requests.
• Prepares and maintains records and logs concerning operators, employee attendance and performance, and special occurrences.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the practices, methods and procedures in operating the computer-assisted dispatch system to dispatch police vehicles in response to calls.
• the geography of the city.
• the spelling of city streets and area names.
• the location and boundaries of police districts.

• supervise and train a group of dispatchers and trainees.
• obtain essential information from persons under emergency conditions.
• think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations.
• express oneself clearly, both orally and in writing.
• speak clearly and distinctly.
• type information into the computer terminal accurately and at a minimum speed established by the department as a measure of typing skill.
• establish and maintain good working relationships with police officials, associates and the general public.

• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
• Three years of experience receiving calls for emergency service and dispatching vehicles by use of a variety of police communications equipment.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

PAY RANGE: 16
Class Established: 9/1986

Latest Spec. Revision: 8/1989

TOC/sb/ps