Public safety dispatchers perform a critical role in the delivery of emergency police, fire and medical services. They are the heart of the 9-1-1 system of California.
Public safety dispatchers must work with a high degree of judgment and independence; they must be able to evaluate emergency situations and make split-second decisions regarding the type of response appropriate for the circumstances. The work can be very intense, but very rewarding!
The State of California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) has developed selection standards which must be met by individuals seeking a position in this dynamic field. Under POST guidelines, applicants for public safety dispatcher must possess verbal ability (including written and oral comprehension), reasoning ability, memory ability and perceptual ability. In addition to the POST selection standards, individual public safety agencies may have additional requirements which applicants must meet.
Career Details:
Are you interested in a career in public safety dispatching?
To assess whether you might be a good public safety dispatcher, ask yourself the following questions:
Do I like exciting work that is never the same?
- Can I type 25 to 50 words per minute?
- Can I keep track of several things at the same time without getting flustered?
- Can I read and listen to information, remember facts and draw logical conclusions?
- Can I quickly and accurately compare details?
- Do I want a job with good pay and good benefits?
If you answered yes to each of these questions, you may be a good candidate for a position as a public safety dispatcher!
Yes, I am interested . . . Now what do I do?
The first step is to register to take the POST Public Safety Dispatcher Examination. Your score on this comprehensive written examination may qualify you to participate in the selection process for any of the participating agencies in the Communications Testing Consortium of San Mateo County.
Once the written examination is completed, all agencies will receive the entire list of candidates names, addresses and scores. All candidates will receive individual test certificates which will show their individual score.
You may be contacted by the individual agencies that are hiring. You will need to attach a copy of the above mentioned test certificate to the participating agency ' s application and follow their particular recruitment process. Each participating agency will have a different recruitment process. You may also contact individual agencies to see about their recruiting process. Some agencies accept applications on an ongoing basis.
Definition : A Dispatcher is responsible for all City public safety dispatch functions on a 24 hour basis, 365 days per year. The number and type of phone and/or radio calls received at any given time cannot be adequately predicted. The job requires simultaneous activation of several response procedures including monitoring and recording multiple response unit activities at single or multiple locations.
All work is performed in an environment which requires the application of speed and accuracy in urgent and, in some cases, life-threatening situations which may be negatively impacted by errors on the part of the incumbent. Persons hired for this position will be expected to perform seemingly complex operations concurrently and calmly on a routine basis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Flexibility in work hours and overtime; sight sufficient to read computer screens and other written documents; equipment; stamina for sedentary console operation and dispatching; ability to reach for and see teletype records, computer cords and alarm board; dexterity to operate a telephone console; answer phones; type accurately (each Agency has different minimum wpm); hear alarms, bells and radio; read status board; and possess emotional stability to remain calm in emergency situations. Shift work is required and work schedules may vary.
ABILITY TO: Understand and carry out oral/written instructions and procedures; think, speak, multi task, and act clearly and efficiently in emergency situations; to adequately hear verbal communications at normal sound levels; learn standard broadcast procedures of a public safety telecommunications system; operate standard office equipment; to calmly and effectively deal with irate persons; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Of good moral character, reputation, integrity, reliability and judgment. Candidates will be subject to a formal Police Background Investigation. Not all negative information is disqualifying.
BACKGROUND: Free from conviction of any crime determined to be a felony or history of disabling psychological factors.
IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT: To comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, effective November 1986, all potential employees will be required to provide either proof of U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: All participating agencies value a diverse work force. It is the policy of all the participating agencies to provide equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment meeting bona fide occupational qualifications, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, AIDS/ARC, or disability.
