Public Safety Communications Supervisor

To be considered for this position, please attach the following to your application: 

• Certificate of Graduation from a Public Safety Dispatcher Training Course

• Official DMV printout (not older than 3 months)

Under direction of the Chief of Police or his/her designee, supervises the Communications section of the Police Department. In addition, this position also requires the supervisor to receive 911 emergency police and non-emergency calls. Dispatches officers to assignments according to established public safety procedures based upon the interpretation of incoming calls.  Trains Public Safety Communications Dispatchers.  Operates various telecommunications center equipment in a highly stressful assignment.

Disclaimer- This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed. In other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Directs personnel by assigning tasks, assists clerical staff in setting priorities and resolving problems, conflicts, and complaints both interdepartmental and from the public.  
• Oversees record custody and determines applicability of information released by dispatch personnel and approves/denies release of records information in criminal matters and assures only authorized individuals have access.  
• Responsible for day-to-day activities of the Communications section.
• Audits filing systems to assure correct filling of arrest information and reports.  
• Manages the dispatch work schedules to ensure adequate staffing and minimize overtime, including the scheduling of sick leave relief, etc.  
• Evaluates performance of assigned personnel and maintains attendance and performance records. 
• Coordinates repairs of equipment and of the installations and upgrades of equipment including but not limited to 911 equipment, dispatch radio, computer systems, telephone system, etc. 
• Assigns daily tasks to assigned personnel.
• Assists staff in setting priorities for their work to insure deadlines are meet and necessary projects are completed on time. 
• Investigates and resolves complaints such as work problems, interdivisional conflicts or pubic complaints. 
• Recommends procedures for dispatch personnel to ensure a smooth flow of information, and high quality and quantity of productivity.
• Supervises ordering of dispatch supplies, forms and equipment. 
• Ensure bills are paid promptly and correctly.
• Participates in budget preparation and administration and prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations. 
• Determines applicability of information released to citizens or other agencies. 
• Exchanges information with other agencies concerning the development of common procedures and maintains cooperative working relationships with a variety of law enforcement and justice system agencies. 
• Receives and evaluates all 911 calls, police and fire emergency and non-emergency calls, and business calls. 
• Dispatches police units and animal control units to emergency or non emergency locations. 
• Provides dispatching and communications services to Municipal Code Enforcement Officer, Probation Officers, and Community Service Officer Personnel.
• Operates multi-channel radio system, maintaining radio contact with mobile and portable units. 
• Recognizes units from other agencies and assists them with City units or supplies requested information. Transfers non- emergency and business calls to appropriate parties. 
• Manages telephone inquiries and complaints.
• Logs and fills out call forms and maintains records of radio calls and monitors radio traffic.
• Calls out appropriate technicians to make repairs on malfunctioning equipment.
• Responds to officer initiated radio traffic and requests and disseminates suspect information. 
• Monitors closed circuit security cameras.
• Maintains and accesses business and premise history and indexes files for emergency and other necessary contacts. 
• Handles in-house and radio paging activities and other after-hours phone lines.
• Maintains a variety of bulletins, lists, ledgers, logs, and files containing information needed by officers in the field. 
• Makes necessary copies of video or audio recordings for Attorneys.
• Dispenses information contained therein upon request of officers or their supervisors.
• Changes communications audio tapes to provide continuous record of police department emergency communications, and maintains tapes in accordance with current law and procedure.
• Provides court testimony.
• Interfaces with police command staff concerning shift issues. 
• Assists Custodial Officers with matron duties, clerical requirements, inmate searches, obtaining urine samples and taking photographs of inmates.
• Provides training to Public Safety Dispatchers and ensures training is updated as required by POST.
• Performs a variety of other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Supervisory skills needed to effectively supervise communication’s division.
• Principles and practices of PC’s and related software.
• Operation of dispatch communications equipment. 
• Use of oral and written English, spelling punctuation and composition. 
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Operation of standard office equipment. 
• Police terminology and related emergency radio and telephone communications procedures.

Skilled in:   

• Reading, interpreting and applying procedures and policies. 
• Performing detailed work. 
• Assessing and prioritizing emergency situations and information. 
• Attending to multiple and simultaneous activities and information sources. 
• Operating standard office equipment. 
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. 
• Communicating with the public. 
• Preparing reports. 
• Reading and interpreting street maps. 
• Scheduling work and time off, and counselling of employees.

Ability to: 

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Operate a PC and related software
• Maintain effective working relationships
• Pass an initial comprehensive background investigation. 
• Wear standardized apparel 
• Function within a structured “chain-of-command” environment. 
• Operate a keyboard with a tested speed of at least 40 words per minute.
• Read, understand, interpret, and apply established City dispatching codes, policies, procedures, and regulations. 
• Apply principles, practices, and techniques used in public safety dispatching to available City equipment. 
• Operate a complex radio dispatch/information system. 
• Remain calm and focused and make rapid judgments under sustained highly stressful emergency conditions. 
• Understand and comply with broadcasting procedures and FCC regulations. 

Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the requisite knowledge, skill and abilities.  A typical way to obtain these would be:

• High School Diploma or an equivalent certificate or diploma recognized by the State of California. 

• Associate’s Degree or two (2) full academic years of attendance at an accredited college or university with a major or emphasis in criminology, law enforcement/administration of justice, behavioral science or related field, preferred.

• Possess a Certificate of Graduation from a Public Safety Dispatcher Training Course.

• Graduation from an armed forces radio school, preferred.

• Familiarity with police terminology, preferred.

• Two (2) to four (4) years of experience in a dispatching role with a law enforcement agency, other radio dispatching role, armed forces radio experience, or serving as a reserve peace officer with a police or sheriff department is preferred. 

• One (1) year of lead or supervisory experience or experience as a dispatch operations trainer, required.

• Must be willing to work evenings, nights, weekends and holiday shifts on a rotational basis, and remain on duty or respond to recall when paged and physically available in order to maintain minimum staffing levels.

• Maintain a valid California Driver License with a driving record acceptable to the City. 

Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to participate in the interview and testing processes. Reference checks, Live Scan, background investigations, psychological testing, and pre-employment physicals including drug testing are part of the employment process and background standards.