Police Dispatcher

Are you looking for a career where no day is ever the same? Are you someone who can remain calm and think clearly in emergency situations? You can go from a call regarding a minor traffic collision to a frantic caller screaming for help. The Communications Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You're the first point of contact for the citizens of Westminster. 

Our Dispatchers handle nearly 180,000 phone calls per year both emergency and non-emergency. It is a highly skilled position that requires that ability to keep up with high activity levels, remain professional and composed while handling life/death situations, make split second decisions, exercising sound critical thinking skills, and type as fast as someone can yell. Do you have what it takes? If so, we encourage you to apply today!

Dispatchers are an integral part of police patrol operations. They are the primary link between the public and officers in the field. Making quick, accurate and sound decisions is crucial. The ability to learn new material and recall this information is extremely important.

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• is comfortable talking to the public with a high volume of incoming calls
• reacts quickly, efficiently, and calmly in emergency situations
• speaks and types (35+wpm) in a clear and concise manner
• has accurate listening and comprehension skills
• is able to multi-task and exercise critical thinking skills
• elicits information from persons in varied states of mind
• is motivated, reliable,  and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic
• is able to learn, memorize, and utilize police codes, names, street locations, and other information
• is proficient in computer/data entry with sufficient speed and accuracy
• is able to work a flexible work schedule

• Receives and evaluates police and emergency calls, and related business calls for the City during an assigned portion of the 24-hours-per-day/7-days-per-week Police Department operations; provides information and/or transfers calls to the appropriate department, agency, or response organization; takes messages for Police Department personnel.
  
  
• Dispatches public safety emergency units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system, including determining priority of emergency and contacting and sending appropriate response unit.
  
  
• Maintains contact with field units, including accounting for location and status of units and maintaining records of field calls; sends back-up units, as necessary, ensuring the safety of field units.
  
  
• Operates computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities; tests and inspects equipment as assigned.
  
  
• Logs call data in a written or automated format; monitors calls after initial dispatch to provide additional coordination, support, or information.
  
  
• Enters, updates, and retrieves a variety of records from teletype database, including stolen vehicles and property, vehicle registration information, guns and property, and warranted or missing persons.
  
  
• Accesses Federal, State, and local law enforcement information databases to obtain information regarding outstanding warrants, criminal history, records information, and vehicle data; relays such information to sworn staff.
  
  
• Acts as a liaison to the public and representatives of other agencies for the department; provides initial non-emergency contact with the public and representatives of other agencies for the requesting of police records or related services; determines the nature of the contact; provides factual information regarding services, policies, and procedures, which requires knowledge of legal guidelines, departmental policies and procedures, and the use of tact and discretion, or directs the caller to the proper individual or agency.
  
  
• Maintains accurate departmental and law enforcement records and files; researches and compiles information from such files.
  • Attends necessary training, shift briefing sessions, participates in drills, and test scenarios to prepare for unexpected emergencies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• Business arithmetic and basic statistical techniques.
• Basic principles of record keeping.
• Functions, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies.
• Westminster Police Department policies and standard operating procedures.
• Terminology and procedures used in public safety dispatching.
• Operation of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone lines and radio systems.
• City and County geography, maps, streets, landmarks, and driving directions.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

• Assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment.
• Speak in a clear and concise manner.
• Type 35 wpm.
• Memorize codes, names, street locations, and other information.
• Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
• Terminology and procedures used in public safety dispatching. 
• Operation of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone lines and radio systems. 
• Applicable codes, regulations, policies, technical processes and procedures, including penal, vehicle, and health and safety codes and regulations.
• Interpret, apply, and explain policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
• Compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports.
• Perform technical, detailed, and responsible office support work.
• Compose correspondence independently or from brief instructions.
• Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems.
• Make accurate arithmetic and statistical computations.
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner, organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, completion of P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher course within one year of appointment.  Twenty-four (24) hours of Continuous Professional Training (CPT) required every two (2) years.