Description

The Palo Alto Police Department is committed to providing exceptional public safety services and taking a leadership role in building community partnerships. We subscribe to core values that include integrity, accountability, trust, teamwork, a positive attitude, and the professional, impartial treatment of all. Our key responsibilities include:

• To provide police response to emergency and non-emergency requests for service in a coordinated and timely manner.
• To apprehend and prosecute offenders and/or resolve investigations in a timely and thorough manner.
• To minimize injury and property damage by promoting a safe and orderly flow of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic.
• To provide coordinated, responsive and reliable 9-1-1 dispatch services.

• Comprehensive Dispatch Experience: Proficient in emergency response procedures and protocols across multiple agencies.
• Critical Thinking and Decision-Making: Quickly assesses situations to determine appropriate responses and actions.
• Effective Communication Skills: Clear and concise communicator in high-pressure situations, both verbally and in writing.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using dispatch systems, databases, and communication equipment.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Maintains composure and efficiency in dynamic and challenging environments.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Works effectively with diverse teams and agencies to coordinate responses.
• Customer Service Orientation: Provides courteous and helpful assistance to callers and responders.
• Problem Solving Abilities: Identifies issues, gathers relevant information, and resolves incidents promptly.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accurate documentation and information dissemination.
• Commitment to Public Safety: Demonstrates dedication to maintaining community safety and well-being.

Essential Duties

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receives telephone complaints concerning crimes and police emergencies and dispatches appropriate police patrol units by radio to investigate. Relays instructions and questions for field units.
• Receives telephone information concerning fire and medical emergencies and dispatches appropriate fire and ambulance units by radio. Relays instructions and questions from field units.
• Receives telephone complaints concerning utilities and public works emergencies and dispatches appropriate service units to make repairs. Relays instructions and questions from field units.
• Receives telephone complaints concerning animals and dispatches appropriate animal control units to investigate. Relays instructions and questions from field units.
• Receive and transmit the above information by operating communication consoles, two-way radio, telephone, paging, various computers including both manual and computer-aided dispatch systems, voice intercom, fire alarm and intrusion alarm equipment and other public safety 911 equipment and applications.
• Maintain appropriate records, computer data base, maps, diagrams, and written procedures relating to such activities.
• Operate conventional/automated office machines and equipment.

• Prepare special reports as may be required.
• Assist Lead Communications Public Safety Dispatchers and Supervisor, Police Services in projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate the possession of the following knowledge skills and abilities which would typically be acquired through:

• High school graduate or GED,

• One year of public safety dispatching experience comprised of law enforcement or fire service dispatch responsibilities.

• Possession of a California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate.
• Experience with Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols.
• Experience with CLETS/NCIC Databases.
• Possession of National Academy of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certificate.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:
Work in an office environment; sustained posture and intense attentiveness for prolonged periods.

Selection Process:

• Completion of "CritiCall" Exam*
• Completion of the P.O.S.T. Personal History Statement – Public Safety Dispatcher
• Oral Panel Interview(s)
• Comprehensive Police Background Check
• Polygraph Test
• Psychological Test
• Medical Exam