Police Radio Dispatcher
Description
Dispatchers receive calls from the university community concerning crimes and police emergencies. Dispatchers will send police units and relay pertinent information in a factual and concise manner to ensure the safety of officers and the public. A dispatcher must be able to effectively communicate both on the phone and on the radio. Dispatchers will enter information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and must be able to type and talk at the same time. Dispatchers must be able to work a flexible schedule in order to accommodate weekend, evening and holiday shifts. Benefits include: health, dental, life and disability insurance; a competitive retirement package; reduced tuition rates for themselves and family members; paid vacation, sick days, and holidays; and more.
Police Dispatcher Realities: Dispatchers facilitate the safety of UAPD police officers to the very best of their ability, by providing the most accurate and reliable information possible.
Some other realities for Dispatchers are:
- Some of the people you encounter may be angry or rude, and dispatchers will need to utilize effective communication skills to provide them with appropriate assistance or de-escalate a situation.
- Staffing and emergencies may prevent dispatchers from leaving the room for extended periods of time.
- Dispatchers may work alone for periods of time so initiative and independent judgement and critical decision making skills are necessary
- Most of a dispatcher’s day is spent sitting or standing in front multiple computers answering phone calls and radio transmissions.
- Sometimes there is very little happening; other times there may be many things happening all at once, so adaptability is paramount.
- Large scale events occur regularly, requiring long periods of concentration and attention to detail.
- Training includes daily feedback, positive remarks, and critiques as needed.
- Mandatory overtime may be assigned according to the needs of the Communications Section.
- Dispatchers will be assigned a shift schedule that may include working holidays and weekends.
- All UAPD employees must be able to accommodate assigned schedules.
Salary starts at $45,000 annually ($21.635/hr)
If this is a position you are interested in, know that there are many satisfying and rewarding aspects of the position and that dispatchers make significant contributions to the safety and welfare of our campus community and our police officers. If you are unfamiliar with law enforcement dispatching, you are encouraged to fill out a "ride along" form (under Services) and schedule a "sit along with a dispatcher".
Learn more about the Communications Unit.
Requirements
Applicants must:
- Pass a computerized exam to proceed to an oral board.
- Obtain a passing score of 70% on the oral review board for consideration.
- Pass an extensive background investigation to include a polygraph, psychological exam, and hearing test.
- Become ACJIS TOC certified following employment with UAPD.
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent learning attained through
experience required
Preferred Qualifications:
- Skill in determining priorities and handling high-pressure situations.
- Skill in communicating clearly and concisely and relaying details accurately.
- Skill in handling high-volume telephone and visitor traffic.
- Skill in typing quickly with high accuracy.
- Ability to effectively communicate.
This position has a one-year probation period. UAPD operates 24/7, and dispatchers must be available to work any shift assigned.
Apply
Currently Closed - Please check back for updates
In addition to the online application, candidates must also complete a personal history questionnaire. Once your application is received, instructions for accessing and completing the questionnaire will be emailed to you. It is strongly encouraged to complete the personal history questionnaire as soon as possible.
The following links are provided to assist you with the testing process:
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