Police Communications Trainee

OPEN EXAMINATION - NOTE: THIS RECRUITMENT FOR POLICE COMMUNICATIONS TRAINEE IS AN UNCLASSIFIED, NON-CIVIL SERVICE, AT-WILL FULL TIME POSITION. WHILE EMPLOYED, THE INDIVIDUAL APPOINTED WILL RECEIVE THE SAME SALARY, BENEFITS AND LEAVE ACCRUALS AS COMPARABLE SALARIED CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES.

This trainee classification works under close supervision participating in training work leading to progressively responsible tasks in the Police Communications Bureau.

Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, the following: Receives, identifies and accurately evaluates emergency and routine calls for police services, routes 911 calls for Fire and EMS services, refers calls to other agencies and makes required notifications as appropriate.

Monitors and maintains the status of all police personnel and units as to location and availability.

Determines appropriate personnel and equipment to be dispatched using voice radio and computer aided dispatch system.

Relays, follows, repeats and remembers complex oral and written instructions, information and directions.

Uses established policies & procedures, independent judgment, common sense and reason to make rapid and accurate decisions to achieve an effective initial or alternate course of action in dispatching police resources.

Performs multiple, routine and complex dispatch tasks simultaneously.

Responds calmly and effectively in emergency and stress situations.

Develops speed and accuracy in performing job duties & responsibilities, including operating radio consoles, computer terminals and associated communications equipment, performing minor maintenance as required.

Effectively communicates and coordinates in a teamwork environment with co-workers, other agencies, departments and the public, exercising strong customer service and group dynamic skills.

Possesses a high level of awareness to all dispatch center activity and effectively anticipates and plans for probable tasks which will require immediate action.

Works with geography/street files and reads maps, manuals, notebooks, memorandums, legal resources, policies & procedures and posted information.

Monitors multiple police, fire and emergency radio frequencies.

Initiates, receives and interprets information from various law enforcement computerized database systems.

Monitors facility security and various alarm systems.

Performs research and clerical work such as preparation of logs, reports, forms and update of information and files in a timely manner.

Studies, reviews, and trains in communications and police department operations to develop a complete and accurate concept and understanding of the nature of police work.

Performs assigned and needed cleaning and maintenance duties to center facilities.

Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of this position are performed in a safe, efficient manner.

Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires. An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Experience Some general clerical experience involving public contact is desirable.

Education/Training Graduation from high school or attainment of GED or CHSPE certificate.

License(s)/Certification(s) Valid California Class C driver's license.

Desirable Qualifications Bilingual English/Spanish and/or English/Armenian. Prior experience in two way radio operation in a public safety emergency communications dispatch system.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Skill in: Resourcefulness and organization, initiative and self motivation.

Ability to: Provide exceptional customer service to all employees and vendors. Accept close supervision, criticism and/or discipline and work within an established chain of command organizational structure. Accurately assess problems and understand needs & situations. Acquire knowledge of communications rules, regulations, theory, oper…