Police Communications Specialist (Dispatcher) - Lateral

ENTRY LEVEL APPLICANTS NEED TO APPLY AT WWW.PUBLICSAFETYTESTING.COM.

THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH A LATERAL ELIGIBILITY LIST FOR FULLY FUNDED VACANCIES.

The work schedule for Police Communications Specialists consists of four (4) consecutive workdays on duty, followed by four (4) days off, averaging 182 12-hour shifts per year for a total of 2184 hours. As part of this schedule, Communication Specialists receive 16 hours per month paid at the overtime rate (1.5x).

Positions in this class perform telecommunications duties for Issaquah and contract agencies, providing auxiliary services for the Issaquah Public Works and Emergency Operations Center Departments. Responsibilities include receiving and prioritizing emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching police, or transferring calls to fire or medical units as needed. Incumbents make decisions on call priority, initiate actions, and follow up accordingly. They also monitor building and jail security via the Simplex security panel and Sound Transit cameras, and perform administrative or record-keeping duties as assigned.

Equity Statement

The City of Issaquah values diversity and encourages applicants of all backgrounds to apply. Employment is considered without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected statuses.

• Operate remotely controlled, multi-frequency radio consoles to communicate with officers, public works workers, other public service answering points, and emergency responders, demonstrating proper dispatch procedures and maintaining logs.
• Handle calls via multi-line phones and E911 systems, gather information, alert responders, and operate computer systems including ACCESS, Spillman CAD, RMS, and Positron Power Phone system.
• Monitor and respond to building fire alarms, phone alarms, generator alarms, jail, and panic alarms.
• Monitor and respond to building and jail security systems, including access control and cameras.
• Interpret maps and understand jurisdictional boundaries for service requests.
• Maintain logs, records, reports, vehicle impounds, permits, and mutual aid entries.
• Assist in training new employees in various aspects of the position.
• Manage active court orders, warrants, stolen vehicles, property, and missing persons in relevant systems and files.
• Handle lost and found property, safeguard record access logs, keys, and petty cash records.
• Perform personnel and record checks for other departments and agencies.

Lateral applicants must have a High School Diploma or G.E.D. and at least one year of dispatcher experience in a public safety agency, or equivalent education and experience. Must pass a police background check and polygraph.

Licensing and Certifications:

• Complete and certify ACCESS level 2 within six months of employment.
• Complete and certify Telecommunicator 1 and 2 courses within the first 12 months, with substitutions allowed as per CJTC guidelines.

Knowledge of computer software, agency operations, law enforcement principles, and emergency services terminology is required. Ability to maintain composure, type accurately at 40 wpm, work variable shifts, and establish effective relationships is essential.

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