Police Communications Specialist (Dispatcher) - Lateral
City of Issaquah, Issaquah, WA, United States
Overview
The work schedule for Police Communications Specialists shall consist of four (4) consecutive workdays on duty, followed by four (4) consecutive days off (average of 182 12‑hour shifts in a year for a total of 2,184 hours). As a result, Communications Specialists receive 16 hours per month paid at the overtime rate (1.5x) as part of the regular work schedule. Positions in this class perform telecommunications duties for Issaquah and contract agencies and also provide auxiliary service for the Issaquah Public Works and Emergency Operations Center Departments. Incumbents receive and prioritize emergency and non‑emergency calls from the public, provide information or dispatch police, and transfer calls to the appropriate agency for fire or emergency medical service units as needed. They make decisions regarding the priority of emergency calls, initiate a sequence of actions, and follow up on those actions. Communications Specialists also monitor building and jail security using the Simplex security panel and Sound Transit cameras and perform administrative or records‑keeping duties as assigned.
Equity Statement
The City of Issaquah strives to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We value a variety of perspectives and life experiences and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state and local laws. We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to the success of our City operations.
Responsibilities
Operate remotely controlled, multi-frequency radio consoles to communicate with Police Officers, Public Works Operations workers, other Public Service Answering Points, and emergency responders as appropriate. Demonstrate ability in using proper dispatch procedures and maintain proper logs of actions as required.
Receive calls on a multi‑line phone console and E911 system, gather necessary information, alert appropriate responders, answer routine calls for service, questions, and other administrative calls, and refer to appropriate agency or person as necessary.
Operate computer systems including a Centralized Computerized Enforcement Service System (ACCESS), Spillman Computer‑Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management System (RMS), and Positron Power Phone system.
Monitor and respond appropriately to building fire alarms, phone alarms, generator alarms, jail and other panic alarms.
Monitor and respond appropriately to building and jail security system including access control to and from the facility and Sound Transit cameras.
Interpret state, county and city maps and understand jurisdictional boundaries as necessary in handling public safety service requests.
Maintain logs, Spillman record‑keeping entries, reports, vehicle impounds, weekend construction permits and mutual aid as received by the Police Department.
Assist in training new employees in various aspects of the position.
Enter, clear and maintain all active court orders, warrants, stolen vehicles, property and missing persons in the ACCESS and other systems and files.
Accept, safeguard and release lost and found property.
Safeguard record access log access to keys of the department and department vehicles.
Safeguard records of all petty cash.
Perform extensive personnel and record checks for other departments, outside agencies, military recruiting, etc.
Qualifications
Lateral applicants must possess a High School Diploma or G.E.D. and a minimum of one‑year experience as a dispatcher in a public safety agency; or any combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job. Must be able to pass a Police background check and Polygraph.
Licensing and Certifications
Within six months of employment, successful completion and certification of ACCESS level 2.
Within the first twelve months of employment, successful completion and certification in Telecommunicator 1 and Telecommunicator 2 Course. A lateral employee may substitute with any combination of education and experience as administered by the Criminal Justice Training Commission.
Additional Skills
Knowledge of various computer software programs, and the ability to learn new programs as necessary.
Knowledge of other agencies in the area available to assist in operations.
Working knowledge and ability to comprehend the basic principles of and terminology applied to law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, and emergency management as applied to operations in the communications center.
Ability to maintain composure and control under adverse conditions and to cope with calls and contacts firmly, courteously, confidentially, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of citizens.
Ability to type 40 words per minute accurately.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and officials.
Ability to work variable shifts including day shifts, swing shift, graveyard shift, weekends and holidays.
Ability to comprehend the basic principles and techniques applied by officers in crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence, and other relevant aspects of law enforcement.
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The work schedule for Police Communications Specialists shall consist of four (4) consecutive workdays on duty, followed by four (4) consecutive days off (average of 182 12‑hour shifts in a year for a total of 2,184 hours). As a result, Communications Specialists receive 16 hours per month paid at the overtime rate (1.5x) as part of the regular work schedule. Positions in this class perform telecommunications duties for Issaquah and contract agencies and also provide auxiliary service for the Issaquah Public Works and Emergency Operations Center Departments. Incumbents receive and prioritize emergency and non‑emergency calls from the public, provide information or dispatch police, and transfer calls to the appropriate agency for fire or emergency medical service units as needed. They make decisions regarding the priority of emergency calls, initiate a sequence of actions, and follow up on those actions. Communications Specialists also monitor building and jail security using the Simplex security panel and Sound Transit cameras and perform administrative or records‑keeping duties as assigned.
Equity Statement
The City of Issaquah strives to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We value a variety of perspectives and life experiences and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state and local laws. We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to the success of our City operations.
Responsibilities
Operate remotely controlled, multi-frequency radio consoles to communicate with Police Officers, Public Works Operations workers, other Public Service Answering Points, and emergency responders as appropriate. Demonstrate ability in using proper dispatch procedures and maintain proper logs of actions as required.
Receive calls on a multi‑line phone console and E911 system, gather necessary information, alert appropriate responders, answer routine calls for service, questions, and other administrative calls, and refer to appropriate agency or person as necessary.
Operate computer systems including a Centralized Computerized Enforcement Service System (ACCESS), Spillman Computer‑Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management System (RMS), and Positron Power Phone system.
Monitor and respond appropriately to building fire alarms, phone alarms, generator alarms, jail and other panic alarms.
Monitor and respond appropriately to building and jail security system including access control to and from the facility and Sound Transit cameras.
Interpret state, county and city maps and understand jurisdictional boundaries as necessary in handling public safety service requests.
Maintain logs, Spillman record‑keeping entries, reports, vehicle impounds, weekend construction permits and mutual aid as received by the Police Department.
Assist in training new employees in various aspects of the position.
Enter, clear and maintain all active court orders, warrants, stolen vehicles, property and missing persons in the ACCESS and other systems and files.
Accept, safeguard and release lost and found property.
Safeguard record access log access to keys of the department and department vehicles.
Safeguard records of all petty cash.
Perform extensive personnel and record checks for other departments, outside agencies, military recruiting, etc.
Qualifications
Lateral applicants must possess a High School Diploma or G.E.D. and a minimum of one‑year experience as a dispatcher in a public safety agency; or any combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job. Must be able to pass a Police background check and Polygraph.
Licensing and Certifications
Within six months of employment, successful completion and certification of ACCESS level 2.
Within the first twelve months of employment, successful completion and certification in Telecommunicator 1 and Telecommunicator 2 Course. A lateral employee may substitute with any combination of education and experience as administered by the Criminal Justice Training Commission.
Additional Skills
Knowledge of various computer software programs, and the ability to learn new programs as necessary.
Knowledge of other agencies in the area available to assist in operations.
Working knowledge and ability to comprehend the basic principles of and terminology applied to law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, and emergency management as applied to operations in the communications center.
Ability to maintain composure and control under adverse conditions and to cope with calls and contacts firmly, courteously, confidentially, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of citizens.
Ability to type 40 words per minute accurately.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and officials.
Ability to work variable shifts including day shifts, swing shift, graveyard shift, weekends and holidays.
Ability to comprehend the basic principles and techniques applied by officers in crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence, and other relevant aspects of law enforcement.
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