Police Dispatcher

About Us

Located on the western edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Glendale is a culturally diverse community with approximately 250,000 residents. Glendale is also an exciting sports, shopping, and entertainment destination, famous for its well-preserved charm.

The Glendale Police Department employs 459 sworn officers and 163 civilian employees. We are currently looking to hire for both full-time, regular status Police Communications Specialist positions and contract 911 Call Taker positions.

Essential Functions

  • Answers incoming telephone lines, such as 911 emergency, non-emergency lines, TTY for the hearing impaired and NG911 text messages via 911.
  • Dispatches calls to proper emergency/police units on the main police channel, police information channel or the major incident restricted channel and enters appropriate information into computer aided dispatch system.
  • Maintains status and awareness of police units and activities and monitors alarms; provides supplemental information to officers and other personnel as needed.
  • Prioritizes calls, monitors channels during critical incidents, determines appropriate officers to respond and dispatches information to appropriate personnel.
  • Performs ACIC/NCIC entries, uses computer systems such as Motorola Premier One, CAD/WEBRMS, ACJIS/JWI, ShotSpotter, 3SI and Motorola Radio Systems.
  • May be required to testify in court.
  • Assists in the training and evaluation of new Communication Specialists, Police Officers and Reserve Police Officers.
  • Maintains various department records, reference books, and reports.
  • Performs validation audits and other computerized data entry work.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High school education and one year experience in the operation of telecommunication equipment, computers, or base radios preferably in a public safety environment. Preference will be given to candidates with prior law enforcement dispatching experience.

Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.

Knowledge of:

  • Radio, telephone, and computer equipment in the Communications areas
  • City, State and Federal laws regarding emergency communications and criminal justice information systems
  • Departmental policies, procedures, and general orders
  • Community resources available to citizen callers
  • Police patrol procedures

Ability to:

  • Operate computerized criminal justice information systems
  • Work under pressure in emergency and stressful situations and at several tasks concurrently. Quickly and accurately obtain pertinent information
  • Independently operate a base radio station and learn radio codes and call letters
  • Learn the geography of the City
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-worker, other city personnel, outside agencies and the general public
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

Special Requirements

  • Shift work is required.
  • Terminal Operator Certification, Level A, within 6 months of hire.
  • Ability to type 35 wpm.
  • Hearing: Uncorrected hearing with no loss greater than 25 dB in the 500, 1000, 2000, or 3000 hertz frequencies
  • Vision: Must have at least 20/80 vision, correctable to 20/20 with contact lenses or glasses; or 20/200 vision, correctable to 20/20 with soft contacts
  • Applicants will be required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and will be subject to further drug and alcohol testing throughout their period of employment in accordance with the City of Glendale Substance Abuse policy.

Testing Process

The testing process for the Communications Specialist position will consist of a typing test and a multitasking test. The typing test takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. The multitasking test takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to complete and consists of 10 sections.

These two parts of the testing process (typing test and multitasking test) will be completed by each applicant all in one day.

All communication, including testing invitations, will be sent by email. Please be sure to use a valid email address on your application and check your email regularly.

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