Police Dispatcher III

The University of Arizona is seeking dynamic Police Radio Dispatchers for its nationally accredited Police Department. Dispatchers are skilled emergency service workers. The role of the police dispatcher involves receiving emergency 911 and non-emergency calls for police assistance, taking and entering information from callers, determining the nature/urgency of calls, initiating police or other emergency personnel action, and maintaining close contact with field units to monitor response and needed support requirements.

The position of Police Radio Dispatcher requires a considerable degree of initiative and independent judgment within procedural boundaries in responding to a variety of situations. Work may be done separately or in conjunction with other police dispatchers. This position requires shift assignments and overtime. Dispatchers must be able to work a flexible schedule to accommodate weekend, evening, and holiday shifts in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24-hour facility.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties and Responsibilities:

• Receives and responds to emergency and non-emergency calls including enhanced 911 and non-emergency calls from the public.
• Processes and evaluates information received, prioritizes calls, and dispatches appropriate units.
• Relays pertinent information in a factual and concise manner; relays instructions or inquiries from remote units.
• Monitors and coordinates public safety personnel activity and assignments via police radio.
• Monitors and enters statuses, locations, and activity of public safety personnel on a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
• Monitors security cameras, fire and intrusion alarms and dispatches accordingly.
• Operates computer terminal to make inquiries into computerized databases to retrieve motor vehicle information and other criminal record files, as requested, following prescribed policies and procedures.
• Enters data from officer reports into criminal information system on computer.
• Accesses, enters, and maintains sensitive data in local/state/national databases as necessary for investigative purposes.
• Monitors teletype messages and relays important information to officers.
• Utilizes technology such as computers, radio systems, telephones, fax machines, and other communication equipment to complete job tasks.
• Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties.
• Keeps informed of departmental regulations, policies, and procedures.
• May assist in providing on-the-job training for Police Radio Dispatchers and submit progress reports and evaluations on trainees.
• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance.
• Obtains complete and accurate information and quickly disseminates information, both in typewritten and verbal form; copies down long sequences of numbers or addresses; may be required to keep handwritten detailed logs of work at a quick pace.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of applicable State and Federal statutes, rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, governing dispatching.
• Knowledge of Department policies and procedures.
• Skill in determining priorities and handling high-pressure situations.
• Skill in observing situations analytically and objectively and recording them clearly and completely.
• Skill in communicating clearly and concisely and relaying details accurately.
• Skill in written communication.
• Skill in handling a high volume of telephone calls.
• Skill in typing with high accuracy.
• Skill in quick decision-making during emergency situations.
• Skill in assessing, analyzing, identifying, and implementing solutions to complex problems.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in handling situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and impartially.
• Skill in recalling numerous details and essential information.
• Skill in operating radio, telephone, keyboard, computer terminal, and related communications equipment.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Ability to create and maintain manual and automated logs and other records of public safety communications activities.
• Ability to read and interpret maps to determine locations.

• High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent learning attained through experience required.
• Five years of relevant experience.
• Candidates must pass a computerized and oral examination for consideration, followed by an in-depth background investigation, to include passing a psychological examination, polygraph, and hearing test.
• This position requires shift assignments and overtime.
• Dispatchers must be able to work a flexible schedule to accommodate weekend, evening, and holiday shifts in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24-hour facility.

• Department will review applicant's work history as relevant to the position and may accept less than 5 years experience.