Dispatchers are an integral part of police patrol operations. They are the primary link between the public and officers in the field. Making quick, accurate and sound decisions is crucial. The ability to learn new material and recall this information is extremely important.

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• is comfortable talking to the public with a high volume of incoming calls
• reacts quickly, efficiently, and calmly in emergency situations
• speaks and types (35+wpm) in a clear and concise manner
• has accurate listening and comprehension skills
• is able to multi-task and exercise critical thinking skills
• elicits information from persons in varied states of mind
• is motivated, reliable,  and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic
• is able to learn, memorize, and utilize police codes, names, street locations, and other information
• is proficient in computer/data entry with sufficient speed and accuracy
• is able to work a flexible work schedule

• Receives and evaluates police and emergency calls, and related business calls for the City during an assigned portion of the 24-hours-per-day/7-days-per-week Police Department operations; provides information and/or transfers calls to the appropriate department, agency, or response organization; takes messages for Police Department personnel.
  
  
• Dispatches public safety emergency units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system, including determining priority of emergency and contacting and sending appropriate response unit.
  
  
• Maintains contact with field units, including accounting for location and status of units and maintaining records of field calls; sends back-up units, as necessary, ensuring the safety of field units.
  
  
• Operates computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities; tests and inspects equipment as assigned.
  
  
• Logs call data in a written or automated format; monitors calls after initial dispatch to provide additional coordination, support, or information.
  
  
• Enters, updates, and retrieves a variety of records from teletype database, including stolen vehicles and property, vehicle registration information, guns and property, and warranted or missing persons.
  
  
• Accesses Federal, State, and local law enforcement information databases to obtain information regarding outstanding warrants, criminal history, records information, and vehicle data; relays such information to sworn staff.
  
  
• Acts as a liaison to the public and representatives of other agencies for the department; provides initial non-emergency contact with the public and representatives of other agencies for the requesting of police records or related services; determines the nature of the contact; provides factual information regarding services, policies, and procedures, which requires knowledge of legal guidelines, departmental policies and procedures, and the use of tact and discretion, or directs the caller to the proper individual or agency.
  
  
• Maintains accurate departmental and law enforcement records and files; researches and compiles information from such files.
  • Attends necessary training, shift briefing sessions, participates in drills, and test scenarios to prepare for unexpected emergencies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Once you have successfully passed the Performance Test and Dispatch Oral Board Interview, you will enter the background investigation phase of the selection process conducted by the Professional Standards Unit.  Each of the documents listed below are required. The original and photocopy must be provided as the assigned Background Investigator must verify the authenticity of the original and place a copy into the applicant’s background file. 

Since obtaining some of the documents can be time consuming, it is best to start now to have these organized and readily available:

• Current California Driver's License
• Birth Certificate
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship (i.e. U.S. Passport, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, Form N-560 or N-561)
• Social Security Card
• Marriage Certificate*
• Dissolution of Marriage Documents*
• Separation from Military Document (DD214)*
• Selective Service Card*
• High School Diploma or G.E.D certificate
• College Diploma(s)*
• Official High School Transcripts (original with seal of authenticity)
• Official College Transcripts (original with seal of authenticity)*
• WPD Authorization to Release Information form (provided by us to you)

(*) - provide if applicable.

• $1,600 per month toward the purchase of Medical, Dental and Vision packages for the employee and their dependents. Any unused insurance dollars may be received by the employee as taxable income. Employees who participate in the CalPERS Health Insurance program and are enrolled in the family level coverage shall receive an additional city contribution of $200 per month (total of $1,800 per month).
  
  

• State Retirement via CalPERS – The City's contract provides for the following retirement tiers:

  • Tier 2 (hired on or after July 28, 2011 and a current CalPERS member):  2% @ 60 formula; employees contribute 7.0% of salary towards retirement costs.
  • Tier 3/PEPRA (hired on or after January 1, 2013 and not a current CalPERS member): 2.0% @ 62 formula; employees contribute one-half of normal cost, which is 5.75%.
    
    
• Deferred Compensation - Optional employee participation in Section 457 supplemental retirement plans/deferred compensation.

Refer to the MOU for detailed benefits: WPOA Comp Plan

• $150 per month bilingual pay for demonstrated proficiency in specified languages.
• 120 hours of paid vacation during the first year of service plus an additional 8 hours is earned for each additional year of service up to five years (max 160 hrs.) Additional benefits apply after 20 years of service.
• 104 hours of paid holiday to be used at the employee's discretion.
• 96 hours of paid sick leave per year.
• 5% raise for possessing an Associate’s Degree or an additional 10% raise for possessing a Bachelor’s Degree.
• Longevity Pay: $95/month after 10 years of service, $150/month after 15 years of service, 2% of base pay plus $150/month after completion of 21 years of service, 4% of base pay plus $150/month after completion of 22 years of service, 6% of base pay plus $150/month after completion of 23 years of service, 8% of base pay plus $150/month after 24 years of service, 10% of base pay plus $150/month after 25 years of service
• Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1,000 per fiscal year for approved courses is available.

Will be awarded pursuant to Government Code Section 18973.1, effective January 1, 2014, as follows:

1. Any veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran, who achieves a passing score in an entrance examination, shall be ranked in the top rank of the resulting eligibility list. Any veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released is not eligible for Veteran’s Preference.
   
   
2. An entrance examination is defined, under the law, as any open competitive examination.
   
   
3. Veteran’s Preference is not granted once a person achieves permanent civil service status.