DEFINITION

Under direct or general supervision, receives and evaluates emergency and non-emergency calls; elicits information to determine nature of emergency; dispatches and coordinates law enforcement, medical, fire and other emergency response units in accordance with department procedures; operates various dispatch center equipment; maintains records; performs related work as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct or general supervision from the Lead Dispatcher. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Sheriff’s Dispatcher I: This is the entry-level class in the series. Incumbents initially are given detailed supervision only on new or very complex techniques of law enforcement dispatching and in the operation of communications equipment. Assignments are varied, complex and difficult and close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Once certified, incumbents perform enforcement duties with limited peace officer authority.

Sheriff’s Dispatcher II: This is the fully-qualified, working-level class in this series. Incumbents have increased responsibility and latitude when performing the full range of technical communications support and infomration processing duties including recieivng, evaluating, and dispatching law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire suppression, and related public safety class in emergency and non-emergency situations. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from Sheriff’s Dispatch Shift Supervisor in that the latter is the full supervisory-level class in the series responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of staff on an assigned shift involved in dispatch services.

Positions in the Sheriff’s Dispatcher class series are flexibly staffed after completing the prescribed training program and obtaining the Emergency Dispatch Medical Certificate. Positions in the II level are normally filled by advancement from the I level requiring two (2) years of experience and after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have two (2) years of prior related experience that allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the II level and possession of the Emergency Dispatch Medical Certificate.

INFORMATION ON THE P.O.S.T. DISPATCHER ENTRY LEVEL TEST BATTERY (WRITTEN EXAM)

The POST Dispatcher Test is designed to measure aptitude for performing public safety dispatcher work. The test consists of eleven (11) brief tests that measure a candidate’s:

• Verbal Ability (the ability to read and listen to information and identify facts and draw conclusions; and the ability to write clearly),
• Reasoning (the ability to apply general rules to specific problems to attain logical answers; and the ability to correctly follow rules to arrange things or actions in a certain order),
• Memory (the ability to store and retrieve facts, details, and other information), and
• Perceptual Ability (the ability to quickly and accurately compare letters and numbers presented orally and in written form; and the ability to shift back and forth between two or more sources of information, both written and orally imparted, in performing a task).

Each test is administered with its own set of instructions and is timed separately. The separately-timed tests range from 5 minutes to 15 minutes each. The entire test battery takes about 2½ to 3 hours, including a short break.

The POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery Examinee Guide (pdf) provides information about the test. Because the test measures general abilities, there is no study guide or reading list for the test. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the test formats shown in the Examinee Guide. If you are not accustomed to test-taking in general, of if you tend to get tense in testing situations, you may find it helpful to practice doing activities similar to those described in the Examinee Guide.