What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Dispatcher Supervisor position at City of El Cajon, CA?
Job Overview
The Position: The Police Department is searching for an experienced Dispatcher to fill a critical role in the Communications Center team. This position will oversee shift operations, ensure compliance with departmental policies, supervise personnel, and support field operations.
The Community: As the sixth largest city in San Diego County, El Cajon is seen as a leader among cities and a wonderful location to live, work and play. El Cajon is a full service City, with first-class police and fire departments. The City offers exceptional defined benefits and retirement plans, wellness programs, and opportunities for professional development. The City staff is professional, knowledgeable, and focused on providing exceptional customer service. Ultimately, El Cajon is a shining example of a local government that provides exceptional municipal service with an innovative mindset.
The Recruitment Process: Applications and supplemental questionnaires will be screened. Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process, which includes a Criticall Exam, tentatively scheduled for the week of June 8, 2026. Lateral candidates currently employed by a P.O.S.T. certified law enforcement agency and in possession of a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate are exempt from the Criticall portion of the process, and will only participate in the Qualifications Appraisal Interview portion of the process. Successful candidates will be placed on an eligible list for employment consideration for at least six months.
Typical Duties
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- Plans, assigns, directs, and supervises the work of Communications Center personnel;
- Reviews subordinates work for accuracy and completeness;
- Assists in identifying and correcting operational problems and procedures in order to maintain a high level of service;
- Evaluate priority ranking of each call for service and the level of service to be dispatched in initial response according to standard operating procedures, instructions from a field supervisor or by individual judgment as required;
- Monitors department and mutual aid radio frequencies;
- Provide responsive, high quality service to city employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information, in a courteous, efficient and timely manner;
- Respond to inquiries from the public;
- Makes recommendations regarding training and conducts structured training programs; maintains the Communications Center’s training manuals or Standard Operating Procedures;
- Schedules staff to provide 24-hour coverage; coordinates scheduling and completion of work with other supervising dispatchers; ensures minimum staffing levels are met;
- Maintains liaison with Communications Center personnel, other law enforcement personnel and emergency service agencies;
- Keeps supervisors and field units advised of the status of emergency situations and potential liability issues;
- May assist in investigating and resolving complaints related to dispatch and communications service;
- Uses computer terminal to access various confidential law enforcement systems, including ARJIS, CLETS, SUN, and NCIC; then interprets, verifies, receives and disseminates information and data;
- Ensures compliance with laws, regulations and policies related to voice radio and teletype communications;
- Participates in the selection of subordinate staff, evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and initiates disciplinary action as appropriate;
- Ensure security of computer systems as assigned, troubleshoot system malfunctions and report to Information Technology Department for correction;
- Ensures all emergency equipment is in working order and contacts repair personnel as needed;
- Prepares audio, video, and CFS, and evidence requests utilizing Communications databases;
- Assists in monitoring department and City security and video systems;
- Assists in monitoring automated notification systems; Automated License Plate Readers; GPS Asset tracking systems, and community emergency notification systems;
- May testify in court;
- Conducts research, prepares reports and completes special projects as assigned;
- May be required to receive, respond to and dispatch calls for emergency and non-emergency assistance as a Police Dispatcher II.
Qualification Guidelines
Experience: Three (3) years experience in a computer-aided dispatcher environment, which includes experience in dispatching, answering emergency and routine calls for service and public contact work. Some supervisory experience is desirable.
Education: Educational achievement equivalent to completion of high school supplemented by college level coursework in emergency service communications, law enforcement or closely related field.
Special Requirements: Possession of or ability to obtain, prior to employment, a valid Class C California driver's license with a safe driving record. Completion of the Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified Basic Dispatcher course within twelve months.
Additional Information
Candidates selected for this position will be required to pass a thorough background investigation, including a livescan, credit check, medical, and polygraph.