City of Walnut Creek Walnut Creek, CA, USA
Police Dispatcher - Lateral
Under general supervision, Dispatchers at the City of Walnut Creek work in the Communications Center receiving emergency calls and inquiries from the public, and dispatching police officers via the radio to calls for service. Walnut Creek Dispatchers dispatch for police only and have the opportunity for collateral assignments such as Tactical Dispatch, Social Media Coordinator, Communications Training Officer, Peer Support Team Member, and Cadet Advisor.
They deal effectively, professionally, and courteously with all contacts—including police, emergency and service organizations, outside agencies, other City staff, and the public—and exercise tact and discretion at all times. They handle multiple work requests under pressure with frequent interruption, use sound judgment, and calm distressed community members during emergency situations in order to gather sufficient information to act appropriately and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Dispatchers operate multiple automated systems including CAD, radio system, phones, and multiple online jurisdictional databases and use various telecommunications equipment such as telephone, radio, and computer terminal.
Dispatchers are assigned to shift work; the work group is staffed 24x7, 365 days a year. Shift assignments are generally made in order of seniority although Dispatchers can be assigned shifts as needed to meet staffing requirements. Dispatchers typically work a 3/12 schedule with an eight-hour make-up day every other week and every other Sunday off. Dispatchers working the swing shift receive an additional 2.5% pay differential, and those working the graveyard (overnight) shift receive a 5% pay differential.