Job Description

Posting number: 283-2026

Department: Police

Job classification: Police Radio Dispatcher I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Safety, Miscellaneous, Dispatch

Summary

Performs responsible communication's work receiving and transmitting messages and general information over police radio, computer, and telephone.

For more detailed information about becoming a City of Spokane Police Radio Dispatcher I, visit the SPD Recruitment Website.

Examples of duties

• Receives incoming calls and messages by police radio and telephone and/or computer.
• Provides requested information; transmits messages or information to mobile units.
• Dispatches additional police units on trouble calls as directed.
• Relays messages between mobile units, portable units, and other City departments.
• May operate an electronic message recorder.
• Maintains an operational log.
• May monitor other City department radio frequencies.
• Prepares necessary reports, records, and files.
• Operates a computer terminal.
• Assists in maintaining appropriate radio files.
• Maintains radio and telephone contact with other agencies and/or public safety support organizations.
• Enters, updates, and receives information, emergency, and non-emergency, using the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and mobile data terminals.
• Dispatches mobile units in accordance with Police Department policies and directives.
• Dispatches emergency personnel in accordance with department policy or as directed.
• Assists in the preparation and maintenance of records and reports.
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

Open Entry Requirements:

(Open-entry applicants must meet all requirements when they apply.)

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Typing Speed: Ability to type a minimum of 150 keystrokes (30 words) per minute.

Pre-employment Requirements:

• All applicants are subject to a thorough police background investigation, including but not limited to criminal history, fingerprinting, and polygraph.
• To facilitate the background investigation, applicants must submit a Personal History Statement (PHS) form. Completion of this form is MANDATORY for employment consideration.

Supplemental information

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination for this position to be eligible for hire.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit a City of Spokane employment application online by 4:00 p.m. on the filing cut-off date.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

The examination will consist of a dispatcher test, with weights assigned as follows:

• Police Radio Dispatcher Examination with skill simulations 100%

This is an online examination and will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local, public library.

Police Radio Dispatcher I examination links with instructions will be emailed out via a link from Test Genius (onlinetesting@invitations.testgenius.com). Once you receive the link, the testing window is Thursday, 12:00 AM to the following Monday at 11:59 PM.

NOTE: You may begin the exam at any time during the test period; however, once you begin, you will have to complete the examination at that time. You may take the exam only once during the open recruitment period. The approximate duration of this exam is 2 hours.

All examination results will be merged into one eligible list according to final ratings, pursuant to the Merit System Rules of the Civil Service Commission: Rule IV, Section 13 – Continuous Examinations.

The test may include such subjects as:

• Keyboarding
• Decision Making
• Data Entry
• Reading Comprehension
• Map Reading

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status or disability status. As a Fair Chance employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.