Entry-Level and Lateral Police Dispatcher (BPOA)

Job Description:

Entry-Level and Lateral Police Dispatcher (BPOA)

Description

Marketing Statement

Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.

Job Summary

DEFINITION
Under general supervision, receives emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatches police units or other police personnel; performs related work as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Police Dispatcher is a specialized police civilian class, providing technical communications support for police activities. In addition to dispatching services in both emergency and routine situations, incumbents perform varied record keeping and similar work in support of police activities. This class is distinguished from other non-sworn job classifications in the Police Department by the fact that it is the only job classification, along with the Lead Police Dispatcher job classification, assigned primary responsibility for the operation of a computerized communication center and the dispatch of BART Police personnel. The Police Dispatcher classification is further distinguished from the Lead Police Dispatcher classification in that it is the entry level position in the class series, whereas the latter is responsible for providing lead direction to dispatch staff and for performing the most complex duties in the class series.

Who May Apply
All current BART employees and qualified individuals who are not yet BART employees.

Reports To
Police Civilian Supervisor, Communications

Days Off
As assigned. Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

REPORTS TO
Police Dispatchers report to the Police Civilian Supervisor, Communications.

Department
BART Police Department is a progressive agency and has been on the forefront - and in some cases the model approach to training in the areas of fair and impartial policing, bias-based policing, crisis intervention, cultural competence training, and de-escalation training. The mission of the BART Police Department is to ensure a safe environment within our transit system, reduce crime through a highly visible police presence, and proactive enforcement of the law, and to promote public confidence by working in partnership with our stakeholders and the communities we serve.

Current Assignment
The incumbent will receive and prioritize incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency telephone calls, operate radio to dispatch patrol units and other police personnel to crime scenes and other transit system emergencies and incidents. Responsibilities also include operating a computer terminal to access a variety of police information, provides radio assistance and information to Police Officers. The incumbent will process highly confidential information in accordance with state and federal statutes and will coordinate emergency response with other law enforcement agencies and emergency services.

Selection Process
The successful candidate must have an employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability; provide copies of certificates, diplomas or other documents as required by law, including those establishing his/her right to work in the U. S.; pass a pre-employment medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screen, and which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include an extensive background check and successful completion of a polygraph exam. (Does not apply to current full-time BART Police Department employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations).

If you are selected to proceed in the background investigative phase of the process, you will be asked to provide some essential documents. The following are some of the documents you may be asked to provide: naturalization/citizenship papers, birth certificates, school transcripts, proof of selective service (men only), DMV driving history documents, proof of automobile insurance, marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable), and POST certificates (if applicable).

*** The selection process may take six (6) months to one (1) year. ***

The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Candidates that are unsuccessful in the selection process can reapply for future openings at a later date.

Entry-Level Police Dispatcher
Applicants will be considered an Entry-Level Police Dispatcher candidate if they are NOT currently or previously employed as a dispatcher at a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) agency, possess a POST Dispatcher (Academy) Certificate or successfully passed the POST Dispatcher Test Entry Level Battery exam with a T-Score of 48 or higher.

The selection process for the Entry-Level Police Dispatcher will include 5 phases. Candidates must pass each phase to move on to the next phase of the selection process.

Phase 1: POST Entry-Level Test Battery (Dispatcher) written examination. (Testing is tentatively scheduled for November 2024.)
Phase 2: Minimum Qualifications screening
Phase 3: Typing Test (Or typing certificate submission)

Typing Certificate Requirements:
• 5- minute timed test
• Must be able to type at a speed of 40 net words per minute
• Certificate must include gross and net words per minute with no more than 10 errors
• Typing certificates must be within the last six (6) months by a recognized college, public school, or temporary employment agency

NOTE: Current BART employees who are occupying positions which presently require a 40 WPM typing requirement will be exempt from meeting the typing certificate requirement for the Entry-Level Police Dispatcher.

Phase 4: Oral Board Interview
Phase 5: Background investigation. (may include polygraph, psychological screening)

Lateral Police Dispatcher
Applicants will be considered a Lateral Police Dispatcher candidate IF they meet the following criteria:

1. Have a valid POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (T-Score) of 48 or higher dated within the last 12 months AND a valid typing certificate
2. Have a valid POST Dispatcher Academy Certificate and/or POST Dispatcher Certificate AND a valid typing certificate; OR
3. You are currently or were employed as a Dispatcher for a POST Agency. (Note a typing test or certificate may be required)

Typing Certificate Requirements:
• 5- minute timed test
• Must be able to type at a speed of 40 net words per minute
• Certificate must include gross and net words per minute with no more than 10 errors
• Typing certificates must be within the last six (6) months by a recognized college, public school, or temporary employment agency

The selection process for the Lateral Police Dispatcher will include 4 phases. Candidates must pass each phase to move on to the next phase of the selection process.

Phase 1: Submittal and verification of the required documentation.
Phase 2: Minimum Qualifications screening
Phase 3: Oral Board Interview
Phase 4: Background investigation. (may include polygraph, psychological evaluation

Examples of Duties

Receives and prioritizes incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency telephone calls.

Operates radio to dispatch patrol units and other police personnel to crime scenes and other transit system emergencies and incidents.
Operates computer terminal to access a variety of police information.
Provides radio assistance and information to Police Officers.
Coordinates emergency response with other law enforcement agencies and emergency services.
Maintains service records and logs other computerized information.
Coordinates activities with those of central control for emergency train intercepts, power turn off and other revenue vehicle system emergencies.
Provides police-related telephone information to District patrons; answers telephone inquiries from other law enforcement agencies.
Notifies outside law enforcement agencies of crime and emergency incidents within their jurisdiction; assists in processing police warrants.
Provides records assistance to the Police Department's property and traffic units; monitors District system alarm calls and coordinates response.
Performs a variety of clerical duties, including typing on computer keyboard to input and retrieve automated internal records and local, state, and national criminal information.

Minimum Qualifications

Education
Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent.

Experience
One (1) year (full-time equivalent) verifiable experience in a position requiring extensive public contact, communication skills and effective interpersonal relationships. Previous experience with computer terminals and safety dispatching is desirable.

Other Requirements

• Must be able to successfully pass a detailed background investigation prior to appointment.
• Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Must type at 40 net wpm with no more than ten (10) errors.
• Must be able to move quickly from one workstation to another and perform any combination of duties or other related tasks at the same time.

Environmental Conditions:
Office environment; exposure to computer screens.

Physical Conditions:
Requires maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of :

• Basic law enforcement terminology, rules and procedures.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of common office equipment.
• Law enforcement dispatch policies and procedures.

Skill in :

• Memorizing codes, names, locations and other detailed information; obtaining information from individuals in emergency situations.
• Understanding and following oral and written directions.
• Making rapid and sound independent judgments in emergency situations.
• Using two-way radio communication equipment effectively.
• Using an on-line computer to access a variety of information.
• Working under periods of stress and dealing with multiple activities simultaneously.
• Performing routine clerical duties.
• Communicating tactfully and effectively with the public, including persons who may be emotional or difficult to understand.
• Maintaining accurate files.

Equal Employment Opportunity GroupBox1

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at employment@bart.gov .

Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document or proof of disability and complete/submit the Veteran's Preference Application no later than the closing date of the posting. For more information about this credit please go to the Veteran's Preference Policy and Application link at www.bart.gov/jobs .

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) prides itself in offering best in class benefits packages to employees of the District. Currently, the following benefits may be available to employees in this job classification.

Highlights

• Medical Coverage (or $350/month if opted out)
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Insurance (Basic and Enhanced Plans Available)
• Retirement Plan through the CA Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
  • 2% @ 55 (Miscellaneous Members - Classic)
  • 2% @ 62 (Miscellaneous Members - PEPRA)
  • 3% @ 50 (Safety Members - Classic)
  • 2.7% @ 57 (Safety Members - PEPRA)
  • Reciprocity available for existing members of many other public retirement systems (see BART website and/or CalPERS website for details)

Money Purchase Pension Plan (in-lieu of participating in Social Security tax)

• 6.65% employer contribution up to annual maximum of $1,868.65

Deferred Compensation & Roth 457 Sick Leave Accruals (12 days per year) Vacation Accruals (3-5 weeks based on time worked w/ the District) Holidays:

• Sworn Officers & Police Dispatchers: No floating holidays or observed holidays, but 6.6% pay differential provided above base pay rate
• Non-Sworn Staff: 9 observed holidays and 4 floating holidays

Life Insurance may be available through employee union Survivor Benefits through BART Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance may be available through employee union Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and Dependent Care Commuter Benefits Free BART Passes for BART employees and eligible family members.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$81,409.54 - $99,087.46 Annually