Job Duties
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Primary job responsibilities include answering 9-1-1 emergency calls for police, fire, and medical assistance
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Ensure correct resources are sent to each call for assistance
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Determine priority, nature, and location of calls for assistance
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Maintain the status of public safety personnel when dispatched for service
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Keep complete and accurate records, logs, and reports
with the
San Bernardino Police Department
SETTING THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
Competitive base pay
Hourly
MONTHLY
YEARLY
Police Dispatcher 1 (Flex)...........$24.64 - $29.95.....................$4,270 - $5,191.............$51,249 - $62,297
Police Dispatcher 2....................$28.76 - $34.96......................$4,984 - $6,059............$59,816 - $72,708
Police Dispatcher Supervisor....$35.01 - $42.56.......................$6,069 - $7,377.............$72,830 - $88,530​
Generous BENEFITS PACKAGE
pAID LEAVE
96 hours sick leave per year
120 hours holiday leave per year
80 hours vacation leave per year
INSURANCE
Choice of medical, dental, and vision plans
City-paid life insurance policy
City-paid accidental death and disability policy
RETIREMENT
Enrollment in the CA
Public Employees Retirement System
(CalPERS) 2% at age 62 Plan
Classic CalPERS members will be enrolled in the 2% at age 55 plan
Minimum Qualifications
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High school graduate, General Educational Development (GED) certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate
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One year of customer service experience
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Ability to type a minimum of 30 wpm
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Ability to pass a thorough background investigation and psychological screening
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Willing and able to work Day, Swing, and Midnight shifts
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Willing and able to work weekends and holidays
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Willing and able to work mandatory overtime during critical incidents
HOW DO I PREPARE?
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Practice typing to ensure minimum speed requirement will be met
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Practice typing what you hear, as you hear it.
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Practice typing while YOU talk. It's not that easy! You'll need this skill...
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Make arrangements to "sit-along" or tour a variety of Communications Centers.
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Know that it is nothing like the movies. Every Communications Center is different.
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Practice listening skills. Watch TV and read a book, listen to the radio at the same time.
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Learn how to read a map, and to give directions to someone over the phone.
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Learn the phonetic alphabets (both of 'em!) and practice saying license plates out loud.
"Three David Adam Henry Four Seven Nine" or "Three Delta Alpha Hotel Four Seven Nine." -
Check around for Public Safety Communications courses at local community colleges.
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Take 1st Aid & CPR courses -- it might not be a requirement, but it's a valuable skill.
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Buy or borrow a radio scanner. Listen to the professionals!
Frequently asked questions
Q: How old do I have to be to apply?
​A: 18 years of age to apply, there is no other age limit.​​
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Q: Do I have to complete the POST-Public Safety Dispatcher Course before submitting my application?
A: No, completing the POST Public Safety Dispatcher Course is not a requirement at the time your application is submitted. ​
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Q: If I am an out-of-state applicant can I consolidate any part(s) of the hiring process?
A: A limited amount of consolidation could occur during the hiring process.
Q: Do I need to be a U.S. Citizen to apply?
A: You would need to be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship.​
Q: Will poor credit, bankruptcy, or bills in collections be a disqualifier during the hiring process?
A: Not necessarily, each application will be reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Can I still apply with a DUI conviction?
A: 1 DUI conviction within 3 years of your application or 2 DUI convictions would be a disqualifier.
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Q: Will moving violation convictions (traffic tickets) disqualify me from the hiring process?
A: 3 or more moving violations within the past 3 years would be a disqualifier.
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Q: Can I do a sit-along in dispatch during the hiring process?
A: If you reach the background process a sit-along with be scheduled for you by your background investigator.
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Q: If I am disqualified at any point during the hiring process can I reapply?
A: Yes, you may reapply every 30 days.