Job Description

Police Dispatcher

The South Pasadena Police Department is seeking a qualified professional to take on the role of Police Dispatcher. Current starting salary: up to $76,356 depending on qualifications (DOQ). This recruitment is open continuous and may close or be extended at any time without notice. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. The first review of applications will be September 1, 2025. This is a non-sworn position with an assigned work schedule of 3-12, 4-10 or 5-8 work schedule depending upon assignment. Under the general supervision of the Watch Commander, handles communications responsibilities by receiving emergency and routine calls and dispatching law enforcement personnel, processes arrestees, including booking and transport to Pasadena Police Department or Sheriff's Central Jail, and performs other duties as required which are deemed beneficial to the Department.

Examples of duties include, but are not limited to, receiving emergency and routine calls for law enforcement service and dispatching appropriate personnel; maintaining radio contact and status of in-field units; coordinating with City departments, emergency services, and other government agencies; monitoring of other radio frequencies; entering, updating, and retrieving information from national, state and local computer systems; maintaining a daily dispatch log; training of other communications personnel; receiving reports and complaints from the public by phone and in person; providing for the processing, security, health, and welfare of persons in custody; transporting of persons in custody to court and from other law enforcement agencies; gathering information and completing reports of selected police incidents; providing parking enforcement by issuing citations and towing vehicles for California Vehicle Code and City ordinance violations; assisting with traffic and crowd control; processing of evidence and financial transactions; accurately preparing related forms and reports for all assigned tasks; performing clerical work as required. Police Assistants may be required to work additional or overtime shifts consistent with Department policies.

Education and experience: a high school diploma or equivalent. Prior dispatch experience (preferably in the public sector) is highly desirable. A valid California driver license; completion of a P.O.S.T Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course before or within one year from date of appointment. Knowledge of: English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation; typewriter/computer keyboarding; general office procedures and equipment. Ability to: understand and communicate tactfully with the public, persons in custody, and fellow employees; function appropriately in emergency and routine situations with the public, persons in custody, and fellow employees; accurately interpret codes and ordinances and apply investigative techniques to assess compliance; follow through on assignments; make logical interpretations, and come to conclusions from studying facts; operate specified Police Department equipment necessary for completion of daily tasks, such as, but not limited to, police dispatch and records equipment, police computer equipment, police vehicle and portable radios, and police patrol vehicles. Candidates must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time, climb at least five flights of stairs unassisted, coordinate eyes, hands, and fingers in typing; exert light to moderate physical effort, and exert sufficient force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and safely and legally control persons in custody. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate in the field.

Selection process: candidates considered for employment must successfully complete a typing speed exam, a POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery exam (or have received an exemption waiver), an oral interview, a polygraph, an extensive background investigation, psychological evaluation, and a medical examination. You may qualify to be exempt from the typing speed test, if you can attach a typing certificate that contains the following: - Applicant's name - Name of issuing agency - Signature of agency representative certifying the certificate - Date of administration (Test must be dated within one year of application due date) - Five minute timed test indicating the gross typing speed, errors and NET typing speed. Net typing score of 40 wpm or more. - Online or self-administered tests will not be accepted A copy of your typing certificate must be attached to the application to be considered for exemption. You may qualify to be exempt from the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Exam, if you can provide proof of completing one of the following: (1) Achievement of a passing score of 48 on the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery. The score must be provided on the agency's letterhead and completed within 365 days of filing application OR (2) Proof of successful completion of the POST certified Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course (80 hours minimum) AND completion of probation as a public safety dispatcher during previous employment OR (3) Possess a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate. A copy of your proof must be attached to the application to be considered for exemption. The City reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice. Individuals determined to be qualified and best aligned to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. To be considered, please submit an online application, including a cover letter, resume, and proof of education (if qualifying with a degree) in PDF format. Applications that fail to include all necessary documents may be considered incomplete and will not be taken into consideration. The City of South Pasadena is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of South Pasadena intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please email HR@southpasadenaca.gov. The City of South Pasadena will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act.

About the City: The City of South Pasadena (population 26,047) is a charming community located only eight miles from downtown Los Angeles on the west side of the San Gabriel Valley. South Pasadena is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, stunning homes, unique small businesses, top-quality schools and a strong commitment to community. South Pasadena is also a full-service city with its own fire, police and water departments. Occupying 3.44 square miles of flatlands and hillsides, South Pasadena's unique character makes it one of California's most desirable locations. The City has a rich history of intact late 19th and early 20th Century neighborhoods and residences, giving it a strong claim as one of the oldest and most historic sites in the San Gabriel Valley. One of the first suburbs of Los Angeles, South Pasadena maintains small-town quality, with charming residential streetscapes, and a historic commercial core, making it one of Hollywood's favorite suburban filming locations, featured in numerous television and big screen productions. South Pasadena is frequently recognized as a family and environmentally friendly community. The City enjoys quiet, attractive, walkable neighborhoods and a low crime rate. There are numerous active community organizations in South Pasadena, including the Oneonta Club, WISPPA, South Pasadena Arts Council, AYSO, Little League, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Women's Club, Chamber of Commerce, South Pasadena Preservation Foundation, Holy Family Church, St. James Church, South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, South Pasadena Chinese-American Club, Vecinos and many others. Boasting over 100 acres of parks and playgrounds and more than 21,000 trees, the City's picturesque environment invites residents and visitors to enjoy numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. South Pasadena offers an 18 hole, Par-3 golf course, tennis, racquet and pickleball facilities, horse stables and a dog park all in its picturesque Arroyo Seco area. Small, proud and independent, the City of South Pasadena has preserved its status as a unique community for over a hundred years.

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