Job Location : Ontario,CA, USA
The Position
Police Dispatcher (Lateral Entry) - $5,428.80 - $6,662.94
Senior Police Dispatcher - $5,967.87 - $7,325.07
Enjoy a rewarding career with the Ontario Police Department. This recruitment will result in an eligibility list for the Police Dispatcher classification to meet the current and future staffing needs of the Police Department. Police Dispatchers are eligible for promotion to Senior Police Dispatcher upon meeting the position's requirements, receiving satisfactory performance evaluations, and at the recommendation of management.
The Ontario Police Department is seeking applicants with one year of continuous experience in public safety emergency communications and two-way radio operations to join the Department's communication operations. Police Dispatchers are the first to act in an emergency and are the most valuable link between the public and the Police personnel who serve and protect the community. Being a Police Dispatcher in Ontario means being a part of an elite and well respected professional group. Ontario's Police Dispatchers have chosen a profession that is in the business of helping others and find it to be a highly rewarding career.
This position responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service; identifies and dispatches Police units using telecommunications equipment; gathers and relays critical information to law enforcement officers; documents calls and responses; and complies with department policies and procedures to assure the safety of City personnel and the public. This position entails the need for applicants with dedication and strong desire to provide excellent customer service and enhance our community safety. Additionally they must possess the ability to work under pressure while remaining productive.
Background Check Process
All appointments to this position are subject to the successful completion of an in-depth background investigation conducted by the Ontario Police Department as well as a physical examination including a drug screening. The background investigation is a rigorous process which often takes several months to complete. A typical background investigation includes but is not limited to: background interviews with individuals designated by the Ontario Police Department (this may include current and former co-workers, friends, relatives, neighbors, or any other relevant individual), criminal background check, credit check, polygraph examination, and physiological evaluation. Candidates may be disqualified from further consideration during the background investigation for a variety of reasons including if they have: an excessive number of traffic citations and/or collisions; arrests and/or convictions; a history of illegal substance abuse; poor credit history (factors include bankruptcy, foreclosures, liens, repossessions, and recency); or thefts from a previous employer. For clarification of any of the above disqualifying reasons, please call Police Department Background Unit at (909) ###-####. The following list describes some areas that are covered in the background investigation:
* Your relatives, references, and acquaintances are asked to comment on your suitability for this position.
* The information supplied regarding your educational history is examined and verified.
* You must list a history of your residences.
* Your work history and experience are examined with regard to your dependability, relationships with fellow workers, trustworthiness, and general job performance.
* Military service records are subject to verification.
* The background investigation considers your management of personal finances (however, being in debt does not automatically disqualify you).
* Your criminal, driving, and insurance records are evaluated.
The Ontario Police Department
The mission of the Ontario Police Department is to protect life and property, solve neighborhood problems, and enhance the quality of life in our community. We do this by providing superior police services while fostering successful community partnerships.
TEAMWORK: Fulfilling community partnerships that instill pride, passion and commitment through communication and performance. Learn from the past and embrace the future through empowerment, respect, and cooperation.
PROFESSIONALISM: It is not the job we do; it is how we do our job. We are engaging and considerate with our actions, image, and conduct.
INTEGRITY: We hold honesty as our guiding principle. When faced with difficult decisions, we do the right thing, even in the face of adversity.
ACCOUNTABILITY: We openly identify and address problems and willingly accept responsibility for our own actions.
DEDICATION: We are committed to our craft and to the residents, businesses, and visitors of the City of Ontario.
Ontario is an economic leader in the Inland Empire, making it an excellent choice for a law enforcement career. We offer the opportunities and resources of a large department with the teamwork of a small one.
The City of Ontario
The City of Ontario is a dynamic leading community in the Inland Empire with a variety of full-time and part-time employment and volunteer opportunities. Ontario enjoys the reputation of being a progressive City which provides solid leadership to its citizens and to the business community. The City provides a full range of services to the community including; Police, Fire, Management Services, Community Life & Culture, Community Development, Public Works, Financial Services and the Ontario Municipal Utilities Company The City's team is staffed with approximately 1,200 full-time and 200 part-time diverse and talented employees who work to support a common goal of providing excellent service to the community.
We invite you to learn more about the City of Ontario by reviewing the City's website. A few useful links are also listed below:
Approach to Public Service (Core values for City of Ontario employees)
OntarioCityEmployees.org (Information about City of Ontario employee benefit plans)
The Ontario Plan (The City's Comprehensive Business Plan for Development)
Examples of Essential Functions
The essential functions typically performed by the Police Dispatcher include the following:
* Receives, identifies, and records a variety of calls for assistance from the public related to Police services.
* Hears, understands, and reacts to radio and telephone communication often simultaneously.
* Calms distressed callers, uses interview techniques to gain incident information, and enters calls for service in a timely and accurate manner.
* Provides information to callers, prepares telephone requests for assistance, assigns incident numbers to occurring events, and refers callers to other staff/agencies as appropriate.
* Dispatches Police personnel and equipment based on computerized recommendations, response procedure guidelines, and knowledge of agency requirements.
* Communicates with Police personnel in the field and informs emergency command staff of pending responses from other agencies.
* Maintains status of calls via computer screens, keyboard, and other communications equipment.
* Conducts tests of emergency communication equipment as needed.
* Coordinates use of radio frequencies among ground units and performs routine communication via radio paging for administrative staff.
* Testifies credibly in court.
* Prioritizes safety related information and analyzes complex information for situational changes.
* Applies a working knowledge of regional geography for all the areas served by the Communications Center.
* Serves as back up for Records Division after hours, including CLETS entries.
* Transmits all-point bulletins received by teletype or radio to field units.
* Contacts other agencies to check on subject warrants.
* Runs registration checks on vehicles, property, wanted information, and driver's license status and responds to special requests.
* Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualification Guidelines
The following are the minimum qualifications for the Police Dispatcher position. If you do not possess these qualifications, please consider applying for the Police Dispatcher Trainee if/when that position becomes available.
Education
High School diploma or recognized equivalent.
Experience
One year of continuous experience in public safety emergency communications and two-way radio operations and techniques, and complaint phone processing within the last 3 years.
POST Requirements
In addition to the experience requirements above, candidates must demonstrate successful completion of one of the following requirements as defined by Commission Regulation 1957:
* Proof of possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate; or
* 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
* Completion of the POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery. If you have previously completed the POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery with another agency, the City of Ontario will accept your score provided that the previous exam was completed with one year and you have a T-Score of 45 or higher. The City of Ontario will not conduct its own written examination.
Proof of successful completion of one of the requirements listed above must be attached to your application. Failure to attach documentation to your application will result in disqualification from the selection process.
Desirable
* Knowledge of CLETS terminal use for law enforcement purposes.
* Knowledge of computer video display terminal and keyboard.
* Knowledge of geography and major road networks of the City and surrounding service areas.
Background Investigation
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the Ontario Police Department.
Special Requirements
* Ability to work any shift in a 24-hour/day, 7-day/week operation on a rotational basis including weekends and holidays. Shift assignments are based on seniority.
* Ability to work mandatory overtime.
* Ability and willingness to wear mandatory uniform and communication head set.
* Ability to type at a speed of 45 words per minute.
* Ability to learn and retain an extensive amount of codes, terminology and procedures required to perform the basic functions of the job.
Ability to
* Operate a current version Windows based personal computer. Operate a personal computer keyboard with sufficient speed and accuracy to accomplish the core job functions of Police Dispatcher.
* Read, learn, and understand complex instructions and documentation including standard operating procedures, training materials, general orders, maps, and related material.
* Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
* Understand and retain complex instructions and training concepts.
* Interact and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
* Establish, maintain, and foster positive, harmonious, and effective working relationships and demonstrate a cooperative and professional attitude at all times.
* Maintain the confidentiality of information as prescribed by law.
* Speak to callers using clarity, courtesy, and tact.
* Work in an environment with exposure to stressful situations which may result from pressure to provide an appropriate and timely response and follow-up required by emergency and routine events that often occur simultaneously.
Supplemental Information
Sample Career Progression
Police Dispatchers are eligible for promotion to Senior Police Dispatcher upon meeting all requirements, receiving satisfactory performance evaluations, and recommendations from management. Employees interested in promoting to the level of Police Dispatch Supervisor must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and must successfully compete in a recruitment process. The position of Police Dispatcher and subsequent positions in this career field are both challenging and rewarding due to the nature of emergency work. Below is a sample career progression for an employee in the Ontario Police Department's Communications Division.
Police Dispatcher $4,525.73 - $5,555.33 per month
Senior Police Dispatcher $4,976.40 - $6,108.26 per month
Police Dispatch Supervisor $7,023.46- $8,533.20 per month
Police Communications Manager $7,758.40 - $9,427.60 per month
Police Dispatch Probationary Period
The probationary period is to be regarded as an integral part of the testing procedures and shall be utilized for closely observing an employee's work and adjustment within the organization. Police Dispatch Trainees are subject to a probationary period of 18 months. Original and promotional appointments to the positions of Police Dispatcher, Senior Police Dispatcher, and Police Dispatch Supervisor are subject to a probationary period of 12 months. Employees within the Police Dispatcher series will not attain regular status until the successful completion of the probationary period as a Senior Police Dispatcher which could take 3.5 to 5 years following the employee's original hire date.
How to Apply
Apply online by clicking on the Apply link at the top of this announcement. If this is the first time applying for a position using governmentjobs.com you will be prompted to create a new user account, otherwise log in with your user name and password. Your application and responses to any supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position. It is suggested that your application include the following:
* List any relevant experience and education that demonstrates that you qualify for the position.
* List all periods of employment for at least the past 10 years, beginning with your most recent or present employer (including, if applicable, all employment with the City of Ontario).
* Separately list each position held, including different positions with the same employer.
A resume may be attached to your application but will not substitute for the proper completion of your application. Applications that are not properly completed may be rejected.
Supplemental Questions
To complete your application for this position you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. This information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed and scored by a panel of raters familiar with this position.
Incomplete responses, false statements, omission, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Your responses should be consistent with the information provided on your application.
Please provide succinct, concise, descriptive, and detailed information for each question. If you have no experience, write no experience for the appropriate question.
Email Notices
Email is the primary way that the Human Resources or Hiring Department will communicate with you. Please check your email account (including the SPAM folder) on a regular basis for any emails related to the application or selection process. Emails from the city of Ontario will come from @ontarioca.gov or governmentjobs.com. If you change your email address after submitting your application please visit governmentjobs.com and update your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any additional questions regarding the application process, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page.
The City of Ontario values the health and wellness of our employees and their families. We understand benefits are an important part of your total compensation and we take pride in offering a comprehensive benefit package. Please check out our excellent benefit packages here www.ontariocityemployees.org.
Depending upon the assignment, employees within this classification may fall under the Part-Time Compensation and Benefits Profile or be represented by Teamsters Local 1932. For a list of benefits of benefits offered, please review the applicable benefits brochure.
Part-Time - Benefits/Part-Time Guide 2022 FINAL.pdf
Teamsters Local 1932 - Benefits/Teamsters Guide 2022 FINAL.pdf
01
INSTRUCTIONS: The information on your application and the following supplemental questionnaire will be used in the evaluation of your qualifications. Detailed responses should be provided in order to ensure that your qualifications are properly considered. If the item does not apply, please enter N/A.
* I understand the above statement
02
Do you have a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent?
* Yes
* No
03
The minimum qualifications for this position include one year of continuous experience in public safety emergency communications two-way radio operation and complaint phone processing within the last 3 years. Please indicate your years of related experience below. (Note: Your experience must be clearly detailed within the work experience section of your job application.)
* No experience
* Less than 1 year of experience
* 1 to 2 years of experience
* 3 or more years of experience
04
Do you possess a Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate issued by California POST?
* Yes
* No
05
If you answered 'Yes' to the question above, please provide the certificate type, date issued, and attach a copy of your certificate to your application.
06
All appointments to this position are subject to the successful completion of an in-depth background investigation conducted by the Ontario Police Department as well as a physical examination including a drug screening. The background investigation is a rigorous process which often takes several months to complete. A typical background investigation includes but is not limited to: background interviews with individuals designated by the Ontario Police Department (this may include current and former co-workers, friends, relatives and neighbors, or any other relevant individual), criminal background check, credit check, polygraph examination, and physiological evaluation. Candidates may be disqualified from further consideration during the background investigation for a variety of reasons including if they have: an excessive number of traffic citations and/or collisions; arrests and/or convictions; a history of illegal substance abuse; poor credit history (factors include bankruptcy, foreclosures, liens, repossessions, and recency); or thefts from a previous employer. For clarification of any of the above disqualifying reasons, please call Police Department Background Unit at (909) ###-####. Please indicate that you have read the statement above by selecting Yes.
* Yes
* No
07
Pre-Employment Background Questionnaire As an applicant for this position with the City of Ontario, you are required to complete this background questionnaire. This questionnaire supplements your application, which will be treated in the same manner. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you are not required nor are you expected to furnish any information in this questionnaire that is of a medical nature. For example, do not report any work absences for illness or workers compensation claims. Do not discuss or report any disabilities you might have. This information is strictly medical in nature, and as this questionnaire is part of the pre-job offer background investigation, is not subject to disclosure during this portion of the background investigation. For the purpose of this questionnaire, illegal drug possession shall be defined as each time the illegal drug was in your personal possession either on/or within the body or in the hands, clothing, vehicle, home, residence, or any other area that you controlled. Please read and answer all of the questions. You are admonished to answer all questions completely and truthfully. If you are dishonest in your answers, fail to fully answer any question, or misstate any material facts, you will be disqualified from further consideration for this position. Remember that your response may be subject to verification by a polygraph examination. I have read and understand the information above.
* Yes
* No
08
The purpose of a pre-employment background investigation, for all intents and purposes, is to verify that the application you have submitted and any statements you have made to the City of Ontario concerning your qualifications are true. The California Courts have held that an employer has a legal duty to know the persons whom it employs. In some cases, California law may mandate a background investigation before employment, while in other cases it is merely a case of public policy or prudence before placing someone in a position of public trust. Both State and Federal Courts have also held that there is an absolute necessity for public employees to be truthful. You must understand that a lack of truthfulness or deception of any type on your part will automatically and irrevocably result in your application being rejected from further consideration. For some people, there may be one or more incidents or occurrences in their background which they regret or over which they may feel some embarrassment. A prospective employer will not make inquiries into areas of a person's background which have no legitimate bearing on their qualifications for the job. However, you should understand that the mere presence of so-called negative information in your background is not automatically disqualifying. For example, an applicant may have engaged in petty thievery as a child, have used illegal drugs, may have been fired from a job, or even have been convicted of a crime as an adult. While these things, in and of themselves, may not automatically remove that person from consideration for a job, lying about them will. I have read and understand the information above.
* Yes
* No
09
A pre-employment background investigation is not intended to be an intimidating experience or an unwarranted invasion into your privacy. Your background investigator will contact persons who know you, including present and/or former employers, and will examine official documents and records concerning you to assure that you have been honest in your application in order to fulfill the legal mandates imposed by the Courts and the Legislature. The more forthright you have been, the greater the likelihood that your background investigation can be completed in a timely and successful manner. ADVISEMENT TO APPLICANT I understand that any false statements and/or deliberate misrepresentations, whether by omission or commission, will result in my application being automatically and irrevocably rejected from further consideration. I certify that I have read the above statement, understand its contents, and may print a copy for my records. My typed name below indicates my understanding of the above advisement.
10
INSTRUCTIONS Carefully read and answer each question. If you answer YES to any question, you MUST write a complete and thorough explanation as a response to question #31. Reference your answer to the corresponding question number. All written responses must be answered completely, accurately, truthfully, and thoroughly. Provide date, locations, amounts, etc. Vague, ambiguous, misleading, or unanswered responses may be cause for disqualification from further consideration. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), do not list any medical related information or history about yourself on this questionnaire or any attached pages. Those employed with the Ontario Police Department must be able to read, interpret, comprehend, and complete police reports, forms, and other documents accurately and in a timely manner. For this reason, in addition to evaluating your moral character and suitability, we will evaluate your ability to complete this questionnaire accurately. Your ability to write clear statements, which accurately describe an occurrence, will be evaluated. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Human Resources Department at (909) ###-####. I have read and understand the information above.
* Yes
* No
11
Have you ever been convicted of a crime, been arrested, detained, or questioned by any law enforcement agency?
* Yes
* No
12
In the past 10 years, have you committed any felony crime that was undetected?
* Yes
* No
13
Have you ever committed identity theft, fraud, forgery, or counterfeiting whether or not it was detected?
* Yes
* No
14
Have you ever had a restraining order issued against you?
* Yes
* No
15
Have you ever committed (detected or undetected), been accused of, or questioned about child abuse, child neglect, child molestation, or illegal sex acts?
* Yes
* No
16
Have you ever viewed, purchased, sold, or subscribed to child pornography? (books, magazines, internet, etc.)
* Yes
* No
17
Have you ever stolen anything where if you would have been caught you could have been arrested or faced criminal prosecution?
* Yes
* No
18
Have you ever stolen any money, goods, or services from a place where you worked?
* Yes
* No
19
Have you ever belonged to or associated with a subversive or militant group, criminal street gang, alliance, or organization that advocates racism or hatred toward others because of their way of life, background, culture, or customs?
* Yes
* No
20
Have you ever touched, held, or possessed any illegal drug or substance? Includes prescription medication that is not prescribed to you. (If so, provide type of substance, dates you possessed, and number of time for each illegal substance.)
* Yes
* No
21
Were you discharged from any military branch in any way other than honorable?
* Yes
* No
22
Have you ever been fired or resigned in lieu of being terminated from any employment in the past 10 years?
* Yes
* No
23
In your past 10 years of employment, have you received any disciplinary actions? (Includes suspensions, written reprimands, verbal reprimands, counseling)
* Yes
* No
24
Have you ever been accused of sexual harassment?
* Yes
* No
25
In the past 5 years, have you been issued a traffic citation? (If so, give date, location, type of violation, issuing agency, and the disposition for each citation.)
* Yes
* No
26
In the past 5 years, as a driver, have you been involved in a motor vehicle collision? (If so, give date, location, type of injuries involved, whether or not law enforcement responded, whether or not a report was taken for each collision.)
* Yes
* No
27
Have you ever driven off or fled the scene of a traffic collision whether or not it was detected? (hit and run)
* Yes
* No
28
Has your driver's license ever been suspended or revoked?
* Yes
* No
29
Have you ever been disqualified from employment by any law enforcement agency? (regular or volunteer)
* Yes
* No
30
Have you ever been rejected or disqualified by any law enforcement agency for any reason during a hiring process?
* Yes
* No
31
Please use the space below to provide a complete and thorough explanation for any questions to which you answered yes (#11 through #30).
Required Question
Agency City of Ontario
Address 200 North Cherry Avenue
Ontario, California, 91764
Phone 909.###.####
909.###.####
Website