Police Communications Call Taker - Part-time, Non-Benefited

Police Communications Call Taker

The City of Buena Park is accepting applications for Police Communications Call Taker. This part-time, non-benefited, civilian (non-sworn) position assists Police Dispatchers receive 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls and text messages from the public. With state-of-the-art facilities that includes large windows for natural light and ergonomic sit-stand dispatcher consoles, the Buena Park Police Department offers a work environment unmatched in Orange County! If you are team-oriented, possess a strong work ethic, and have exceptional customer service and communication skills, apply today to join the City of Buena Park's elite law enforcement agency.

General Purpose : Under general supervision, receives a variety of calls and messages from the public and other sources for police assistance; monitors alarm systems and teletype communications; assists the public and police personnel by providing accurate factual information; evaluates the type and level of response necessary; inputs data into a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system; and does related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics : The Police Communications Call Taker is responsible for organizing and completing tasks in priority order to meet statutory and non-statutory work deadlines. The Police Communications Call Taker is distinguished from the Police Dispatcher who is responsible to dispatch services via radio communication systems to field personnel. There is no radio performance for this position. This class performs the routine tasks and duties necessary to handle emergency and non-emergency calls for service.

Essential Functions : The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.

• Receives and processes emergency calls including 9-1-1 calls and 9-1-1 text messages from the public for police emergency services; evaluates information to determine location of the emergency, nature of the call, need for assistance and the appropriate personnel and equipment needed to respond; maintains communication with caller until arrival of appropriate emergency units; routes calls to proper agency for service.
• Receives and processes non-emergency calls for assistance, complaints, and inquiries from the general public concerning police, fire, or medical service needs, and routes calls to the appropriate personnel.
• Enters calls into the Computer Aided Dispatch system for dispatch; may determine and override the assigned priority code, following established guidelines.
• Enters, updates, and retrieves police related data from computer and teletype networks.
• Communicates with callers to determine the disposition of calls; provides assistance and instructions.
• Maintains a clear and professional speaking voice while projecting information over communication instruments.
• May assist with the duplication of 9-1-1 calls and / or emergency radio traffic recordings for the courts, investigations, or the media.
• Contacts county and emergency management network agencies to coordinate mutual aid and call responses, and updates system data.
• Operates a variety of telecommunications and computer equipment.
• Monitors security cameras and alarms and initiates emergency responses in the event of unauthorized entries.
• Performs call-outs for a variety of resources such as animal control, towing services, medical assistance, and other specialized services.
• Provides general information regarding laws, regulations, and department policy; transfers fire, medical, or other calls to appropriate agencies.
• Researches county, state and federal national computer data banks to obtain information requested by officers or other law enforcement personnel as required.
• Testifies in court as needed.

Qualifications Guidelines : Knowledge of laws, codes, regulations, policies, and department procedures governing public safety dispatching, including radio, computer, and telephone communications, and associated receiving and transmitting equipment; Ability to learn portions of the California Penal Code, Health and Safety Code, Motor Vehicle Code, Welfare Institutions Code, and Business and Professions Code; Ability to learn and implement procedures and techniques for dealing with the public tactfully; Effective customer service techniques; English usage and spelling; Basic telephone procedures and techniques; Principles of effective verbal communication.

Ability to effectively communicate with and obtain information from upset and / or irate citizens and remain calm in receiving urgent calls, reciting facts and details, and providing instructions within emergency situations; Speak to callers courteously and tactfully; Accurately and simultaneously, monitor the status of multiple calls and units; Simultaneously operate a variety of telecommunications and computer equipment such as the CAD system, computer equipment, telephones, and teletype equipment; Type at the net rate of 45 words per minute quickly and accurately on a computer keyboard; Spell correctly; Learn the geography and the location of streets, landmarks and public and private facilities in and around the City of Buena Park; Learn and apply police records management practices and procedures; Understand and carry out oral and written directions, pertinent procedures, and functions quickly and apply them without immediate supervision; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, management, public safety dispatchers from other law enforcement agencies, and the general public. Receive confidential information and maintain confidentiality.

Physical and Mental Demands : The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands : While performing the duties of this class, the employee is constantly required to sit and occasionally stand and walk within work areas. At the communications console, the employee is expected to lean, turn, and twist to reach console resources and reference manuals. The employee is expected to use fingers to operate computer keyboard, possess manual dexterity to use multiple computer mice, and to reach above and below shoulder to access camera controls and resource books. The employee occasionally bends and kneels to access communications console equipment. The employee must be able to talk and hear when communicating with the general public, law enforcement personnel, and city staff. The employee must be able to wear a headset; must have vision sufficient to read standard text, fine print, view multiple computer monitors and have the ability to distinguish and identify different colors.

Specific vision abilities required by this class include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands : While performing the duties of this class, the employee must be able to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; interpret policies and procedures; learn and apply new information or new skills; work under deadlines with constant interruptions; and interact with upset callers, including victims and witnesses in emergency situations, reporting potential crimes and requesting emergency care, working with city staff, law enforcement personnel, and the general public in handling non-emergency calls.

Work Environment : The employee regularly works in an office environment; the noise level is moderately quiet, at or below 85 decibels, and the noise volume is occasionally louder when multiple calls are being handled. The employee needs to monitor multiple frequencies and communications by radio, telephone, and the communications console, as well as alarms and security cameras.

Education / Training / Experience : High School graduation or G.E.D. equivalent is required. Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities are as follows : Prior experience that includes heavy public contact as a telephone operator, receptionist, police cadet, or related position, is desired. On-the-job training is provided to those who demonstrate the aptitude, cooperation, and reliability to be successful in the position.

Licenses / Certificates / Special Requirements : Ability to satisfactorily complete the P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course or the P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Training Equivalency Examination within one year of assignment to this classification. Ability to be assigned to rotating work shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends, and to work overtime as needed. This position requires the ability to type at the net rate of 45 words per minute (wpm). An original typing certificate, predated up to one year, must be submitted along with the completed application. Acceptable typing certificates must meet all of the following requirements : The typing test must be a five (5) minutes time test. This must specify the net and gross speeds and total number of errors (gross speed errors = net speed). Typing certificates must be in writing and obtained within the past 12 months. Certification must be verifiable and include a valid administrator's name, signature, address and telephone number. A copy of the typing certificate must be attached and submitted with your official City employment application to be considered for this position.

Examination Process & Weights : Mandatory Meeting Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 5 : 00 p.m. Oral Interview - Weighted 40% : Wednesday, December 10, 2025 Sit-Along Evaluation - Weighted 60% : Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Applicants must submit a City application