As a Lateral Communications Operator, you will work under the supervision of the Communications Supervisor to operate our computer-aided dispatch system. Your role is critical in managing both emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching police, fire, and other City services.

• Call Management: Receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and various agencies.

• Dispatch Operations: Dispatch police, fire, or other City services in response to calls, relaying crucial information to public safety personnel.

• Information Relay: Provide information to other agencies as required and monitor multiple frequencies.

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of the location and status of public safety units.

• Manual Dispatch: Operate a manual dispatch system when necessary.

• Disaster Response: Assist in relaying information during natural disasters.

• Related Duties: Perform additional related tasks as necessary.

Located within the Support Services Division of the Hayward Police Department, the Communications Center is a key part of our emergency response system, managing calls for both Police and Fire Services across Hayward. We are proud to be one of 18 CALEA-accredited police departments in California, upholding high standards of service and excellence.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of experience as a public safety dispatcher for a Public Safety Answering Point, handling heavy public contact and multitasking with a computer-aided dispatch system.

Education:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Licensing:

• Completion of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Public Safety Dispatcher course.

Typing Certificate:

• A typing certificate demonstrating a speed of 35 net words per minute must accompany your application.

  • Accepted Sources: Public school, business school, or temporary agency.

  • Unaccepted Sources: Internet testing services and home computer CD testing.

  • Requirements: The certificate (or signed statement on official letterhead from the testing agency) must be dated no earlier than six (6) months prior to the application filing date and must include:

    • A five (5)-minute timed typing test.

    • Gross typing speed in words per minute.

    • Gross number of errors.

    • Net words per minute.

Probationary Period: Two (2) years