The Communication Division is one of the most invaluable support services within the police department. This division is accountable for sustaining the critical link between public officers in the field. Dispatchers handle several types of calls and situations daily, ranging from routine to emergency, critical incidents. Dispatchers provide a necessary and indispensable function to the public and to the officers in the field. Dispatchers work 12 hour shifts, and there are 2 dispatchers at any given time on duty. All dispatchers are part of the non-sworn workforce that provides vital support to the department and community it serves.

The Jail is a Type I facility suitable for processing and housing inmates.

The Communication Division and Jail Operations are operated by Service Officers. Service Officer responsibilities and requirements are as follows:

Definition:

The Services Officer, under general supervision, provides for the processing, security, health, safety, and feeding of prisoners and receiving, storing and releasing of property. The Services Officer maintains records; takes reports and answers inquiries; dispatches police units via voice radio; performs clerical tasks including computer data entry; answers 911 emergency phone calls and does related work as required or assigned.

Duties:

Services Officers are non-sworn personnel assigned to the police department. Duties which may be either permanently or sporadically assigned include: Booking, fingerprinting, searching and care for prisoners confined in City jail facilities; supervising trusty prisoners on work assignments; receive and dispose of incoming telephone and voice radio calls, dispatch police units, secure and record information as to emergency calls, patrol assigned areas for the purpose of enforcing laws and ordinances related to all types of parking violations, write and issue citations for violations. Services Officers may be assigned to traffic control during peak traffic hours or maybe assigned as court liaison for filing misdemeanor complaints with the District Attorney's office. The Services Officers shall accept property and evidence and issue receipts for same; they will tag property for identification and maintain records for all property in custody; they will release and/or dispose of such property in accordance with State and local laws and department regulations. Services Officers maybe assigned to Municipal Code Enforcement, compiling data, preparing reports, typing and filing details. Testimony in court may be required on occasion. Shift work, weekends and holidays will be required. The normal schedule is the 3/12 plan. They may be required to be on call when not actually working and perform other related duties as required.

Experience and Education:

Graduation from high school or G.E.D. certificate; posses a valid California Class "C" driver's license. Be of high moral character, with a clean criminal history (no felony convictions). Ability to type at least 30 words per minute and performs other clerical duties. Ability to effectively supervise the activities of prisoners, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, visitors, and the public.

Physical Requirement:

Moderate to arduous. Must be able to handle prisoners in a safe manner.