Every month, the Communication Managers Association meet and discuss a variety of topics and issues facing 9-1-1 communication centers within San Mateo County. Our meeting minutes are then posted so that all emergency dispatch employees can be made aware of the groups activities.
Read MoreCommunication Managers Association of San Mateo County
CMA
About
Established in 1988, the Communication Managers Association of San Mateo County (CMA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the profession of public safety dispatching. Through innovative training, exploring new technologies and collaboration with state and local agencies, we strive to assist our members by providing support to our communities and law enforcement professionals.
The CMA members are comprised of Communication Managers/Supervisors from various governmental agencies, throughout the county, drawn together to assess the needs of 9-1-1 emergency communications. As members of the CMA our mission and goals are based on our shared values of professionalism, ethical behaviors and integrity. Using sound decision-making we promote the advancement of the public safety dispatcher profession through mentoring, legislation involvement, ongoing training and recognition.
The CMA members are comprised of Communication Managers/Supervisors from various governmental agencies, throughout the county, drawn together to assess the needs of 9-1-1 emergency communications. As members of the CMA our mission and goals are based on our shared values of professionalism, ethical behaviors and integrity. Using sound decision-making we promote the advancement of the public safety dispatcher profession through mentoring, legislation involvement, ongoing training and recognition.
"TEXT TO 9-1-1"
Announcing all agencies in San Mateo County now accepting Text to 9-1-1
You can now text to 9-1-1 in an emergency. While we always want you to call 9-1-1, in those instances when you’re unable to call, you can send a text to the 9-1-1 center. This new service allows people who are unable to speak to reach 9-1-1 and request emergency services. This might include those who are deaf or hard of hearing, unable to speak or in a situation where it’s unsafe to speak. To text to 911, enter the numbers “911” in the “To” or “Recipient” field. The text should be short, include the location of the emergency, and ask for police, fire or ambulance. Answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call-taker. The location information accompanying a Text-to-9-1-1 call is not equal to wireless voice call location technology. Watch our short video for a demonstration
Training / Events
Have you ever thought about becoming a 9-1-1 Dispatcher? If so, this is your first step towards a new career. Agencies all over San Mateo County are recruiting and require the completion of this test. Click on the link below to find more information and upcoming test dates.
Read MoreThe CritiCall Test may be required by some agencies. Examinees may want to use the exam as a valuable hands-on tool to evaluate their abilities and overall interest in a career as a public safety dispatcher. Click on the link below to view upcoming dates.
Read MoreBasic Dispatch Academy March 25, 2019 through April 12, 2019
Read MoreCCUG is a professional organization for CLETS users. We are committed to providing quality training related to CLETS systems, resources for members, and creating opportunities for CLETS users, staff (including DOJ, DMV) and vendors to exchange information. Click below for our seminar information and registration.
Read MoreAPCO 2019, APCO International’s Annual Conference & Expo, is the premier event for public safety communications officials, from frontline telecommunicators to comm center managers to public safety communications equipment and services vendors. Starting August 11, APCO 2019 offers four days of educational sessions, committee meetings and special events, paired with two full days of exhibits. Click on the link below to read the details.
Read MoreOur Mission The purpose of CALNENA is to foster a reliable and continuously improved emergency telephone number network through research, planning, training and education; represent its members before communications regulatory agencies and policy making bodies; and strive toward citizens having immediate access to emergency public safety services so that safety of human life, protection of property and civic welfare are benefited to the utmost degree. Click on the link below to get further information and register for our conference.
Read MoreLocated on the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe, RIMSCON 2018 will be packed with basic and advanced training courses, the famous "Wish List", multiple social and networking events, version previews and other exciting opportunities.
Read MoreAdvanced Dispatcher Update: Dispatch Response to Active shooters & Violent Intruders Tuition: $109.00 This Course is designed for experienced Public Safety Dispatchers and Dispatch Supervisors. It partially fulfills the CA POST Commission Regulations 1005 and Procedure D-2 requirement that all Public Safety Dispatchers and Supervisors receive 24-hours of Continuing Professional Training every two years.
Read MorePlease join us in honoring all the 9-1-1 dispatchers within the County of San Mateo.
Read MoreNational Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
April 14-20, 2019
The week of April 14-20, 2019 is a week to celebrate YOU and all that you accomplish each and every day. It is a great time to honor and praise the amazing “service above self” work dedication; assisting with the birth of a child over the phone, talking a caller through performing CPR on a family member, calming a victim of a violent crime, reassuring a child that there are no monsters under their bed, texting with a teenager that might be witnessing a crime at their school, or just having a conversation with an elderly caller, who may be confused and not have anyone else to contact. The simple definition of service is “the action of helping or doing work for someone”. Although being a public safety telecommunicator is never as simple as this definition of service, it is the most important function. In order to effectively serve others, it takes different ideas, skillsets and personalities to assist in being successful; a group of like-minded people coming together to accomplish a common goal, through good times and bad, through sadness and happiness, and through merriment and defeat. Each of us has unique set of attributes that we bring to the profession, but at the end of the day, we all have the same goals, which are to serve our citizens and first responders and ensure to the best of our abilities that everyone is kept safe from harm. Celebrating the passion, perseverance, friendship, commitment to service, nurturing spirit and teamwork that is shown day in and day out by public safety telecommunicators is the definition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. On behalf of the APCO International Executive Committee and APCO staff, we want to express our pride and appreciation for all you do. We recognize, support and celebrate YOU. https://www.npstw.org/ Holly Wayt APCO President
Articles
Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from your mobile phone or device.
Read More
Members of NPSTC are calling for our support of the "Don't Break Up the T-Band Act (H.R. 5085).
Read More
Congresswoman Norma Torres, who previously worked as a 9-1-1 operator, wants to upgrade the status of 9-1-1 operators from clerical workers to first responders.
Read More
2019 will bring a number of technology developments for public safety communications. While we can't predict every newsworthy item, several deadlines are on the horizon for emergency alerting. 9-1-1 location accuracy and Real-Time Text. This article will highlight what to expect in the coming year.
Read MoreJobs
Public Safety Dispatcher (Entry/Lateral) - 1177 Huntington Avenue, San Bruno, CA 94066, USA - San Bruno Police
THE POSITION
The San Bruno Police Department has a long standing tradition of small-town service with big-city dedication to public safety. Public Safety Dispatchers are responsible for public safety dispatch and related records management activities. This position operates on a 24-hour, 365 days per year basis, and may be assigned to either a day, swing, or graveyard shift on a regular, rotational basis that includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Public Safety Dispatchers perform a wide range of duties involving radio, telephone, and computers, applying various procedures and codes. Dispatchers receive and transmit emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio traffic as well as process communication reports, records and radio logs, while maintaining a high level of confidentiality. Dispatchers may also support the Police Department by performing clerical tasks, training, assisting with fingerprinting, and being accountable for financial transactions. This position is integral in supporting the goals and objectives of the City and Police Department.
https://www.calopps.org/san-bruno/job-18704212
The San Bruno Police Department has a long standing tradition of small-town service with big-city dedication to public safety. Public Safety Dispatchers are responsible for public safety dispatch and related records management activities. This position operates on a 24-hour, 365 days per year basis, and may be assigned to either a day, swing, or graveyard shift on a regular, rotational basis that includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Public Safety Dispatchers perform a wide range of duties involving radio, telephone, and computers, applying various procedures and codes. Dispatchers receive and transmit emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio traffic as well as process communication reports, records and radio logs, while maintaining a high level of confidentiality. Dispatchers may also support the Police Department by performing clerical tasks, training, assisting with fingerprinting, and being accountable for financial transactions. This position is integral in supporting the goals and objectives of the City and Police Department.
https://www.calopps.org/san-bruno/job-18704212
Requirements
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER 1:
The ideal candidate will possess the ability to record and transmit information with speed and accuracy, "multi-task," quickly learn new material, make quick and sensible decisions, learn from constructive criticism, possess a high commitment to quality service, and participate in a team approach to law enforcement. The candidate will be able to successfully complete the department training program, operate a computer and complex software programs, type at a net speed of 35 words per minute, follow and give instructions, and gather information via telephone and in person. The ideal candidate will be respectful and sensitive towards the cultural and ethnic diversity of the community, and will work well with the general public under stressful or emergency conditions, and be able to speak, write, and read clearly and fluently.
- Possession of a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Additional related college course work or degree preferred.
- At least one (1) year of related work experience requiring alertness and independent judgment, but no previous public safety dispatch experience is required
- Typing certificate issued within the last year verifying minimum typing speed of thirty-five (35) net words per minute with a maximum of nine (9) errors. Typing certificate must be submitted with application to be considered. Online typing certificate permitted with application, formal test will be administered to final candidate.
- Completion within the last year of the POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery with a score of 58 or above. Certificate must be submitted with application to be considered.
- Completion of a probationary period in a public safety agency
- Currently working or has been employed within two (2) years as a Public Safety Dispatcher at a public safety agency
- Possession of a California POST Basic Dispatch Certificate
- CritiCall test results highly desirable
- Possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License
- Ability to pass an extensive background investigation
- Possess excellent vision and hearing skills, with ability to sit, talk, type, hear, and walk for extended periods of time as well as lift or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds
The ideal candidate will possess the ability to record and transmit information with speed and accuracy, "multi-task," quickly learn new material, make quick and sensible decisions, learn from constructive criticism, possess a high commitment to quality service, and participate in a team approach to law enforcement. The candidate will be able to successfully complete the department training program, operate a computer and complex software programs, type at a net speed of 35 words per minute, follow and give instructions, and gather information via telephone and in person. The ideal candidate will be respectful and sensitive towards the cultural and ethnic diversity of the community, and will work well with the general public under stressful or emergency conditions, and be able to speak, write, and read clearly and fluently.
Benefits
BENEFITS
- Enrollment in CalPERS retirement program at 2.7%@55 (classic member) or 2%@62 (new member)
- Medical, dental and vision benefits provided with employee contribution
- Opportunity for bilingual incentive pay up to 2.5% of salary
- 10-23 vacation days based on length of service
- Deferred compensation program
- Employee Home Loan Assistance Program
- Annual Uniform Allowance
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Life insurance equal to one year’s annual salary
- Long term disability insurance provided at no cost to employee
- Section 125 flexible benefit plan
- Educational incentive pay up to 6% of base salary
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS/HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates may apply on-line at https://www.calopps.org/san-bruno/job-18656972
After reviewing applications and supporting documentation, candidates that best meet the Department’s needs will be invited to oral interviews.
When submitting your application, please “upload” the following:
1) POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (with a score of 58 or above). If you have not yet taken the test, upcoming test dates can be found at:
2) Typing certificate issued within the last year verifying minimum typing speed of thirty-five (35) net words per minute with a maximum of nine (9) errors. Online typing certificate permitted with application, formal test will be administered to final candidate.
3) Professional Resume
4) CritiCall test results (optional, but highly desirable)
Applications without all documents attached will be considered incomplete. For technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at (650) 616-7055.
Application Deadline: 5pm on Friday, July 20, 2018
Applications reviewed daily.
Public Safety Dispatcher (Per-Diem. no benefits) - 1177 Huntington Avenue, San Bruno, CA 94066, USA - San Bruno Police
SALARY $42.00 per hour (Per-Diem)
Seasonal/Part-Time
THE POSITION
Public Safety Dispatchers are responsible for public safety dispatch and related records management activities. Per-Diem Dispatchers may be called to work either a day, swing, or graveyard shift on a per-diem basis that includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Public Safety Dispatchers perform a wide range of duties involving radio, telephone, and computers. Dispatchers receive and transmit emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio traffic as well as process communication reports, records and radio logs, while maintaining a high level of confidentiality.
Seasonal/Part-Time
THE POSITION
Public Safety Dispatchers are responsible for public safety dispatch and related records management activities. Per-Diem Dispatchers may be called to work either a day, swing, or graveyard shift on a per-diem basis that includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Public Safety Dispatchers perform a wide range of duties involving radio, telephone, and computers. Dispatchers receive and transmit emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio traffic as well as process communication reports, records and radio logs, while maintaining a high level of confidentiality.
Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
~High School diploma
~Completion of a probationary period in a public safety agency
~Currently working or has been employed within two (2) years as a Public Safety Dispatcher at a public safety agency
~Possession of a California POST Basic Dispatch Academy Certificate
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
~Possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License
~Ability to pass an extensive background investigation
~High School diploma
~Completion of a probationary period in a public safety agency
~Currently working or has been employed within two (2) years as a Public Safety Dispatcher at a public safety agency
~Possession of a California POST Basic Dispatch Academy Certificate
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
~Possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License
~Ability to pass an extensive background investigation
Responsibilities
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The ideal candidate will possess the ability to record and transmit information with speed and accuracy, "multi-task," quickly learn new material, make quick and sensible decisions, learn from constructive criticism, possess a high commitment to quality service, and participate in a team approach to law enforcement. The candidate will be able to successfully complete the department training program, operate a computer and complex software programs, type at a net speed of 35 words per minute, follow and give instructions, and gather information via telephone and in person. The ideal candidate will be respectful and sensitive towards the cultural and ethnic diversity of the community, and will work well with the general public under stressful or emergency conditions, and be able to speak, write, and read clearly and fluently. Knowledge of RIMS CAD is desirable.
The ideal candidate will possess the ability to record and transmit information with speed and accuracy, "multi-task," quickly learn new material, make quick and sensible decisions, learn from constructive criticism, possess a high commitment to quality service, and participate in a team approach to law enforcement. The candidate will be able to successfully complete the department training program, operate a computer and complex software programs, type at a net speed of 35 words per minute, follow and give instructions, and gather information via telephone and in person. The ideal candidate will be respectful and sensitive towards the cultural and ethnic diversity of the community, and will work well with the general public under stressful or emergency conditions, and be able to speak, write, and read clearly and fluently. Knowledge of RIMS CAD is desirable.
Communications Officer - 1600 Floribunda Avenue, Hillsborough, CA, USA - Hillsborough Police Department
Under general supervision, receives and transmits routine and emergency telephone and radio traffic; dispatches and coordinates police, fire, public works and other municipal staff and equipment via multi-frequency two-way radio; maintains and processes a variety of communications reports, records, and radio logs; and does related work as required
Click here to apply
Click here to apply
Requirements
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education:
Equivalent to graduation from high school
Graduation from or enrollment in a POST accredited Dispatch Academy.
Experience:
Successful completion of a dispatch training academy and successful completion of the in-house training program. Time worked in another agency's dispatch center may be used in lieu of attendance at a Dispatch Academy.
License or Certificate:
Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Physical Skills: Able to use standard office equipment, including a computer; mobility to work in a typical office setting to use standard office equipment; sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, twist, and maintain sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person, over the telephone, and radio; lift and carry 35 pound boxes, files, and materials.
Work Environment:
Work in a standard dispatch center environment.
Ability to:
Travel to different sites and locations; locations; drive safely to different sites and locations; maintain a safe driving record; handle public information emergency situations.
Education:
Equivalent to graduation from high school
Graduation from or enrollment in a POST accredited Dispatch Academy.
Experience:
Successful completion of a dispatch training academy and successful completion of the in-house training program. Time worked in another agency's dispatch center may be used in lieu of attendance at a Dispatch Academy.
License or Certificate:
Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Physical Skills: Able to use standard office equipment, including a computer; mobility to work in a typical office setting to use standard office equipment; sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, twist, and maintain sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person, over the telephone, and radio; lift and carry 35 pound boxes, files, and materials.
Work Environment:
Work in a standard dispatch center environment.
Ability to:
Travel to different sites and locations; locations; drive safely to different sites and locations; maintain a safe driving record; handle public information emergency situations.
Benefits
The Town provides a comprehensive total compensation package which includes:
- 2% @ 60 PERS retirement benefit for PERS Classic members / 2% @ 62 PERS retirement benefits for PERS New members
- The Town contributes $75/month to a retirement health savings account
- A choice of medical plans available through CalPERS. The Town contributes up to the Blue Shield rate.
- $2000/person for dental coverage annually
- $325/person for vision coverage annually
- Town paid life insurance policy of $75,000
- 10 – 20 days of annual vacation, based on length of service.
- 12 paid holidays annually
- 14 days of sick leave annually
- Other programs: EAP plan, flexible medical and dependent care spending, deferred compensation, credit union membership
Responsibilities
Communications Officer II typically performs, but is not limited to, the duties noted below on a regular basis:
- Receives and handles incoming telephone and voice radio calls for police, fire, ambulance, and public works
- Secures and records information as to exact locations and circumstances using radio or other equipment to dispatch appropriate units to the emergency scene.
- Maintains radio contact with local units on assignment and directs and coordinates with staff from other agencies on a mutual-aid basis, as needed.
- Operates a multi-channel two-way radio, telephones, teletype, office equipment and software systems.
- Performs numerous duties simultaneously.
- Prioritizes calls for service as well as other work-related tasks such as assisting with schedule, monitoring email account or assisting with social media.
- Maintains radio logs and records other information as required.
- Maintains resource files for computer aided dispatch system.
- Serves as trainer to newly hired dispatchers on as needed basis.
- Assist with providing state-mandated training on relevant matters to other department staff, as directed.
- Oversees and performs work related to the warrant process.
- Maintains dispatch center work area and equipment in clean and working condition
- Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Blog
I was reading a recent article in "The Call" magazine, titled "Healthy Dispatchers Make Healthy Communities." It got me thinking.....perhaps we could share tips with each other. Tell me, what does your communications center do to help dispatchers stay healthy?
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Resources
Executive Board
Jackie Pace
President
Redwood City Police Communications
Joey Williamson
Vice President
Hillsborough Police Communications
Tracy Weber
Treasurer
Menlo Park Police Communications
Julie Robertson
Secretary
Foster City Police Communications
