TEST DATE: THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026
**HIRING INCENTIVE**
Hiring Incentive – paid in first paycheck
$1,500
Personal Leave credit in first paycheck
40 hours
Upon completion of probationary period and meets expectations on performance evaluation
$1,500
Upon completion of 3 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation
$2,000
Upon completion of 4 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation
$3,000
Upon completion of 5 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation
$4,000
Under direct or general supervision, receives and evaluates emergency and non-emergency calls; elicits information to determine nature of emergency; dispatches and coordinates law enforcement, medical, fire and other emergency response units in accordance with department procedures; operates various dispatch center equipment; maintains records; performs related work as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct or general supervision from the Lead Dispatcher. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Sheriff’s Dispatcher I: This is the entry-level class in the series. Incumbents initially are given detailed supervision only on new or very complex techniques of law enforcement dispatching and in the operation of communications equipment. Assignments are varied, complex and difficult and close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Once certified, incumbents perform enforcement duties with limited peace officer authority.
Sheriff’s Dispatcher II: This is the fully-qualified, working-level class in this series. Incumbents have increased responsibility and latitude when performing the full range of technical communications support and infomration processing duties including recieivng, evaluating, and dispatching law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire suppression, and related public safety class in emergency and non-emergency situations. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from Sheriff’s Dispatch Shift Supervisor in that the latter is the full supervisory-level class in the series responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of staff on an assigned shift involved in dispatch services.
Positions in the Sheriff’s Dispatcher class series are flexibly staffed after completing the prescribed training program and obtaining the Emergency Dispatch Medical Certificate. Positions in the II level are normally filled by advancement from the I level requiring two (2) years of experience and after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have two (2) years of prior related experience that allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the II level and possession of the Emergency Dispatch Medical Certificate.
(Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
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Receives and evaluates emergency calls; obtains information about the nature of the emergency and other required data, assesses urgency and scale, prioritizes calls for service, and determines appropriate unit/location/number of personnel or units required.
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Dispatches law enforcement, medical, fire and other emergency response units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system, including determining priority of emergency and contacting and sending appropriate response unit.
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Monitors calls and maintains contact after initial dispatch to provide additional coordination, support, or information, including accounting for location and status of units and maintaining records of field calls; sends back-up units, as necessary, ensuring the safety of field units;.
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Operates computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities; tests and inspects equipment as assigned.
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Monitors and controls radio traffic, alerts other agencies, and coordinates mutual response radio traffic.
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Logs call data including time of dispatch, arrival, clearance, and related information in a written or automated format; assigns case numbers.
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Accesses federal, state, and local law enforcement information databases to obtain information and relays such information to units.
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Enters, updates, and retrieves a variety of records from teletype database and computer systems, including warrants, repossessions, towed or stored vehicles, temporary restraining orders, emergency protective orders, and other information; locates and abstracts warrants.
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Acts as a liaison to the public and representatives of other agencies for the department; receives and evaluates non-emergency calls; determines the nature of the contact; provides factual information regarding services, policies, and procedures, which requires a knowledge of legal guidelines, departmental policies and procedures, and the use of tact and discretion, and/or transfers calls to the appropriate department, agency, or response organization.
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Changes dispatch center recording tapes and assists in other monitoring and operator upkeep of equipment.
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Maintains accurate departmental and law enforcement records and files; researches and compiles information from such files.
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Attends necessary training and shift briefing sessions; participates in drills and test scenarios to prepare for unexpected emergencies.
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Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
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Basic functions of law enforcement agencies.
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Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
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Basic principles of record keeping.
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English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
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Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
Ability to:-
Assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound judgment.
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Obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
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Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
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Learn terminology, codes, and procedures used in public safety dispatching.
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Learn and operate computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone, radio, and teletype systems and law enforcement computer system terminals.
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Learn County geography, maps, streets, landmarks, and driving directions.
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Learn, interpret, apply, and explain federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
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Memorize codes, names, street locations, and other information.
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Follow oral and written instructions.
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Attend to multiple activities simultaneously.
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Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems.
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Perform accurate data entry and word processing at a minimum net rate of 30 words per minute.
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Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
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Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
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Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
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Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Sheriff’s Dispatcher II, in addition to the above:-
Independently perform the full range of technical communications support and information processing duties including receiving, evaluating, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls.
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Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
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Functions, authorities, and practices of public safety and emergency response agencies.
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Terminology, protocols, and procedures used in public safety dispatching.
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Operation of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone, radio, and teletype systems.
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Operation of law enforcement computer system terminals.
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County geography, maps, streets, landmarks, and driving directions.
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Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
Education and Experience:Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be
Sheriff’s Dispatcher I/II: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
Sheriff’s Dispatcher I: Successful completion of the established Law Enforcement Dispatcher program and possession of the Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certificate within the probationary period.
Sheriff’s Dispatcher II: Two (2) years of experience as a Law Enforcement Dispatcher and possession of the Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certificate or one (1) year of experience as Sheriff’s Dispatcher I with Tuolumne County and possession of the Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certificate.
Licenses and Certifications:
Sheriff’s Dispatcher I: Ability to obtain the Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certificate.
Sheriff’s Dispatcher II: Completion of P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher course.