Dispatcher Lateral

March 11, 2026

Other Jobs To Apply

No other job posts for this day.

<div style="color: inherit; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-align: center;" data-pasted="true">The City of Elk Grove is now accepting applications for the position of</div><div style="color: inherit; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-align: center;">PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER - LATERAL</div> <div style="color: inherit; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-align: left;">Looking for something new? Want to join an awesome team and positive culture? Well, we have just the job for you. The City of Elk Grove Police Department is seeking experienced Public Safety Dispatchers to join our 911 Communications Center! The ideal candidate values our diverse community and provides quality, efficient services in both routine and emergency situations. </div><div style="color: inherit; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-align: left;"> </div>Why wait? Join Team Elk Grove Today! <div style="color: inherit; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-align: left;"> Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)</div>Filing Deadline: April 7, 2026, by 11:59 PM <div style="color: inherit; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-align: left;">Selection Interviews: April 15, 2026 (in person)</div> <div style=" text-align: center;"> </div>The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, on-site wellness classes, a deferred compensation match and more. Why work for the City of Elk Grove? Learn more here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl-RhMKgW4M&t=5s">Elk Grove Jobs</a> COMMUNITY PROFILEElk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 174,775 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year. DESCRIPTION: Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties involved in receiving, evaluating, prioritizing, and relaying 9-1-1, emergency, and non-emergency calls for service; inputs calls into computer system; dispatches appropriate units and coordinates response of emergency personnel; operates a variety of telecommunications equipment including radio, telephone, and computer aided dispatch systems; and performs a wide variety of specialized clerical duties involved in the preparation, maintenance, and release of materials related to law enforcement activities. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Incumbents in the lateral position are experienced law enforcement dispatchers having at least two (2) years of recent experience in a primary Public Safety Answering Point, (PSAP) answering 9-1-1 calls, having used Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD), and having experience dispatching law enforcement personnel using a multi-channel radio system. The expectation is that the Lateral candidate will complete a training program teaching the use of agency specific computer systems, and policies & procedures in significantly less time than an entry level candidate. Lateral Dispatchers shall serve a 12-month probationary period. The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.<ol><li style="text-align: justify;">Receives, classifies, and prioritizes all incoming calls and texts to the dispatch center including 9-1-1 calls, emergency, and non-emergency calls received from citizens and allied agencies requesting service or information; operates a variety of public safety communications equipment including 9-1-1 emergency telephone equipment, computer aided dispatch systems, and multi-channel radio system.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Evaluates response necessary as dictated by a given request for service; determines nature, location, and priority of calls; operates computer aided dispatch system to create calls for service within response criteria guidelines; assigns and dispatches personnel in accordance with policies and procedures; transfers calls to other appropriate agency in accordance with established procedures; obtains and dispatches other support services as necessary.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Maintains contact with all units on assignment; maintains status and location of field units; monitors multiple radio frequencies; relays emergency and non-emergency information to public safety personnel in the field.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Retrieves and interprets information from local, state, and national computer networks regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, restraining orders, criminal histories, parolees, and other related information; relays information to officers in the field.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Operates computer terminals to enter, modify, and retrieve data such as stolen and recovered property, towed and stolen vehicles, missing and unidentified persons, citations, driver license and vehicle registration information, and warrants on wanted persons; composes and transmits messages to other agencies.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Enters and removes data and information from various local, statewide, and national law enforcement computer systems including the Records Management System (RMS), Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), and National Crime Information Center (NCIC); provides support to officers by gathering information from various computer systems including DMV, CLETS, and the County’s KPF system.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Monitors public security cameras and alarms for City facilities, parking lots, and related facilities.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Performs related duties as required.</li></ol>The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Knowledge of:<ul style="margin-bottom: 3pt;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Operations, services, and activities of a public safety telecommunications and dispatch center.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Operational characteristics of modern public safety telecommunications equipment including computer aided dispatch systems and multi-channel radio systems.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Law enforcement and emergency service procedures for responding to and handling reported incidents.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Techniques of questioning for both emergency and non-emergency calls.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Methods and techniques of receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Radio codes currently used by the Elk Grove Police Department.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Functions of the Police Department and other City departments.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Geographic features and locations within the area served.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Methods and techniques of telephone etiquette.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Methods and techniques of conflict resolution.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Principles and procedures of record keeping.</li></ul>Ability to:<ul style="margin-bottom: 3pt;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Effectively communicate and elicit information from upset and irate callers.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Speak clearly and concisely in an understandable voice via radio and telephone and in person.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Hear and distinguish radio voice traffic within normal levels and over background noise.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Make independent decisions that affect the safety of public safety personnel, citizens, and property such as those involved in determining the urgency of requests received and the appropriate action to take.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Dispatch police units quickly and effectively.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Think quickly, calmly, and clearly in emergency situations.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Operate a variety of telecommunications receiving and transmitting equipment including radio transmitting communication equipment, teletype equipment, and computer equipment.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Operate specialized public safety computer systems and applications.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Read and interpret maps and other navigational resources and give directions.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Type and enter data accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Understand and follow oral and written instructions.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Interpret, apply, and explain applicable federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations including police records retention and dissemination policies and procedures.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Maintain composure, alertness and concentration while working for extended periods of time.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Compile, maintain, process, and prepare a variety of records and reports.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Deal tactfully and courteously with the public reporting emergencies and seeking information or filing a report.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Maintain confidentiality.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.</li></ul> Education and Experience Guidelines - The education and experience criteria below are required for this classification: Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Experience: Two (2) years of employment as a public safety dispatcher in a primary Public Safety Answering Point, (PSAP). Must be currently working as a dispatcher or have worked within 12 months immediately preceding the date of application filed with the City of Elk Grove. License or Certificate: Must obtain a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatchers’ Basic certificate within 12 months of hire. Other Requirements:<ul style="margin-bottom: 3pt;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Incumbent will need to pass a background investigation which may include a polygraph, psychological and medical evaluation</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Lateral Dispatchers must serve a 12-month probationary period.</li></ul>The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Environment: Work is performed in an emergency services dispatch center setting with extensive public contact; incumbents are required to work evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts; incumbents may be called back or held over to maintain staffing levels. Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an emergency dispatch center setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. The information listed above is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478-2230. City of Elk Grove participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.

Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...

DISCLAIMER