An employee in this job class is responsible for performing work of marked difficulty processing emergency and non-emergency calls received via radio and telephone. Work is performed under general supervision of a supervisory staff that includes commissioned and professional staff personnel. Work involves the dispatching of police units for the St. Louis County Police Department, and its municipal contracted agencies, by radio in response to requests for service according to predetermined priorities, providing confidential criminal history data through a computer system, maintaining status and location of mobile units through multiple mapping systems, answering and routing telephone calls of high and low priority nature, and responding to inquiries and complaints on non-emergency telephone lines. Work is reviewed for timeliness of response, appropriateness of response and adherence to established procedures and priorities. This position is subject to mandatory overtime being required during periods of inclement weather, or critical incidents of a significant nature, to ensure public safety.
Shifts are 12 hours in duration, with an additional 7% shift differential pay for employees who work Midnight shift.
INCENTIVES: The St. Louis County Police Department offers tuition reimbursement and education incentives for employees who possess a degree of higher education from an accredited institution. They shall receive the following addition to their base rate of pay:
Associate's degree: $1,200/year
Bachelor's degree: $2,400/year
Master's degree: $4,800/year
Doctorate degree: $7,200/year
Education incentive pay is subject to confirmation by Human Resources and will include proof of an official transcript awarding or conferring the degree.
Per the Department's Collective Bargaining Agreement, newly hired employees who do not possess corresponding experience will start at the base starting pay listed in this posting.
Position will remain open until filled.
Watch the video to see what a typical day in the life of a St. Louis County Police Dispatcher looks like.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_7PoNfgwwk
CITIZENSHIP: Citizen of the United States or valid work permit, and apply for citizenship when eligible.
AGE LIMITS: Eighteen (18) years of age at the time of appointment.
EDUCATION: Educational requirements and skills will be determined by the position classification.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG GUIDELINES: Any illegal adult use or possession of a controlled substance, including marijuana, within one year prior to employment. The word “drug” refers to any type of controlled substance for which you do not have a prescription; to include marijuana in all forms (edibles, gummies, or any other product containing THC).
TATTOO POLICY: Tattoos which may be visible in a short sleeve uniform will be considered by the Chief of Police on a case-by-case basis. Imagery which may be deemed inappropriate or offensive in nature shall be considered grounds for disqualification. Applicants will be required to provide a photograph and explanation to provide context of any visible tattoos.
ARREST: Must be free from conviction of a felony or a Class "A" misdemeanor.
MILITARY: Must not have a "Dishonorable" discharge or "Bad Conduct" discharge if having served in the military. All "Other Than Honorable" discharges will be reviewed on an individual basis.
COMPETITIVE SELECTION PROCESS
Under the regulations of the Police Department, all appointments to the St. Louis County Police Department are made on the basis of a continuously open, competitive hiring process conducted under the supervision of the Personnel Services Unit. Each applicant must successfully complete each stage of the selection process before becoming eligible to proceed to the next step.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Board of Police Commissioners resolved that subject to all applicable State and Federal statutory or judicial exemptions, all qualified applicants for employment and/or advancement, whether commissioned or civilian, shall be given equal opportunity for consideration, selection, appointment and retention, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or political affiliation.
