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Job Description
Marketing Statement
Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.
Job Summary
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, receives emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatches police units or other police personnel; performs related work as assigned.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Police Dispatcher is a specialized police civilian class, providing technical communications support for police activities. In addition to dispatching services in both emergency and routine situations, incumbents perform varied record keeping and similar work in support of police activities. This class is distinguished from other non-sworn job classifications in the Police Department by the fact that it is the only job classification, along with the Lead Police Dispatcher job classification, assigned primary responsibility for the operation of a computerized communication center and the dispatch of BART Police personnel. The Police Dispatcher classification is further distinguished from the Lead Police Dispatcher classification in that it is the entry level position in the class series, whereas the latter is responsible for providing lead direction to dispatch staff and for performing the most complex duties in the class series.
Who May Apply
All current BART employees and qualified individuals who are not yet BART employees.
Reports To
Police Civilian Supervisor, Communications
Days Off
As assigned. Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
REPORTS TO
Police Dispatchers report to the Police Civilian Supervisor, Communications.
Department
BART Police Department is a progressive agency and has been on the forefront - and in some cases the model approach to training in the areas of fair and impartial policing, bias-based policing, crisis intervention, cultural competence training, and de-escalation training. The mission of the BART Police Department is to ensure a safe environment within our transit system, reduce crime through a highly visible police presence, and proactive enforcement of the law, and to promote public confidence by working in partnership with our stakeholders and the communities we serve.
Current Assignment
The incumbent will receive and prioritize incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency telephone calls, operate radio to dispatch patrol units and other police personnel to crime scenes and other transit system emergencies and incidents. Responsibilities also include operating a computer terminal to access a variety of police information, provides radio assistance and information to Police Officers. The incumbent will process highly confidential information in accordance with state and federal statutes and will coordinate emergency response with other law enforcement agencies and emergency services.
Selection Process
The successful candidate must have an employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability; provide copies of certificates, diplomas or other documents as required by law, including those establishing his/her right to work in the U. S.; pass a pre-employment medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screen, and which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include an extensive background check and successful completion of a polygraph exam. (Does not apply to current full-time BART Police Department employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations).
If you are selected to proceed in the background investigative phase of the process, you will be asked to provide some essential documents. The following are some of the documents you may be asked to provide: naturalization/citizenship papers, birth certificates, school transcripts, proof of selective service (men only), DMV driving history documents, proof of automobile insurance, marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable), and POST certificates (if applicable).
*** The selection process may take six (6) months to one (1) year. ***
The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Candidates that are unsuccessful in the selection process can reapply for future openings at a later date.
Entry-Level Police Dispatcher
Applicants will be considered an Entry-Level Police Dispatcher candidate if they are NOT currently or previously employed as a dispatcher at a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) agency, possess a POST Dispatcher (Academy) Certificate or successfully passed the POST Dispatcher Test Entry Level Battery exam with a T-Score of 48 or higher.
The selection process for the Entry-Level Police Dispatcher will include 5 phases. Candidates must pass each phase to move on to the next phase of the selection process.
Phase 1: POST Entry-Level Test Battery (Dispatcher) written examination. (Testing is tentatively scheduled for November 2024.)
Phase 2: Minimum Qualifications screening
Phase 3: Typing Test (Or typing certificate submission)
Typing Certificate Requirements:
• 5- minute timed test
• Must be able to type at a speed of 40 net words per minute
• Certificate must include gross and net words per minute with no more than 10 errors
• Typing certificates must be within the last six (6) months by a recognized college, public school, or temporary employment agency
NOTE: Current BART employees who are occupying positions which presently require a 40 WPM typing requirement will be exempt from meeting the typing certificate requirement for the Entry-Level Police Dispatcher.
Phase 4: Oral Board Interview
Phase 5: Background investigation. (may include polygraph, psychological screening)
Lateral Police Dispatcher
Applicants will be considered a Lateral Police Dispatcher candidate IF they meet the following criteria:
1. Have a valid POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (T-Score) of 48 or higher dated within the last 12 months AND a valid typing certificate
2. Have a valid POST Dispatcher Academy Certificate and/or POST Dispatcher Certificate AND a valid typing certificate; OR
3. You are currently or were employed as a Dispatcher for a POST Agency. (Note a typing test or certificate may be required)
Typing Certificate Requirements:
• 5- minute timed test
• Must be able to type at a speed of 40 net words per minute
• Certificate must include gross and net words per minute with no more than 10 errors
• Typing certificates must be within the last six (6) months by a recognized college, public school, or temporary employment agency
The selection process for the Lateral Police Dispatcher will include 4 phases. Candidates must pass each phase to move on to the next phase of the selection process.
Phase 1: Submittal and verification of the required documentation.
Phase 2: Minimum Qualifications screening
Phase 3: Oral Board Interview
Phase 4: Background investigation. (may include polygraph, psychological evaluation
Examples of Duties
Receives and prioritizes incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency telephone calls.
Operates radio to dispatch patrol units and other police personnel to crime scenes and other transit system emergencies and incidents.
Operates computer terminal to access a variety of police information.
Provides radio assistance and information to Police Officers.
Coordinates emergency response with other law enforcement agencies and emergency services.
Maintains service records and logs other computerized information.
Coordinates activities with those of central control for emergency train intercepts, power turn off and other revenue vehicle system emergencies.
Provides police-related telephone information to District patrons; answers telephone inquiries from other law enforcement agencies.
Notifies outside law enforcement agencies of crime and emergency incidents within their jurisdiction; assists in processing police warrants.
Provides records assistance to the Police Department's property and traffic units; monitors District system alarm calls and coordinates response.
Performs a variety of clerical duties, including typing on computer keyboard to input and retrieve automated internal records and local, state, and national criminal information.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent.
Experience
One (1) year (full-time equivalent) verifiable experience in a position requiring extensive public contact, communication skills and effective interpersonal relationships. Previous experience with computer terminals and safety dispatching is desirable.
Other Requirements- Must be able to successfully pass a detailed background investigation prior to appointment.
- Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
- Must type at 40 net wpm with no more than ten (10) errors.
- Must be able to move quickly from one workstation to another and perform any combination of duties or other related tasks at the same time.
Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
Physical Conditions:
Requires maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time.
Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of :- Basic law enforcement terminology, rules and procedures.
- Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of common office equipment.
- Law enforcement dispatch policies and procedures.
- Memorizing codes, names, locations and other detailed information; obtaining information from individuals in emergency situations.
- Understanding and following oral and written directions.
- Making rapid and sound independent judgments in emergency situations.
- Using two-way radio communication equipment effectively.
- Using an on-line computer to access a variety of information.
- Working under periods of stress and dealing with multiple activities simultaneously.
- Performing routine clerical duties.
- Communicating tactfully and effectively with the public, including persons who may be emotional or difficult to understand.
- Maintaining accurate files.
Equal Employment Opportunity GroupBox1
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at employment@bart.gov .
Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document or proof of disability and complete/submit the Veteran's Preference Application no later than the closing date of the posting. For more information about this credit please go to the Veteran's Preference Policy and Application link at www.bart.gov/jobs .
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) prides itself in offering best in class benefits packages to employees of the District. Currently, the following benefits may be available to employees in this job classification.
Highlights- Medical Coverage (or $350/month if opted out)
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Insurance (Basic and Enhanced Plans Available)
- Retirement Plan through the CA Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
- 2% @ 55 (Miscellaneous Members - Classic)
- 2% @ 62 (Miscellaneous Members - PEPRA)
- 3% @ 50 (Safety Members - Classic)
- 2.7% @ 57 (Safety Members - PEPRA)
- Reciprocity available for existing members of many other public retirement systems (see BART website and/or CalPERS website for details)
- 6.65% employer contribution up to annual maximum of $1,868.65
- Sworn Officers & Police Dispatchers: No floating holidays or observed holidays, but 6.6% pay differential provided above base pay rate
- Non-Sworn Staff: 9 observed holidays and 4 floating holidays
Closing Date/Time: Continuous -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
Show moreThe BART story began in 1946. It began not by governmental fiat, but as a concept gradually evolving at informal gatherings of business and civic leaders on both sides of the San Francisco Bay. Facing a heavy post-war migration to the area and its consequent automobile boom, these people discussed ways of easing the mounting congestion that was clogging the bridges spanning the Bay. In 1947, a joint Army-Navy review Board concluded that another connecting link between San Francisco and Oakland would be needed in the years ahead to prevent intolerable congestion on the Bay Bridge. The link? An underwater tube devoted exclusively to high-speed electric trains.
Since 1911, visionaries had periodically brought up this Jules Verne concept. But now, pressure for a traffic solution increased with the population. In 1951, the State Legislature created the 26-member San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit Commission, comprised of representatives from each of the nine counties which touch the Bay. The Commission's charge was to study the Bay Area's long range transportation needs in the context of environmental problems and then recommend the best solution.
The Commission advised, in its final report in 1957, that any transportation plan must be coordinated with the area's total plan for future development. Since no development plan existed, the Commission prepared one itself. The result of their thoroughness is a master plan which did much to bring about coordinated planning in the Bay Area, and which was adopted a decade later by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).
The BART Concept is Born
The Commission's least-cost solution to traffic tie-ups was to recommend forming a five-county rapid transit district, whose mandate would be to build and operate a high-speed rapid rail network linking major commercial centers with suburban sub-centers.The Commission stated that, "If the Bay Area is to be preserved as a fine place to live and work, a regional rapid transit system is essential to prevent total dependence on automobiles and freeways."
Thus was born the environmental concept underlying BART. Acting on the Commission's recommendations, in 1957, the Legislature formed the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, comprising the five counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo. At this time, the District was granted a taxing power of five cents per $100 of assessed valuation. It also had authority to levy property taxes to support a general obligation bond issue, if approved by District voters. The State Legislature lowered the requirement for voter approval from 66 percent to 60 percent.
Between 1957 and 1962, engineering plans were developed for a system that would usher in a new era in rapid transit. Electric trains would run on grade-separated right-of-ways, reaching maximum speeds of 75-80 mph, averaging perhaps 45 mph, including station stops. Advanced transit cars, with sophisticated suspensions, braking and propulsion systems, and luxurious interiors, would be strong competition to "King Car " in the Bay Area. Stations would be pleasant, conveniently located, and striking architectural enhancements to their respective on-line communities.
BART employees in the 1970s.
Hundreds of meetings were held in the District communities to encourage local citizen participation in the development of routes and station locations. By midsummer, 1961, the final plan was submitted to the supervisors of the five District counties for approval. San Mateo County Supervisors were cool to the plan. Citing the high costs of a new system-plus adequate existing service from Southern Pacific commuter trains - they voted to withdraw their county from the District in December 1961.
With the District-wide tax base thus weakened by the withdrawal of San Mateo County, Marin County was forced to withdraw in early 1962 because its marginal tax base could not adequately absorb its share of BART's projected cost. Another important factor in Marin's withdrawal was an engineering controversy over the feasibility of carrying trains across the Golden Gate Bridge.
BART had started with a 16-member governing Board of Directors apportioned on county population size: four from Alameda and San Francisco Counties, three from Contra Costa and San Mateo, and two from Marin. When the District was reduced to three counties, the Board was reduced to 11 members: four from San Francisco and Alameda, and three from Contra Costa. Subsequently, in 1965, the District's enabling legislation was changed to apportion the BART Board with four Directors from each county, thus giving Contra Costa its fourth member on a 12-person Board. Two directors from each county, hence forth, were appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The other two directors were appointed by committees of mayors of each county (with the exception of the City and County of San Francisco, whose sole mayor made these appointments).
The five-county plan was quickly revised to a three-county plan emphasizing rapid transit between San Francisco and the East Bay cities and suburbs of Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The new plan, elaborately detailed and presented as the "BART Composite Report, " was approved by supervisors of the three counties in July 1962, and placed on the ballot for the following November general election.
The plan required approval of 60 percent of the District's voters. It narrowly passed with a 61.2 percent vote District-wide, much to the surprise of many political experts who were confident it would fail. Indeed, one influential executive was reported to have said: "If I'd known the damn thing would have passed, I'd never have supported it. "
The voters approved a $792 million bond issue to finance a 71.5 mile high-speed transit system, consisting of 33 stations serving 17 communities in the three counties. The proposal also included another needed transit project: rebuilding 3.5 miles of the San Francisco Municipal Railway. The new line would link muni streetcar lines directly with BART and Market Street stations, and four new Muni stations would be built.
The additional cost of the transbay tube -- estimated at $133 million -- was to come from bonds issued by the California Toll Bridge Authority and secured by future Bay Area Bridge revenues. The additional cost of rolling stock, estimated at $71 million, was to be funded primarily from bonds issued against future operating revenues. Thus, the total cost of the system, as of 1962, was projected at $996 million. It would be the largest single public works project ever undertaken in the U.S. by the local citizenry.
After the election, engineers immediately started work on the final system designs, only to be halted by a taxpayer's suit filed against the District a month later. The validity of the bond election, and the legality of the District itself, were challenged. While the court ruled in favor of the District on both counts, six months of litigation cost $12 million in construction delays. This would be the first of many delays from litigation and time-consuming negotiations involving 166 separate agreements reached with on-line cities, counties, and other special districts. The democratic processes of building a new transit system would prove to be major cost factors that, however necessary, were not foreseen.
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