Job Information

Open to the general public and any current Municipal employee.

This position is represented by the Anchorage Police Department Employees Association (APDEA) and is subject to the provisions of the current contract between the Municipality of Anchorage and the APDEA.

DEPARTMENT: Anchorage Police Department

HOURS OF WORK: Shifts vary during training; Must be willing to work days or nights with various days off, as well as weekends and holidays.

• 3/12s: twelve (12) hour shifts during three (3) consecutive twenty-four (24) hour periods in one week; twelve (12) hour shifts during three (3) consecutive twenty-four (24) hour periods; and
• 1/8s - one eight (8) hour shift during the other week.
• Total of 80 scheduled hours in one pay period.

To be considered for employment, applicants must be legally authorized to work and accept employment in the United States. The Municipality of Anchorage is not able to provide any type of sponsorship, including Student Visas and Employment Visas, under any circumstances.

Example of Duties

Under supervision, performs a variety of radio dispatch, public information, and clerical duties in support of the Anchorage Police Department's Communications Center. Works with considerable independence of judgment and action within defined policies and instructions in deciding whether, where, and when emergency personnel should be dispatched. Perform other duties as assigned.

The Police Call Taker is distinguished from the Police Dispatcher in that the Police Call Taker does not act on but rather forwards emergency information to the Police Dispatcher who then makes the decision on emergency personnel responses.

Additional Information:

Performs a variety of telephone, dispatch, public information and clerical duties in support of the Anchorage Police Department's Communications Center. Answers emergency 911 and non-emergency calls, determines nature of call and routes it to the proper agency, or takes appropriate action to complete call for service. Obtains all pertinent information necessary for assignment of required resources. Establishes priority of complaints and determines level of response necessary. Enters appropriate data on dispatch cards, computer and report forms, as required. Retrieves information from law enforcement information systems, local, state and national. Operates Computer Aided Dispatch System, telecommunications equipment, as well as standard office equipment processing and telecommunications equipment.

Minimum Qualifications / Substitutions / Preferences

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent, and two (2) years of experience which involved a substantial amount of public contact and office clerical duties.

Must possess and/or obtain:

• Satisfactory national criminal background investigation (AS 12.62.160, AS 12.62.400, 13 AAC 85.010, and 13 AAC 85.210) and financial review.
• Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN) / National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification within thirty (30) days of hire.
• Satisfactory Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) background check at time of hire.
• Satisfactory psychological assessment (determines job suitability) at time of hire.
• Satisfactory drug screening at time of hire.
• Satisfactory audiological exam at time of hire.
• Typing test at a net speed of 35 WPM at time of hire.
• Valid State of Alaska Driver's License and satisfactory Driving Record at time of hire.

Preference:

• Experience in dispatching and/or receiving a high volume of calls for service. Some examples are:
  • Emergency or public safety calls
  • Transportation 
  • Private Security 
  • Utility Company 
  • Travel Industry 
  • Call Center 
  • Switchboard 
  • Intake Receptionist
  • Customer Service Agent
     
• Preference for applicants with the ability to type at a net speed of 70+ WPM. [ ** NOTE: The typing certification or documentation must contain the applicant's name, be current within the past one (1) year, and attached to application to be considered for preference. ]