Police scanners are always going on and off in our newsroom, so our team is quite familiar with how crucial a dispatcher is in solving crime. Right now, the Bakersfield Police Department has positions open for dispatchers and are waiting to see who answers the call.
“If someone is into the adrenaline rushes, if they’re into the excitement you find on those crime style movies and on television, this would be the job for them,” Communications Manager of the Bakersfield Police Department, Tamia Smith said.
Five positions are open for what Smith called a high-stress but thrilling job: a police dispatcher with the Bakersfield Police Department.
You’ll be answering 911 calls, emergency lines, and administrative lines and dispatching on BPD’s administrative radio channel.
“We’re mandated by the state to have a certain number of people at all times to answer phones, so it’s very important that you’re reliable, dependable, that you show up to work, that you’re able to make quick decisions, utilize sound judgment, and think quick on your feet,” Smith said.
All you need is a high school diploma or a GED and to be able to type 35 words per minute.
Once hired, Smith said get ready for a three-week orientation and three phases of training. You’ll learn how to monitor phones, the administrative channel and primary channel.
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With the training, here’s what Smith said you’ll also gain:
“Everyone is very supportive of one another, we’re all striving for the common goal, which is to offer excellent community and public service. So it’s like a second family,” Smith said.
You can apply here and the deadline is Jan. 27.