CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR:
POLICE RADIO DISPATCHER I (SR-14)
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Exam No: 057945 Closing Date: May 25, 2007
SALARY RANGE
$2,498.00 /Month

This posting is for the City and County of Honolulu Department of Human Resources;  vacancy location is Oahu.

POSITION INFORMATION
This recruitment is NOT for 911 Emergency Response Operators that receive, screen and route telephone requests for 911 emergency assistance.

Receives extensive training in the methods and procedures for police call taking and police radio dispatching and performs a variety of difficult clerical work in conjunction with police communications activities as a trainee police radio dispatcher. This is a transitory classification for individuals interested in pursuing a career in police radio dispatching, but who do not yet meet the training and other requirements deemed necessary for the independent and competent operation of a radio transmitter and receiver to dispatch and coordinate the response of police personnel relative to complaints, emergencies and other requests for police assistance. Individuals selected for this class must be capable of attaining the next higher permanent level of police radio dispatching work (Police Radio Dispatcher II). Under close supervision receives training in the use of radio dispatching equipment and other office equipment; receives telephone complaints and other requests for police assistance from the public, elicits and summarizes necessary facts then forward pertinent information to higher level dispatchers. Upon successful completion of training, the dispatcher is expected to effectively broadcast over the police radio and coordinate communications between the public, police units in the field and other communications personnel. Must be able to operate and input data on a video display terminal independently. (Position basically involves dealing directly and verbally with the public and on duty police officers in what may be a life-threatening situation and at the same time inputting the information received via a keyboard into a computer.)

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION
At time of application you must be a citizen, national, or permanent resident alien of the United States or a non-citizen eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment.

WRITTEN TEST DATE: Saturday, October 20, 2007.
Approximately 7 days prior to the written test, candidates will be notified by mail as to the time and place. Written Test only in HONOLULU.

Vacancies are with the Honolulu Police Department.

Reallocated to POLICE RADIO DISPATCHER II, SR-17 ($2,813), after one year of training and satisfactory service. Rotating shift work may be required for both levels.

Must be able to handle tasks in rapid succession, communicate clearly and calmly and make sound decisions under stress conditions. May be required to work rotating shifts and rotating days off. Includes weekend and holiday work. Current work schedules are eight hours per day, five days per week on one of the following work shifts: 5:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 10:15 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. to 6:15 a.m. Training includes classroom and on-the-job training that covers police call taking methods and procedures, understanding the computer aided dispatch system, and operating police radio-telephone equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:
Equivalent to graduation from high school.

EXAMINATION PROCESS
WRITTEN TEST: In addition to meeting the above minimum qualifications for this position, you must pass a written test which may cover the following areas: principles and techniques of dealing with people; reading comprehension; organizing and prioritizing information; applying detailed instructions; ability to use time logs; and timed ability to compare job related letter/number sequences. You must pass the written test to be considered further. If you do not pass the written test, you may re-apply by resubmitting an application.

After you pass the written test, you may also be required to pass a qualifying performance test for further consideration. Candidates who pass both tests will be placed on a Police Radio Dispatcher I eligible list. The eligible list will be effective for at least two years from the date of establishment. You will not be allowed to re-apply during the time you are on the eligible list. See supplement for more information on the selection process.

EXAMINATION WEIGHT:
Written Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100%
Performance Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pass/Fail

HOW TO APPLY

The City & County of Honolulu invites you to visit our website at http://www.honolulu.gov/hr and check the "Application Info" box for information on: How To Apply for Jobs, Who Can Apply for Jobs, and more. The standard City & County of Honolulu application form and supplemental form, if applicable, are required and must be received by the closing date, if shown.

Applicants are encouraged to apply and submit their application on-line at http://www.honolulu.gov/hr. Applicants may also submit applications in person, or by mail. Application materials will not be sent or received by FAX.

Location Address: Department of Human Resources, EPS
650 South King St., 10th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813

NOTE: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

Information Number: (808) 768-8536 Department: Human Resources
Class Number/Title: 
010875/POLICE RADIO DISPATCHER I
Closing Date: May 25, 2007


POLICE RADIO DISPATCHER I (SR-14) Supplemental Questionnaire
 
1.If you pass the written and performance tests you will be placed on an eligible list in the order of your test scores. Names will remain on the list for a period of two years from the date of establishment. Applicants on the eligible list will not be allowed to re-apply for this position for a period of two years.
 I have applied and passed the Police Radio Dispatcher I written test, and am currently on an eligible list.
 This is the first time I am applying for Police Radio Dispatcher I; or I have applied in the past, but did not pass the written test.
 I am not sure of my status.
2.Have you graduated from high school or received a high school equivalent diploma?
 Yes
 No
3.Do you have at least two (2) years of public contact work experience? NOTE: The two years must be either on a full-time basis (35 or more hours per week) or the full-time equivalent. (For example, if you work half-time, you must have worked at least four (4) years to equal the two year minimum).
 Yes
 No
4.For the position that best qualifies you for this job, indicate the employer, your supervisor's name and title, your job title, your starting and ending dates, and the average hours worked per week.
 Yes
 No
5.Describe your major duties and responsibilities in the position.
 
 
 
 
6.Did this position provide you with any public contact experience?
 
 
 
 
7.If so, were you dealing with the public
 in person
 via telephone
 both (in person and via telephone)
8.If so, describe what you were doing (i.e., answered questions and/or complaints, taking and giving information, selling, etc.)
 
 
 
 
9.If you had any other relevant experience, please answer the same questions listed above (items #4 to #8).
 
 
 
 
10.The following is a brief overview of the selection process (total duration is about six months). You are required to read each phase and answer all questions. ORIENTATION/PRE-JOB OFFER PSYCHOLOGICAL TEST: You will be notified at a later date and scheduled to attend an orientation within 1 to 2 weeks. You will be given a personal history questionnaire (PHQ) at the orientation that will ask about your education, employment, driving record, previous residences, traffic and criminal history, and other aspects of your personal history. The police department will conduct a thorough investigation of your character and background. At the orientation you will also be given several pre-psychological tests. The orientation and testing will take approximately 7 to 8 hours. QUESTION: Do you want to proceed?
 
 
 
 
11.RETURN OF PERSONAL HISTORY QUESTIONNAIRE (PHQ): Approximately 1 to 2 weeks after the orientation, you will be scheduled to meet with a recruitment staff member to review and turn in your personal history questionnaire. The PHQ facilitates a thorough investigation of your character and background. The Honolulu Police Department has high selection values. You must possess sound moral character, integrity, and credibility that demonstrate your effectiveness in carrying out the various duties and responsibilities of a Police Radio Dispatcher. Your character and background will be thoroughly reviewed to determine your suitability for employment. QUESTION: Do you want to proceed?
 
 
 
 
12.PHQ CLARIFICATION INTERVIEW: Within 3 to 4 weeks of submitting your personal history questionnaire, an interview will be scheduled with a detective to clarify your answers to the PHQ. This is a one-to-one interview that will take approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours. During this interview, the answers to the PHQ will be reviewed in detail. In addition, your traffic abstract, criminal history, credit report, and education will be discussed. You will be given every opportunity to explain all "negative" factors in your background check, but certain events may present greater obstacles to overcome, such as bankruptcy and other financial problems, criminal convictions including drug and felony charges, and a dishonorable discharge from the military. Background checks will be conducted throughout the selection process. QUESTION: Do you want to proceed?
 
 
 
 
13.PRELIMINARY SELECTION: Two to 3 weeks after the PHQ interview, your background and history will be presented to a preliminary selection board consisting of the major, captain, lieutenant, detectives, and civilians of the recruitment staff for review. Your background will be reviewed in its totality. If you meet the standards of the Honolulu Police Department up until this phase you will be given a conditional job offer. QUESTION: Do you want to proceed?
 
 
 
 
14.POST-JOB OFFER PSYCHOLOGICAL TEST: Approximately 1 to 2 weeks after the conditional job offer you will be scheduled to take a post-job offer psychological test. The testing will take approximately 4 to 6 hours. QUESTION: Do you want to proceed?
 
 
 
 
15.PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVIEW: You will be scheduled to undergo a psychological interview with a licensed psychologist employed by the Honolulu Police Department 3 to 4 weeks after the psychological test. The psychological interview will assess your attitudes, values and truthfulness of your responses. All issues of concern will be raised and clarified. The interview will take approximately 2 to 3 hours. QUESTION: Do you want to proceed?
 
 
 
 
16.POLYGRAPH (LIE DETECTOR) INTERVIEW: You will be scheduled to take a polygraph test. The test will take approximately 4 hours. QUESTION: Do you want to proceed?
 
 
 
 
17.MEDICAL EXAMINATION: Within 1 to 2 weeks after the polygraph test, you will be scheduled to take a medical examination conducted by the City's physician. You will be required to pass a drug-screening test. QUESTION: Do you want to proceed?
 
 
 
 
18.FINAL SELECTION: Within 3 to 4 weeks, after all of the background checks and testing are completed, your background and history will be presented to a final selection board consisting of the major, captain, lieutenant, detectives, and civilians of the recruitment staff for review. Your background will be reviewed in its totality. If you meet the standards of the Honolulu Police Department you will be given a notification of hire. QUESTION: Do you want to proceed?
 
 
 
 
19.NOTIFICATION OF HIRE: Within 3 to 4 weeks of the notification of hire, you will become a police radio dispatcher and will attend training. There is a probationary period of 12 months that is part of the selection process. You must pass the probationary period before becoming a regular member of the Civil Service. QUESTION: Are you willing to commit yourself to this process?