Communications Officer (911 Dispatcher)

Department: Police

Reports To: Dispatch Supervisor

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under general direction, performs dispatch services for the Police Department; receives, evaluates, and processes non-emergency and emergency calls from the public; determines nature and location of the incident and assigns and dispatches police, fire, and EMS in compliance with standard operating procedures; monitors multiple radio frequencies; maintains call logs; confirms warrants; monitors security cameras; and dispatches pre-arrival instructions using emergency medical dispatch system for triage on patients.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by the individual in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities.  Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties as assigned.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Respond to non-emergency and emergency calls for service; monitor multiple radio frequencies; prioritize calls for service that come in simultaneously; dispatch police, fire, and EMS as needed for first responders on all calls to service; maintain communication throughout the incident until all units are in service; coordinate and provide services and information as needed or as requested by units on the scene; provide follow up information as requested by units for the purpose of report writing, investigation and filing of criminal charges; assist citizens by providing information and services depending on their situation; and monitor security cameras for possible breach in security and allows access to citizens or other agency personnel to restricted areas.
• Perform data entry into CAD system by documenting all radio traffic and incident notes; record supplemental reports; monitor and log activities; run people, plates and criminal histories for investigation and warrant inquiry or entry; enter lost or stolen property, vehicles, and people into system; validate existing lost or stolen property, vehicles, and people; enter warrants and confirms that they are issued by the city court; modify or cancel; communicate with other state and local agencies for broadcasting information; confirm warrants, extradition and transportation of prisoners.
• Provide on the job training for new dispatchers as well as instruction to new officers as it pertains to the communications center.
• Perform office clerical functions such as maintaining fax and printers; monitor severe weather from the National Weather Service and set off appropriate siren when instructed; and perform janitorial duties such as cleaning and maintaining kitchenette area in dispatch, emptying trash containers, wiping down all surfaces, cleaning windows and bathrooms, and sweeping and mopping the floor.
• Support the relationship between the City of Belton and the constituent population by providing excellent customer service; promotes the City goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures; maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, client records and City information; and performs related duties as required or assigned.
• Ensure job duties are completed in strict adherence to established safe work practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Computer operations (CAD, MULES, NCIC, Next Gen 911) systems such as teletype and telephone.
• Relevant city, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, ordinances and council policies for the operation of the city.
• Structure, organization and inter-relationships of city departments, agencies, and related governmental agencies and offices.
• Effectively, clearly, and concisely relay details accurately.
• Follow communication principles and practices to include public relations.
• Reporting requirements and report preparation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers, computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.

• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Principles of business letter writing.

• Utilize personal computer software programs and other relevant software affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets.

• Establish and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.
• Determine priorities.
• Work under extreme pressure and in handling stressful situations.
• Maintain confidentiality and communicating with tact and diplomacy.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED and one year of police or fire dispatching experience; OR three years of experience working in an environment with heavy customer service using multi-line telephone system or dispatching duties in another environment such as utilities, trucking, or licensed professional home service dispatch services; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Possession of valid Driver’s License.
• Police radio dispatch procedures and communication systems preferred.
• Basic Telecommunicator Training certification; EMD certification; MULES, NCIC Inquiry and Entry certification will be required within six months of hire.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.