Communications Officer

Ardmore, OK
Carter County Sheriff

Position Summary:

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities involving the operation of communication equipment in a Department of Public Safety communication center and in providing information to law enforcement officials, other agencies and the general public.

Essential Functions:

  • Operates radio communication equipment and receives and dispatches radio messages on an assigned shift; provides a communications link for personnel in the field or agency headquarters, other law enforcement officials and related emergency services.
  • Operates teletype and computer system to obtain information through the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (OLETS), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) or National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
  • Interprets and relays information to field personnel concerning wanted persons, violations of laws and other criminal activities.
  • Researches criminal history information as required, including International Police Organization (INTERPOL) data available through the various systems.
  • Makes immediate decisions on a wide variety of information received through various sources and disseminates to field personnel, agency officials and other law enforcement agencies as appropriate.
  • Maintains written records and logs of shift activities.
  • Composes and releases messages concerning accidents, emergencies, hazardous materials, incidents, weather conditions and similar situations to field offices, news media and other law enforcement, civil defense and emergency services.
  • Plans, organizes and directs communication center operations and programs; assists in the development of agency rules, regulations, and policies concerning the use of communications equipment, staff, and systems.
  • Coordinates operational and administrative matters with other divisions and agencies, including Highway Patrol troop commanders, civil defense officials, the Department of Transportation, and local law enforcement officials.
  • Conducts on-site inspections of communications centers to evaluate operations and personnel and ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
  • Monitors security within the communications center or the facility.

Requirements:

  • Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of (Statutory Requirement: 47 O.S. 1998 Supp. Section 2-105.B.2.b.).
  • No person shall be appointed … unless the person is a citizen of the United States of America.
  • Of good moral character.
  • A person shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age and shall possess a high school diploma or General Education Development equivalency certificate.
  • Prior to entry on duty, final candidates will be scheduled for hearing tests by the hiring agency.
  • Statutory Requirements (47 O.S. 1998 Supp. Section 2-105.C.1): For positions with the Department of Public Safety, upon initial appointment to the position of Communications Dispatcher, the appointed employee shall be required to serve an initial probationary period of twelve (12) months. The Commissioner may extend the probationary period for up to three (3) additional months.