Communications Officer- Dispatcher

Salary: $19.95-$23.16

Position Summary:

The Communications Officer provides essential telecommunications support to the Slidell Police Department 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This position serves as the first point of contact during emergencies and provides a critical communication link between the public and law enforcement personnel, ensuring the safety of both officers and the community.

Essential Functions:

1. Receive and manage 911 calls for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
2. Communicate clearly, calmly, professionally and respectfully with callers of diverse backgrounds.
3. Accurately determine the nature and location of incidents and prioritize responses based on urgency and other ongoing calls.
4. Assess whether a call requires police response and determine the number of units needed.
5. Operate and monitor a communications console with multiple radio frequencies, 911 phone lines and displays, paging systems, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) systems.
6. Read, interpret, and relay directions using street maps to assist officers and the public.
7. Identify and relay relevant background sounds or information from incoming calls to responding officers.
8. Document incident details using CAD or handwritten logs for accurate recordkeeping.
9. Communicate clearly over police radio to dispatch officers and provide updates.
10. Broadcast messages such as BOLOs (“Be on the Lookout”), APBs (“All Points Bulletin”), and officer instructions and notify other agencies as needed.
11. Track the real-time status and location of all officers and units.
12. Redirect non-emergency calls to appropriate departments or agencies.
13. Maintain daily activity logs and operational schedules.
14. Ensure confidentiality of all sensitive information in accordance with applicable laws and department regulations.
15. Be available for duty during emergencies, including civil disturbances, disasters, or other critical events.

Requirements:

1. Must possess a High School graduation diploma or GED (General Education Diploma) equivalent.
2. Successful completion of the typing test (as tested by the City of Slidell Human Resources Department).
3. Successful completion of the CritiCall test (for public safety dispatchers) administered by the City of Slidell Human Resources Department.
4. Equivalent combination of related higher education, corresponding training, certifications or experience with other law enforcement agencies or emergency call centers, that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities and demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the job may be evaluated and determined to meet Required Minimum Qualifications at the sole discretion of the Slidell Chief of Police.
5. Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of employment.
6. Must possess a valid state driver’s license without record of suspension or revocation in any state.
7. Must be a United States citizen.
8. Must be proficient in reading and writing the English language.
9. Must not have any felony convictions or disqualifying criminal history.
10. Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits.