Dispatcher

Collierville, TN
Collierville Police Department

Salary: $44,930 – $61,344

Position Summary:

Working as a Dispatcher, no two days will ever be the same. In this role, you can expect to: maintain watch on several radio communication channels; answer and respond to Emergency 9-1-1 calls and other calls from citizens; extract information such as location and any relevant data to determine the nature of the complaint or emergency, frequently under stress; determine police and fire emergency response; monitor and log all transmissions of central communications and mobile units; monitor radio traffic for conformance with Federal Communications Commission requirements, Fire/Paramedic, and Police procedures and orders; and exercise sound judgment in making decisions during emergency situations.

Essential Functions:

  • Maintains watch on several radio communication channels; monitors and logs all transmissions of central
    communications and mobile units; monitors radio traffic for conformance with Federal Communications Commission requirements, Fire/Paramedic, and Police procedures and orders.
  • Receives and responds to calls from citizens by extracting information such as location and any relevant data to determine the nature of the complaint or emergency, occasionally under stress; determines call priority; determines police and fire emergency response; remains calm and exercises sound judgment in making decisions during emergency situations.
  • Dispatches by radio or telephone, police, or fire units to investigate complaints or emergencies; maintains
    communication with police units to monitor their location and safety; dispatches back up police units if the complaint or emergency so warrants; broadcasts fire and police messages; dispatches ambulances, HAZMAT teams or other emergency units as the situation dictates.
  • Answers Emergency 9-1-1 calls and performs Emergency Medical Dispatch functions via telephone communication with the caller.
  • Operates both state and federal computer information systems to conduct criminal history record checks and to verify and record pertinent data record checks.
  • Utilizes codes to warn police officers of potentially dangerous persons when checks of “wants/warrants” indicate that the individual is wanted for a crime or has a previous history of criminal arrests.
  • Utilizes maps to recommend the posting of units in area blockades.
  • Records fire alarms and dispatches or monitors movement of service and reserve fire apparatus.
  • Broadcasts information to local and other agencies regarding natural disasters, potential threatening weather or any other emergency.
  • Records and retrieves data on computerized local, state, and federal information systems dealing with matters such as runaway children, stolen vehicles, stolen weapons, wanted persons, etc. for local and other police agencies.
  • Types, prepares, and/or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, purchase requisitions, purchase orders, payment/check requests, travel requests, invoices, legal descriptions, attendance reports, personnel action forms, spreadsheets, or other documents.
  • Operates a personal computer, scanner, general office equipment, recording equipment, transcription equipment, credit card machine, radio transmitters/receivers, video equipment, multi-line telephone equipment, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, bookkeeping, e-mail, Internet, or other computer programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and general office equipment, such as backing up data or replacing paper, ink, or toner; coordinates service/repair activities as needed.
  • Communicates with supervisor, employees, volunteers, other departments, Town officials, law enforcement personnel, public safety agencies, attorneys, contractors, vendors, customers, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
  • Maintains confidentiality of departmental documentation and issues.
  • Maintains current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations: reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions, to gain knowledge regarding rapidly changing information and technology, as appropriate.
  • Maintains an awareness of proper safety procedures and guidelines and applies these in performing daily activities and tasks.
  • Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

Requirements:

  • Requires a High school diploma or GED;
  • Incumbent must be a citizen of the United States of America;
  • Incumbent must successfully complete a course of study for Public Safety Dispatchers as approved by the Emergency Communications Board within six (6) months of hire;
  • Must become certified in the operation of the N.C.I.C. system from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations and possess an Emergency Medical Dispatch certification from the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch within one (1) year of employment; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
  • Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.