Police Dispatcher

Whitehall, OH
Whitehall Police Department

Salary: $27.08 – $35.73 Hourly

Closing Date: 3/31/2025

Position Summary:

The Communications Operator (Police Dispatcher) is a skilled emergency service position that receives emergency and non-emergency requests for police, fire and emergency medical service assistance, determines the nature and urgency of calls and initiates police or other emergency personnel action using a complex computer aided dispatch system. Maintains close contact with field units to monitor response and needed support requirements. The position requires a considerable degree of initiative and independent judgment within procedural boundaries in responding to emotionally, disturbed and sometimes aggressive individuals in a variety of situations. The Police Dispatcher is administratively assigned to the Administrative Services Bureau and operationally reports to the Shift Sergeant or the Officer-in-Charge. The Police Dispatcher is the primary link between the Police Officer and the citizens.

Essential Functions:

  • Answers the 9-1-1 emergency phones. Receives, and processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
  • Determines nature and location of emergency; prioritizes; dispatches emergency units as needed and in accordance with established procedures.
  • Maintains communication with assigned units.
  • Operates a variety of communications equipment including the Computer-Aided-Dispatching system and LEADS computer.
  • Answers Police business phones, assesses needs and directs assistance; receives and transmits messages.
  • Telephonically assists citizens, victims of crime, business representatives, other Police Agency representatives, local employees and officials, and employees from other Police agencies.
  • Accesses and enters sensitive data in local/state/national databases as necessary for investigative purposes.
  • Assists citizens, victims of crime, business representatives, other Police Agency representatives, local employees and officials, and employees from foreign city departments at the lobby window as the need arises.
  • Maintains the order, efficiency, sanctity, uniformity and integrity of Police Communications Command Center.
  • Monitors the Police building to ensure all of its doors, hallways, rooms, and jail remain secure.

Requirements:

  • U.S. citizen;
  • Valid State of Ohio driver’s license;
  • At least 18 years of age on the date of hire;
  • High school diploma or GED certificate;
  • Computer literacy, with accurate typing (keyboarding) of at least 30 wpm;
  • Verifiable good character and ability to comply with the City’s Substance Free Workplace requirements. Able to pass thorough background investigation;
  • Must successfully complete L.E.A.D.S. (Law Enforcement Automated Data Systems) training and maintain L.E.A.D.S. certification.
  • Must successfully complete C.C.H. (Computerized Criminal History) training and maintain certification.
  • Must successfully complete any certifications required by law.
  • Must have taken and passed a Civil Service Communication Operator/ Dispatchers examination.