Police Dispatcher

Salary: $43,346.80 – $91,393.75 / year

Position Summary:

This is specialized work in receiving/dispatching police and emergency calls and messages in the police communications center and in performing a variety of related duties. Work involves the responsibility for operating radio communications, telephonic equipment and performing related clerical communications tasks. Work requires fast, efficient and accurate receiving, dispatching and processing of calls, alarms and messages. Employees assigned to this position are responsible for receiving, evaluating and dispatching calls for police service and performing notification and information gathering duties in support of officers in the field. All work is performed in accordance with departmental rules and regulations under the supervision of a
superior but requires judgement in completing and controlling dispatching under stress conditions.

Essential Functions:

• Receives/evaluates and dispatches calls from the public requesting police assistance including calls for police, emergency medical services, fire assistance, municipal services, and general information.
• Maintains radio contact with police units, other law enforcement agencies and Township departments when necessary.
• Inputs and transmits call information using computer terminal keyboard; refers callers to appropriate agencies; or contact various parties to notify of complaints and/or actions required.
• Verifies and/or inputs data as requested by officers in the field.
• Operates a two-way radio and/or MDT systems to dispatch calls to patrol units and receive and communicate information.
• Utilizes computer aided dispatch terminal to update and monitor unit status, transmit officer request for emergency services and retrieve various data/records.
• Notifies wrecker services, emergency medical services, fire service, Prosecutor’s Office, Medical Examiner or any other services/agencies requested by officers in the field.
• Contacts complainants by telephone to gather supplemental information on service requests, as needed.
• Conducts file inquiries, as requested by officers, into NCIC, or regional data banks to check driver records, vehicle registrations, stolen property listings, warrants, criminal history reports and/or missing person’s listings.

Requirements:

• Experience providing a familiarity with the operation of public emergency communication equipment and systems and/or answering complaints and providing information; graduation from high school; certified training in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), 911 Emergency Operations; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Ability to develop, within a reasonable period of time, skill and speed in the operation of radios and related equipment and to demonstrate a knowledge of public safety functions and procedures.
• Ability to act quickly, calmly and correctly in emergency situations.
• Ability to maintain dispatching procedures, coordinating and placing equipment within departmental procedures and with respect to the needs of the particular emergency.
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to accurately enter required dispatch information into the CAD system at a reasonable rate of speed and the ability to successfully complete a 20 words per minute typing test and a timed CAD test.
• Ability to successfully pass a background investigation. In addition to Township requirements a successful candidate must meet the requirements promulgated by the State of New Jersey, Department of Law and Public Safety in order to receive clearance to access all CJIS Terminal Operations.
• All arrests, juvenile, adult and expunged records are possible disqualifiers for law enforcement employment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the public.