Police Dispatcher

Salary: $26.94-$33.58 per hour.

Position Summary:

The Dispatcher serves as the central point for receiving and directing communications for the Police Department. This position is responsible for handling incoming phone, radio, and written communications and ensuring information is relayed to the appropriate personnel. Following established procedures and using sound judgment, the Dispatcher performs critical communications work by receiving and dispatching police, fire, and rescue calls and coordinating responses with the appropriate public safety personnel. The Dispatcher also maintains and retrieves records and files information needed to support patrol units and department staff. The position has primary responsibility for the initial deployment of public safety personnel and equipment, in accordance with established policies and written directives.

Essential Functions:

• Report any deployment of Police Officers beyond their regularly assigned duties to the appropriate shift supervisor. Be thoroughly familiar with the
  department’s procedures relating to the use of radio and other communications equipment. Acquire a thorough knowledge of location and layout of the streets, buildings, parks, housing projects and other significant areas of the community to maximize the accuracy and speed of dispatch. Be familiar with emergency procedures that relate to matters requiring urgent police, rescue, and fire attention to activate them immediately. Keep dispatched personnel fully informed of all facts affecting the safety and efficiency of their response to the call.
• Inform the Shift Supervisor when contact with an officer on patrol cannot be made after a reasonable amount of time. Maintain equipment, especially the emergency call lines, in working order and immediately report any malfunction or defect to the Shift Supervisor. Record all significant communications as required by departmental procedures. Answer all telephone calls promptly and appropriately, and assist with all complaints in a calm, civil manner. Monitor closed circuit television systems to ensure station security and the proper supervision of people confined.
• Receive security and fire alarms and dispatch appropriate response units. Maintain the departmental daily log ensuring an accurate recording of calls received and other noteworthy events. Disseminate police information concerning wanted persons, stolen vehicles, missing people, and other police information as received by Teletype, telephone or other means. Render assistance to the public who make inquiries at Police Headquarters, and take preliminary reports of crimes, incidents or requests for police services.

Requirements:

• High School diploma or GED, must be 18 years of age
• Experience with office equipment, computers and communications systems is highly desirable
• Ability to master a working knowledge of the principals involved in the operation of radio, telephone and
related communications equipment
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely
• Ability to think and act quickly, calmly, and accurately in an emergency situation
• Ability to type accurately at a reasonable rate of speed
• Ability to develop, within a reasonable period of time, skill and speed in the operations of the
communications equipment and to demonstrate knowledge of public safety practices and procedures
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions