Public Safety Dispatcher

Westbrook, ME
Westbrook Police Department

Salary: $21.21/hour – $32.75/hour

Position Summary:

A Public Safety Dispatcher is often the first point of contact between a citizen and members of our public safety departments. As such, dispatchers are required to present a positive, professional image to those who call or come in to seek assistance or provide information. Dispatchers must operate with the highest integrity and ethical behavior, as they are often privy to sensitive and confidential information. They must be able to quickly assess any situation and ensure the proper response of emergency personnel while creating an accurate record of each call and/or incident.

Essential Functions:

  • Receive complaints and emergency requests by phone, radio, or in person, from the public, staff, and other public safety agencies.
  • Assign field units to emergencies and routine calls for service, manage radio traffic and maintain status of all field units.
  • Document activities and maintain records in a variety of formats including computer, video, audio, and paper as required.
  • Perform data entry and retrieval on the department’s and the State of Maine Metro computer systems.
  • Provide information and perform services as requested by administration, field units, outside agencies, and the public.
  • Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of records.
  • Issue permits and notarize department paperwork as required.
  • Monitor automated alarm systems and maintain the communications center in a neat and organized manner.
  • Perform all other tasks as directed or required.

Requirements:

  • Must possess or be able to become certified in all topics requiring a certificate within one year of employment and thereafter to maintain all certifications. Examples of certification include but are not limited to Terminal Operator Certification, Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification and Notary Public.
  • Must have graduated from high school or possess GED equivalent.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • No criminal record or criminal history. Must be able to provide character references.
  • Must wear all assigned Public Safety Dispatcher uniform as issued by the Westbrook Police Department while acting in the capacity of Public Safety Dispatcher.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to speak clearly and distinctly at all times, have good hearing, listening, writing, typing and computer skills.
  • Ability to reduce rambling disconnected material and information into concise and accurate messages.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks while keeping track of personnel and situations with staff safety as a prime focus.
  • Ability to analyze a situation, prioritize it, assign appropriate personnel and equipment, make proper notifications, and implement or suggest effective resolution(s) in emergency and non-emergency matters.
  • Have a thorough understanding of communications systems, including radio, teletype, computer, telephone/E-911, TDD, Alarm notification systems for both Police and Fire, call check and logger recorders, and CCTV and Video multiplex recorders.
  • Work effectively with all members of the Public Safety Department.