Public Safety Telecommunicator

Saint Augustine, FL
St Johns County Sheriff's Office

Salary:

  • $50,000 (based on 40-hour work week).
  • $55,035.20 (salary based on 12-hour shifts, upon successful completion of training program).

Position Summary:

The Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) is a highly responsible civilian position which performs a tactical function. This position is required to receive and dispatch emergency (911) and non-emergency calls for Law Enforcement; enter data into computer while questioning callers for information; determine nature, validity and disposition of calls; utilize computer generated messages and priorities to dispatch field units to emergency situations; operate a variety of communications equipment including radio system, and telephones; perform dispatch activities utilizing computer-assisted dispatch system; dispatch and monitor deputies and other designated personnel during emergencies and normal operations, answer or refer inquiries and complaints regarding a wide variety of public safety and related matters; access, retrieve, and transmit vehicular or personal information to field units; relay relevant situational information to other public safety agencies.

Essential Functions:

  • Answer both emergency (911) and non-emergency calls for service.
  • Distinguish between emergency/non-emergency calls, effectively prioritize calls for service.
  • Enter calls into CAD system, even minor typographical/clerical errors can lead to possible loss of life, improper arrest, erroneous release of a violent offender, etc.
  • Notify appropriate agency/personnel of incidents of concern.
  • Maintain composure and even temperament under stressful conditions.
  • Receive/process/forward wrecker requests/ information to designated supervisor. If applicable, maintain wrecker files.
  • Communicate with other Law Enforcement agencies and in-house personnel, ensure proper coordination of multi-agency efforts involving the establishment of roadblocks, warrant verification, pursuit efforts, translators, K-9’s, intoxilizer operators and other legitimate requirements, etc.
  • Route calls to appropriate authority.
  • Disseminate information via MDC as necessary, (i.e. Routine Patrol for residence and business).
  • Respond to DMV record requests.
  • Locate appropriate resource materials, i.e. Plat maps, computer applications/databases, phone books, grid books and other appropriate sources/documents within a reasonable amount of time and provide requester with correct information.
  • Operate digital mapping system (GIS) and Mobile Data Terminal (MDT).
  • Monitor public access to COMM Center, respond to and/or report unusual or suspicious activity.
  • Effective use of hearing impaired equipment.
  • Testify at trials, hearings, grand juries or depositions.
  • Ensure accurate information is accumulated and disseminated to personnel in a timely manner.
  • Generate accurate reports to include required attachments within the specified timeframe.
  • Attend Shift Briefings.
  • Ensure accurate information addressing events or critical issues is accumulated and disseminated to personnel without delay.
  • Dispatch appropriate unit(s) in response to calls for service based on priority, location, and resource availability.
  • Provide/update responding unit(s) and/or supervisor(s) with all available pertinent information.
  • Track, monitor, and document all deputies and other designated personnel’s activities as required during the tour of duty.
  • Enter appropriate information into NCIC/FCIC/CAD, even minor typographical/clerical errors can lead to possible loss of life, improper arrest, erroneous release of a violent offender, etc.
  • Maintain accurate and up to date communications logs pursuant to all applicable State regulations and agency policies.
  • Personally respond to request(s) or assign to personnel for follow up.
  • Review bulletins, requests for service and other information received from criminal justice agencies via teletype and promptly take appropriate action.
  • Utilize two-way radio system to provide and maintain effective communications with Agency personnel.
  • Operate CJIS, CAD information from local/Agency Terminal, Video Booking or any other local or Agency system as applicable, retrieve or enter information in a timely manner. If applicable, disseminate to authorized/appropriate requestor.
  • Disseminate information received over the National Warning System Terminal from the National Weather Service to all appropriate personnel/agencies.
  • Assist with validations and perform those duties to provide support during staffing shortages.
  • Operate NCIC/FCIC computer receiving and disseminating accurate information to authorized personnel
  • Interpret criminal history information for documentation/records updating purposes.
  • Receive process, and complete requests for hit confirmation within 10 minutes and according to NCIC/State and agency procedures and policy.
  • Translate information to the appropriate codes and signals.
  • Ask vital questions and provide pre-arrival instructions to callers.
  • Receive and respond to a variety of emergency and non-emergency services and complaints
  • Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
  • Question callers to determine their location, and the nature of their problem to determine type of response needed.
  • Calmly and accurately evaluate incoming emergency or non-emergency calls and take appropriate action
  • Enter, update, and retrieve information from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles.
  • Process information using a computer-aided-dispatch (CAD) system to include formats, commands, radio and case disposition codes.
  • Assist in maintaining computerized Master Street Addressing Guide (MSAG) and E911 database by collecting incorrect E911 address and data and relaying the information to the E-911 Coordinator.
  • Make rapid, accurate decisions which affect the outcome of other public safety services.
  • Assist other dispatchers as necessary and when not occupied with primary duties or if occupied with duties of lower priority.
  • Understand standard abbreviations and industry terminology commonly used by emergency medical services and law enforcement agencies.
  • Be familiar with jurisdictional boundaries, as well as landmarks, public buildings and waterways within the jurisdiction.
  • Obtain, interpret and convey information effectively.
  • Adjust actions in relation to others’ actions.
  • Use logic and reasoning to reach conclusions and specialize approach to problems.
  • Actively listen and communicate effectively.
  • Follow instructions.
  • Write clearly and spell correctly.
  • Establish priorities and pass on information as needed.
  • Effectively obtain and convey information to upset individuals.
  • Manage negative comments and feedback from the public.
  • Cope with emotionally tense situations.
  • Remember details and make decisions under stressful conditions.
  • Develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with fellow employees, representatives from other departments, and supervisors.
  • Use reference materials.
  • Cross-training on multiple dispatch positions is required.
  • Selectively listen to information vital to responsibilities; tune out extraneous noise and information.
  • Determine priorities of multiple requests for assistance based on nature of crime or incident.
  • Monitor and maintain radio communication with field personnel (patrol units, intelligence cars, bomb disposal units, divers, aircraft, and water craft vehicles) to ensure their safety, determine availability of units, and deploy back-up when necessary.
  • Enter data into various computerized systems.
  • Search pertinent records and/or computerized data; select appropriate/needed information; interpret/relay information to requesting law enforcement personnel.
  • Listen to audio communications from telephone, radio and in person.
  • Make decisions during emergency situations and requests for service.
  • Quickly and accurately recognize letters, numbers, addresses, names and license numbers received by radio, by telephone or on a computer monitor. Data is often presented simultaneously or in rapid succession. Data must be accurately compared with information from previous calls (suspect descriptions, license numbers) to determine if it is new, and if so, should be reported as such.
  • Perform several activities simultaneously, i.e. maintain contact with a caller while calling the appropriate response agency, updating incident information while monitoring radio traffic, or speaking.
  • Assist in locating or contacting individuals needed for staff response.
  • Make entries, inquiries, cancellations, and modifications of records in various systems and databases such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Florida Crime Information Center, Stolen Vehicle File, Stolen License Plate File, Stolen-Missing Gun File, Stolen Article File, Wanted Person File, Stolen or embezzled or Counterfeited or Missing Securities File, Stolen Boat File, etc.
  • Must condense large amounts of information into readable, sensibly typed remarks in a timely manner and have the ability to recall numerous acronyms and codes essential to appropriate call processing.
  • Maintain familiarity with the Standard Operating Procedures and appropriate manuals that provide knowledge of Communications Center operations and procedures.
  • Work effectively in a disciplined environment with close supervision and carry out lawful orders according to policies regardless of personal opinion.
  • Demonstrate a high level of mental stability and professionalism.
  • Deal with sensitive information in a discreet and professional manner.
  • Constant monitoring of the radio and immediately respond to all requests for assistance or service.
  • Ensure other sworn personnel on duty are aware of situations which may require backup.
  • Receive radio calls from deputies such as motor vehicle stops or other situations. Enter information into CAD system and respond accordingly.

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalency.
  • Type 25 WPM accurately.
  • Valid Florida Driver’s License.
  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Basic knowledge of general office equipment.
  • FCIC/NCIC certified or able to become certified.
  • Must be able to become Florida PST Certified.