Communications Officer

Overview

******$5000 Hiring Incentive*******

Starting salary is based on the Public Safety New Hire Pay Matrix
.

Under general direction of Communications Shift Supervisor, the employee receives and evaluates calls from the public concerning crimes, fires, and medical emergencies. Specific duties include evaluating calls for proper action; initiating Police and/or Fire response by obtaining information required for dispatching field units; and entering data into a computer as it is being received.

This job family consists of three levels of regular full time and part time emergency dispatcher work. Levels are distinguished based on the complexity of the work, required certifications, level of supervision received, and the degree of autonomy.

This job family provides expertise and guidance in several areas including:

• Police dispatching
• Fire dispatching
• EMS dispatching
• Interagency coordination
• Accessing specialized computer aided dispatching systems

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and may not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

• Receives, screens, processes, and monitors emergency 911 calls and non-emergency calls from the public and other police/public safety agencies by radio, telephone, and computer-aided dispatch (CAD); evaluates, categorizes, and prioritizes calls; confirms jurisdiction of requests; directs callers to other agencies as appropriate; takes/relays messages for department employees or other departments.
• Dispatches appropriate agency personnel to incident locations; determines nature of emergency, location of incident, number of units needed, and nearest units; dispatches law enforcement units, ambulances, firefighters, wreckers, utility crews, medical examiner, helicopter emergency services or others as appropriate.
• Monitors all GCIC messages received and transmitted via the CJIS Network including but not limited to inquiries, entry, clear and hit confirmation of hot files.
• Completes 911 inquiries when applicable/required.
• Maintains communications with all parties involved in emergency situations; monitors status/location of emergency units; monitors safety and welfare of officers; assists emergency personnel in locating addresses; conveys information between callers and emergency personnel, general public, public safety agencies, utilities, businesses, department personnel, or other individuals/agencies; responds to requests from officers for backup, emergency units, information, or other assistance.
• Responds to requests from law enforcement personnel for license plate, driver’s license, criminal history, warrant, missing/wanted person, stolen property, or other information; transmits information to inquiring officers via radio/telephone; obtains/provides background information requested by certified personnel for purposes of employment, court, firearm licensing, or military background checks.
• Operates national/state criminal information computer systems to retrieve/update criminal information and motor vehicle/license records; locates, runs inquiries, and enters updates on data such as criminal histories, warrants, driver’s license records, stolen property, or missing/wanted persons.
• Tests equipment and makes minor repairs on same or notifies supervisor when/if major repairs are required. Changes tapes on recording of radio traffic and telephone calls as needed.
• Notifies road department and other institutions of severe weather conditions and special instructions if necessary.
• Assists in the telephone/radio/computer training of new dispatch personnel.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.