Starting hiring pay dependent on experience in dispatch.

Under direct supervision of the Communications Manager, this position operates equipment and coordinates all emergency calls coming into the Police Department for Police/Fire/EMS services. This position requires constant contact with the public in stressful situations that require clear thinking, calmness, stability, tact, good judgment, and clearly understandable speaking skills. Performs other duties as assigned.

Answers 911 emergency phone lines and non-emergency lines for regional dispatch center; obtains necessary information about emergencies or complaints; determines what Fire or Police equipment is needed on the scene; contacts police officers and fire personnel in the field via two-way radio and relays emergency information and pertinent data.

Monitors various Police, Fire and City radio frequencies; operates CAD and mobile data terminal to review various law enforcement and fire department records; transmits relevant information to field officers as requested. Notifies off-duty and on-call personnel when additional manpower is needed. May perform a variety of record keeping and other administrative work.

Monitors teletype for severe weather bulletins; broadcasts warning over radio channels. Monitors city alarm systems; performs periodic tests on police and fire radio and warning equipment; prepares reports; files and maintains various communication logs and records. Monitors closed circuit television equipment; updates and maintains emergency contact information. Responsible for regular and on-time attendance.

• This position normally performs the duty assignment after receiving detailed instructions as to methods, procedures, and desired end results with little room for deviation.
• Good knowledge of radio, telephones, TDD phones, special equipment such as TLETS, 911 equipment, CAD, law and ordinance books, director files, streets and telephone number crisscross reference books, tape logger, printers, maps, headsets, computer and policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate in a clear, effective, and concise manner, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions under stress.
• Ability to effectively communicate with and elicit information from distraught and irate individuals.
• Ability to follow instructions, safety practices, procedures, and perform work accurately and thoroughly which requires performing multiple tasks simultaneously under time pressures, intense stress, and deadlines.
• General knowledge of office procedures such as filing, bookkeeping, and records maintenance.
• Skilled in the operation of communications equipment, computer and two-way radios.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply communications equipment operating manuals as reference materials.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with all people.
• Ability to correctly interpret, explain, and apply laws, rules, operations, practices, procedures, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to be punctual and attend work regularly.
• Ability to appear and testify in Court.
• Ability to be organized and have efficient management of time and deadlines.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Knowledge and ability to utilize computers and applicable software on a daily basis including: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, CRIMES CAD system, Solacom, Priority Dispatch software system, and Openfox.
• Knowledge of and ability to correctly interpret specific practices, requirements, policies, and procedures, to include: TCOLE licensing rules; Federal, State, and City laws, regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures; and police practices and services.
• Ability to allocate and utilize limited resources in a cost-effective manner.