Communications Officer (911 Dispatcher)

Police Department Dispatcher

Under general direction, performs dispatch services for the Police Department; receives, evaluates, and processes non-emergency and emergency calls from the public; determines nature and location of the incident and assigns and dispatches police, fire, and EMS in compliance with standard operating procedures; monitors multiple radio frequencies; maintains call logs; confirms warrants; monitors security cameras; and dispatches pre-arrival instructions using emergency medical dispatch system for triage on patients.

The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by the individual in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties as assigned.

Respond to non-emergency and emergency calls for service; monitor multiple radio frequencies; prioritize calls for service that come in simultaneously; dispatch police, fire, and EMS as needed for first responders on all calls to service; maintain communication throughout the incident until all units are in service; coordinate and provide services and information as needed or as requested by units on the scene; provide follow up information as requested by units for the purpose of report writing, investigation and filing of criminal charges; assist citizens by providing information and services depending on their situation; and monitor security cameras for possible breach in security and allows access to citizens or other agency personnel to restricted areas.

Perform data entry into CAD system by documenting all radio traffic and incident notes; record supplemental reports; monitor and log activities; run people, plates and criminal histories for investigation and warrant inquiry or entry; enter lost or stolen property, vehicles, and people into system; validate existing lost or stolen property, vehicles, and people; enter warrants and confirms that they are issued by the city court; modify or cancel; communicate with other state and local agencies for broadcasting information; confirm warrants, extradition and transportation of prisoners.

Provide on the job training for new dispatchers as well as instruction to new officers as it pertains to the communications center.

Perform office clerical functions such as maintaining fax and printers; monitor severe weather from the National Weather Service and set off appropriate siren when instructed; and perform janitorial duties such as cleaning and maintaining kitchenette area in dispatch, emptying trash containers, wiping down all surfaces, cleaning windows and bathrooms, and sweeping and mopping the floor.

Support the relationship between the City of Belton and the constituent population by providing excellent customer service; promotes the City goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures; maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, client records and City information; and performs related duties as required or assigned.

Ensure job duties are completed in strict adherence to established safe work practices.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Computer operations (CAD, MULES, NCIC, Next Gen 911) systems such as teletype and telephone.

Relevant city, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, ordinances and council policies for the operation of the city.

Structure, organization and inter-relationships of city departments, agencies, and related governmental agencies and offices.

Effectively, clearly, and concisely relay details accurately.

Follow communication principles and practices to include public relations.

Reporting requirements and report preparation.

Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers, computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.

English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Principles of business letter writing.

Utilize personal computer software programs and other relevant software affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets.

Establish and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.

Determine priorities.

Work under extreme pressure and in handling stressful situations.

Maintain confidentiality and communicating with tact and diplomacy.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma/GED and one year of police or fire dispatching experience; OR three years of experience working in an environment with heavy customer service using multi-line telephone system or dispatching duties in another environment such as utilities, trucking, or licensed professional home service dispatch services; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Possession of valid Driver's License.

Police radio dispatch procedures and communication systems preferred.

Basic Telecommunicator Training certification; EMD certification; MULES, NCIC Inquiry and Entry certification will be required within six months of hire.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.