Police Dispatcher - Night Shift

Job Title

Police Dispatcher

Job Description

Operating out of the Houston ISD Police Communication Center and under general supervision, receives emergency and non-emergency phone calls for service. Operates a public safety radio communication system to dispatch and monitor police personnel. Operates the district radio communication system to send out and monitor security and alarm personnel. Continually operates and/or monitors a Computer Aided Dispatch System, a National and Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, District SIMS III Alarm System and District CameraView Camera System. This position performs a full range of radio-telephone operational duties in a 24-hour facility and is subject to mandatory overtime hours.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

1. Receives calls for emergency assistance and other calls for service from general public and other public agencies using a multiple-line telephone console. Applies time management, multi-tasking, quick decisions, consistent conflict resolution and the ability to work under pressure in an intense environment.
2. Poses questions to interpret, analyze, and anticipate the caller's situation as to resolve problems, provide information, dispatch emergency services, or refer callers to other agencies. Obtains useful caller information such as caller identity, location, and nature of situation. Determines and assigns the appropriate call type and level of assistance needed, then enters requests for police assistance into Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Appropriately transfers requests for fire and emergency medical services.
3. Dispatches police units to CAD calls for services and emergency scenes by computer, by radio and by telephone while providing over-the-air emergency medical assistance to callers. Identifies the priority level and number of units to assign to calls for service. Maintains radio contact and tracks the status of all units. Monitors and records the location of patrol officers so as to dispatch teams according to their proximity to an accident scene or other calls for service.
4. Conducts records checks on individuals, vehicles, licenses, weapons, etc., using various computer systems including TCIC/NCIC. Advises officers of hit responses and sends message to entering agency to validate the hit.
5. Enters, modifies, and validates entries in criminal justice databases such as TCIC/NCIC. Researches entry requests to ensure all information is included; analyzes entry requests and interprets established guidelines and laws to ensure the entry meets all standards.
6. Handles requests from field personnel such as those for tows, ambulances, special equipment, public works, and other services. Contacts outside agencies for assistance as required including pulling warrant records.
7. Monitors alarm systems and closed-circuit television/building security cameras to detect building intrusion and fire emergency and determine the appropriate response.
8. Performs data entry and verification of entries for TCIC and NCIC validation procedures. Searches databases to obtain information regarding wanted persons or stolen property.
9. Maintains abreast of local laws, police terminologies, policies, and procedures.
10. Conducts inspection of work equipment to initiate maintenance or repairs as required.
11. Maintains radio transmission logs, as well as up-to-date record of calls and complaints.
12. Forwards investigation calls to appropriate agency, department, or personnel.
13. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications include:

EDUCATION

High School Diploma or GED

WORK EXPERIENCE

No experience required. 1 year experience, preferred. Bilingual, preferred.

TYPE OF SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Software Microsoft Office Certifications/Licensure Must either have or be able to obtain Telecommunications Operator License from Texas Commission On Law Enforcement within one year of employment. Designated as a First Responder and required to take a CPR class and maintain certification. Equipment Office equipment (e.g., computer, copier) Vehicles (e.g., automobile, truck, tractor, forklift) Effective speaking and listening skills Ability to stay organized while multi-tasking in a high stress environment. Must be able to work on a shift basis; must be able to work on weekends and on holidays; must be able to work overtime on short notice.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

-No supervisory or direct people management responsibilities. May provide occasional work guidance, technical advice and training to staff.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

-Work involves the application of moderately complex procedures and tasks that are quite varied. Independent judgment is often required to select and apply the most appropriate of available resources. Ongoing supervision is provided on an 'as needed' basis.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

-No budget development activity is required.

PROBLEM SOLVING

-Decisions are made on both routine and non-routine matters with some latitude, but are still subject to approval. Job is occasionally expected to recommend new solutions to problems and improve existing methods or generate new ideas.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

-Decisions have moderate impact to the facility/department or division, causing increased satisfaction or dissatisfaction; producing efficiencies or delays; promoting or inhibiting personal intellectual or professional development; and/or contributing to financial gain or expense. Errors may be serious, usually not subject to direct verification or check, causing losses such as improper cost calculations, overpayment or improper utilization of labor, materials or equipment. Effect usually confined to the organization itself and is short term.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

-Information sharing - gives and receives information such as options, technical direction, instructions and reporting results. Interactions are mostly with customers, own supervisor and coworkers in own and other departments.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

-Takes routine or required customer actions to meet customer needs. Responds promptly and accurately to customer complaints, inquiries and requests for information and coordinates appropriate follow-up. May handle escalated issues passed on from coworkers or subordinates.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

-Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. -Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds. -Sitting: Particularly for sustained periods of time.