Police Dispatcher

Dispatcher

Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire and ambulance services; identifies and dispatches appropriate police units, gathers and relays critical information to law enforcement officers, documents calls and responses; complies with Police Department policies and procedures to assure the safety of officers, emergency services personnel and the public.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency calls by telephone or radio; projects positive support of the department and Borough organizations at all times. Prioritizes calls for service and determines appropriate personnel to respond. Interviews callers and gathers details on complaints; relays pertinent information to officers and emergency services personnel; provides information and assistance to the public. Dispatches calls for service to available officers and emergency services personnel. Maintains status and awareness of Police patrol units and monitors alarms; tracks the location and activity of all officers on duty. Provides detailed call information to officers and emergency services personnel as needed; monitor message traffic and relays important information to officers. Perform inquiries and criminal history checks for officers through National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN), and types all emergency assistance calls into the computer aided dispatch (CAD) incident logs; inputs and updates information into the APSIN/NCIC computer system; Contacts other law enforcement agencies and emergency services personnel for additional information and resources as needed, and relays pertinent information regarding incidents. Notify key Borough personnel on critical incidents. Participates in activities that promote the Department's Community Oriented Policing philosophy; this includes, but is not limited to, allowing the department to take and use an employee's photo and information for public relations and public service purposes. Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of Police and Fire Departments' standard policies, and Borough policies and procedures related to dispatching law enforcement officers and other emergency services. Knowledge of personal computers, law enforcement communications equipment, and related hardware and software. Knowledge of law enforcement patrol and emergency services procedures. Knowledge of Borough geographical area, road systems, and the locations of important buildings. Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, in emergency and stressful situations. Skill in obtaining information from hostile or emotional citizens. Skill in communicating clearly and relaying details accurately. Ability to respond quickly in a noisy, fast paced environment as listening is an essential skill.

High school graduate or G.E.D/or, a combination of 12 years of education and related work experience. One year of computer work experience; Must obtain CPR, Basic First Aid, and APSIN certification within 60 days of hire and maintain as required; Must obtain Basic Telecommunicator Course certification within 6 months of hire; Ability to type 45 words per minute; Ability to pass a thorough personal-history investigation of the person to determine character traits and habits indicative of moral character.