DISPATCHER/ CORRECTION OFFICER TRAINEE

Salary: $26.68 Hourly
Location : Lewis County Public Safety Building, NY
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 202600034
Department: Sheriff Department
Division: DISPATCHER/CORRECTION OFFICER
Opening Date: 06/10/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


Distinguishing Features of the Class


This position exists in the County Sheriff's Department and involves primary responsibility for staffing the telecommunications console on an assigned shift in receiving and transmitting messages. When working in the County correction facility, on an incidental basis, the incumbent is responsible for the care and custody of prisoners. Employees in this class must be able to function calmly in emergencies and take appropriate action in an efficient manner. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Undersheriff or other superior with leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out details of the work. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities


When performing dispatching duties:

• Operates radio equipment to direct patrol cars, ambulances and fire equipment to the scenes of crimes, accidents, citizen complaints or other emergencies;
• Answers incoming telephone calls and provides information or receives complaints from the public;
• Directs activities of Deputy Sheriffs on patrol by setting priorities of assignment based on information received at headquarters;
• Operates NYSPIN computer to obtain and relay information about motor vehicles, suspected law violators, etc.;
• Monitors police, fire and citizens band frequencies continuously to be aware of occurrences which may require involvement of the Sheriff's Department;
• Makes periodic time and location checks for Deputy Sheriff patrols;
• Prepares and maintains a variety of logs, records, reports and inventories in relation to the location and activity of patrol units, and all calls received on tour of duty;
• Receives calls from the public in need of law enforcement services, and queries caller in a calm, systematic manner to determine the seriousness and nature of the situation, the location, the services needed, and other information necessary to evaluate the situation;
• Dispatches patrol cars to the scenes of motor vehicle accidents or citizen complaints involving a wide variety of crimes, suspected crimes and other public safety incidents;
• Runs checks on drivers licenses and motor vehicle registrations;
• Sends missing person, stolen vehicle, DMV requests and other messages via teletype;
• Answers telephone calls for Village Police Department and Conservation Officers and dispatches patrol cars in response to complaints;
• Monitors burglar alarms located in businesses or private residences and maintains log book on all emergency contacts for alarms;
• Records basic information such as names, times and nature of complaint on complaint and report forms;
• May operate remote electric lock to open doors to allow persons to enter or exit the facility;
• Runs criminal record checks using department arrest records and NYSPIN terminal for Sheriff's Department officials, District Attorney, military recruiters and others;
• Relays weather and road conditions to law enforcement officers in the county.

When performing correction facility duties:

• Makes periodic rounds, supervises the movement and activities of inmates and maintains jail security at an assigned post or cell tier;
• Locks and unlocks cells and access doors using mechanical and electrical devices;
• Watches for unusual incidents or activities on the part of inmates involving violation of facility rules, or life-threatening situation and reports these to supervisor either verbally or in writing;
• Checks cell and corridor areas for faulty bars, gates, etc., and makes routine fire and safety checks;
• Transports inmates to courts, prisons, jails, medical facilities, funerals and other locations as necessary;
• Issues clothing and bedding and instructs inmates in its proper care;
• Escorts visitors and observes inmate visitations;
• Searches cells, frisks inmates and confiscates contraband;
• Mediates minor incidents and takes direct action to break up fights or other disturbances between inmates;
• Operates a variety of equipment including handcuffs, leg irons, firearms, electronic gate equipment and two-way radios;
• May use chemical agents, weapons or restraining devices and protection equipment in case of fights or other disturbances;
• Prepares a variety of records and reports related to the care of inmates and security of the facility.

Minimum Qualifications


Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :Completion of New York State Commission of Corrections training prior to completion of the probationary period.

Full performance knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics


Working knowledge of the rules, regulations and requirements of the Correction Law governing the supervision and treatment of inmates, safety and security of the facility and department employees; working knowledge of the layout and location of security personnel post assignments throughout the facility; working knowledge of search and frisk methods; working knowledge of the proper function of correction facility security equipment, devices and safe use of chemical restraining agents; working knowledge of human behavior in relation to correction facility inmates; working knowledge of telephone and two-way short wave radio equipment operating procedures; working knowledge of the geography and municipalities in the County; ability to remain calm in emergency situations; ability to be courteous yet firm with the general public; ability to understand and execute several complex oral and written directions simultaneously; ability to maintain records and prepare reports; ability to express oneself clearly by radio, on the telephone or in person; ability to make quick decisions regarding facility security and personal safety in emergency situations; ability to prepare records and reports; ability to read English and interpret written materials.
Lewis County offers competitive compensation and NYS Retirement.