Police/Fire Dispatcher

Telecommunication Duties

The purpose of this classification is to perform telecommunication duties for the City of Fountain Inn Police and Fire Departments. Work involves answering 911 emergency and non-emergency telephone lines; dispatching calls to responding units; monitoring alarms and other telecommunications equipment; operating SLED/NCIC computer to access information; prepares various reports and maintains communication logs. Reports to Lead Dispatcher.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency voice and Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) calls from the public: determines nature of call; enters information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System; and advises supervisors of all priority calls.

Provides lifesaving and pre-arrival instructions to callers in emergency situations: remains available to callers while units are in route; and checks status.

Dispatches calls to the fire department, police department, and public works; transfers calls as needed to appropriate agencies. Acknowledges all routine and emergency police and fire radio traffic.

Dispatches the appropriate agency personnel to scene through use of radio and CAD systems: coordinates multi-unit response calls; maintains awareness of available response units; dispatches calls to available units; maintains contact with response units to provide information and instructions regarding emergencies; and assists in the coordination of correct response to emergencies.

Utilizes computer to enter and retrieve data/information related to police, fire, and emergency medical service activity: retrieves and relays information from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) or other systems, such as driver's license, weapon registration, vehicle tag, article identification numbers, date of birth, missing/wanted persons, warrants, citations, etc. to law enforcement personnel.

Identifies incorrect or outdated information in databases: adds, removes, changes or otherwise updates information and data; and ensures accuracy and completeness of data entered and removed.

Assists in training policies and procedures for Police Dispatcher job requirements for newly hired employees: monitors, instructs, and participates with the trainee in answering 911 emergency and non-emergency calls; determines nature of the call; enters information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System; and advises supervisors of all priority calls.

Performs related duties: answers administrative phone lines, taking and relaying messages and providing information; contacts appropriate on call staff as needed; monitors security cameras; checks court dockets; accepts and receipts payments for open records requests and fingerprinting; orders and stocks department supplies; receives and distributes mail and packages, etc.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Maintains video observation of all prisoners while being held in the department's holding cells and makes appropriate notations on the prisoner log.

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Communicates with supervisor, other City employees, law enforcement, fire services, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Regular Attendance: Consistent and reliable in-person attendance to ensure effective teamwork, collaboration, and communication with colleagues, clients, and community members. This includes but is not limited to attending scheduled meetings, participating in on-site or off-site events, and being available during standard work hours. The City will attempt to accommodate any reasonable adjustments as outlined by the ADA.

Performs other related duties as required.

Performs routine administrative office tasks as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, and general supply ordering.

High school diploma or GED required, with vocational or technical training in communications or related field; supplemented by one year of experience in communications, customer service, or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina driver's license. Must possess and maintain the following additional certifications or licensures: South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA) Basic Telecommunications Officer, National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Terminal Operator, and Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Fire Service Communications.

Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to work with and apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others to coordinate programs or activities of a project, and resolve typical problems associated with the responsibilities of the job.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information, such as criminal and driver histories, CAD reports, daily logs, warrant packets, work orders, etc.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

The City of Fountain Inn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The City reserves the right to revise this position description at any time.

Applicants selected to move forward in the process will be contacted for an interview. Interviews will be on June 15, 2026, at the Fountain Inn Police Department.