Emergency Response Technician

Emergency Response Technician (ERT)

The Colorado Springs Police Department seeks candidates who are confident, composed, flexible, adaptable, tolerant, and can work effectively as ERTs in its cutting-edge, fast-paced Communications Center.

The purpose of this position is to process incoming 911 and non-emergency calls for service, to determine the nature of calls and choose the appropriate response using emergency Police, Fire, and medical protocols in conjunction with the computer aided dispatch system (CAD). Prioritizes calls based on the nature of the emergency. Receives incoming calls for Police, emergency medical, and Fire services and other emergency and non-emergency assistance; obtains critical information needed to ensure proper Police, Fire, and medical response; and performs a variety of duties relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

As an Emergency Response Technician you will:

• Answers 911 phone calls and text messages.
• Builds calls for services using CAD, Mapping, and Central Square phone system.
• Determines nature of call based on preliminary investigation using IAED protocols and the correct resources and agencies.
• Maintains good customer service while following policies and procedures, general orders, and standard operating procedures.
• Utilizes various software and web-based systems to conduct research to complete calls.
• Applies recording technology to play back disconnected calls for information gathering.
• Answers non-emergency calls utilizing appropriate policies, procedures, and software to provide good customer service.
• Performs data entry functions during call processing by entering tow and repossession information into the tow database.
• Runs checks in CCIC/NCIC for wants and warrants on vehicles, guns, boats, articles, and persons to complete requests for service.
• Assists internal requests through administration line to process calls.
• Applies unique agency specific procedures to calls for service to gather appropriate crime analysis data such as CAB TIP and stranger danger.
• Answers alarm lines and processes alarm calls from companies with city ordinance compliance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of public safety dispatching and/or call taking protocols
• Ability to comprehend critical information to ensure proper resources are dispatched
• Ability to make quick and lucid decisions
• Ability to successfully pass the CritiCall testing series
• Ability to function in a work environment with moderate noise level from several sources creating constant activity
• Ability to write a series of numbers, names, and addresses
• Ability to receive and respond to incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance
• Ability to read computer screens
• Ability to speak into radios and telephones

This position requires excellent decision-making and communication skills, good judgment, and the ability to multi-task while maintaining a high degree of emotional self-control. The ability to handle stressful, negative, and sometimes aggressive situations is also required.

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade (high school diploma or GED).
• Successfully pass the CritiCall testing series
• Possess, or obtain within three months of hire, NCIC/CCIC (National Crime Information Center/Colorado Crime Information Center) certification
• Possess, or obtain within six months of hire, the following certifications: CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation), CBI (Colorado Bureau of Investigation), Priority Dispatch Systems TM (Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Emergency Police Dispatch, and Emergency Fire Dispatch), and certification through the National Academy of Emergency Dispatch

Education and Experience Equivalency: One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR) one year of relevant academic coursework beyond the minimum requirement may be substituted for one year of required professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a public safety setting, including public safety dispatch experience
• Current CPR certification and Emergency EMD, EPD and/or EFD certifications
• Bilingual (Spanish)
• Experience with CJIS, CAD, NCIC, and CCIC computer systems

Machines, Tools, Equipment, and Work Aids: Fax, scanner, telephone, headset, workstation with moveable decks, ergonomic adjustable chairs, computer, and printer.

Specialized Computer Equipment and Software: CAD, Central Square phone system with text to 911, CCIC/NCIC, CJIS, LERMS, ProQA, Microsoft Office Suite, Contact Mapping systems, Twitter, Facebook, Citizen Observer, 3si, CSU database, Everbridge and Agency 360.

*This is a shift position requiring the ability to work varied hours and days to include nights, weekends, and holidays in a closed, secure environment. The ability to work on-call and mandatory overtime is required.*

After successful completion of required training, employees will be eligible for an accelerated pay progression.

For any questions about this position, please contact CSPD Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Pre-employment Requirements: The job offer will be contingent upon successful completion of an extensive background investigation, to include a polygraph examination, extensive background check, criminal history check, and other pre-employment assessments. The background investigation process commonly takes 6-8 weeks to complete. Applicants that have used marijuana or CBD products within 3 months from the date of their application submission will not be eligible for hire. More information about the Colorado Springs Police Department's Marijuana Use Policy can be found here.

Physical Demands: This position requires the ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently. Environmental Conditions Primary Work Environment - Office environment with moderate noise level from several sources creating constant activity.