PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER

Job Title

This is a non-exempt position which requires telecommunications work in the operation of a radio system for the direction of and communication with police and fire units for the Police Department.

Job Description

This position involves operating a multi-line telephone and determining the nature of both 911 and non-emergency calls. It also includes overseeing the receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching of 911 and non-emergency telephone calls through the police and fire communications system. The role manages the reception and transmission of information by telephone, radio, and computer in a variety of related duties. It determines the nature and priority of calls, unit availability, and the number of units necessary for initial response. The job also involves dispatching police and fire vehicles/personnel to emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance, determining appropriate apparatus needed to be dispatched for each call, monitoring radio frequencies and maintaining open contact with officers in order to provide administrative support as needed, alerting various other agencies (hospitals, air rescue, etc.) as needed regarding the status of emergency transport, monitoring department building security and jails via cameras, entering critical information into the Florida Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center (FCIC/NCIC) systems for the dissemination of information on vehicle registrations, wanted persons, warrants, endangered runaways, probation/parole, early inmate releases, violent offenders, sexual offenders, predators, terrorists, and protection or restraining orders, researching the status of guns, vehicles, parts, boats and other items to determine if stolen and notifying the appropriate agency of the results of research, calling for tow trucks and requesting specialty unit and outside agency back up as needed, identifying emergency or potential crisis situations and adjusting dialogue or activities accordingly and attempting to calm frantic or fearful callers, notifying appropriate authorities of missing children information, notifying hospitals and emergency medical staff of incoming patient information, operating teletype machine to access National and Florida crime information centers pursuant to State standards, entering information from callers into Computer-Assisted Dispatch system (CAD) and/or preparing complaint cards, preparing comprehensive reports and maintaining accurate records, and performing related work as required and as directed.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of the principles, techniques, and equipment used in public safety communications. Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern public safety operations. Knowledge of the rules and regulations of federal, state, county, city and inter-departments and of all regulations applicable to communications. Knowledge of the National and Florida Crime Centers Systems, procedures, and methods of accessing and inputting data. Knowledge of two-way radio communication procedures and radio call signals and their meanings. Knowledge of mapping and computers. Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures. Skilled in written and verbal communication. Skilled in customer service. Skilled in computer literacy with emphasis on Microsoft Office programs. Ability to operate various communications equipment. Ability to communicate effectively using radio terminology with police and other safety units. Ability to work a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the city. Ability to read and understand police agency teletype codes and abbreviations. Ability to establish proper priorities during incidents of high volume. Ability to remain composed under pressure of numerous calls and emergency situations. Ability to adhere to tight schedules while maintaining work quality. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with department officials, other municipal employees, professional groups, and the general public in order to ensure efficient operations.

Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent; supplemented by a minimum of 3 years of experience in public safety dispatch; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Licenses and Certifications: Valid State of Florida driver's license. Department of Health 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator certification.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a public safety communications office environment. This is a designated "Response" classification in the City's Emergency Operations Plan and will require the employee occupying this position to work for declared emergencies. Attendance at National Incident Management System (NIMS) training at the appropriate level is mandatory.