Civilian Dispatcher

Civilian Dispatcher

Civilian Dispatchers answer emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and dispatch police, fire and EMS to the needed location. Civilian Dispatchers must have excellent communications skills and possess the ability to communicate effectively with the public as well as other law enforcement personnel.

Examples of Duties

• Answers incoming telephone calls and takes appropriate action consistent with established guidelines and procedures including determining whether the call is an emergency; obtaining correct information from callers in stressful situations.
• Evaluates and enters information into the Computer Aided Dispatch system to ensure a correct response.
• Determines the best method of getting a response to the call by dispatching police and other public safety personnel using a two-way radio; and responding to non-emergency situations or referring them to the appropriate source as necessary.
• Uses appropriate methods to obtain information from hearing or speech impaired callers.
• Monitors and responds to calls on the primary two-way radio channel including determining the nature and priority of the call; using appropriate systems (e.g. Map, CAD, LEADS) to check information; determining the availability of personnel and the best method for getting a response to the call; and dispatching police, fire and EMS personnel as necessary.
• Performs other related duties as assigned including maintaining security in the communications center; handling radio traffic on non-primary channels, filing and retrieving documents as required, entering articles, missing persons, stolen vehicles and guns into the LEADS and/or NCIC systems.

Typical Qualifications

• 18 years of age
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Demonstrate the ability to keyboard 50 words per minute with corrections.
• Within the first year of hire, successfully complete the LEADS/NCIC training program and the Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD).

Supplemental Information

Must be able to work any shift.

Shifts are as follows:

• 1st Watch: 11:00 pm to 7:00 am
• 2nd Watch: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
• 3rd Watch: 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Background Check Information Upon passing an entry-level examination, a typing test (50WPM), a background investigation including a criminal background check, and a pre-employment polygraph examination will be completed. Please review the Disqualifying Criteria before submitting your initial application. All Applicants must be able to comply with the Tattoo Policy stated below: All MCSO Personnel cannot display any tattoo that is sexually suggestive, vulgar, racist, contains profane language, promotes violence, is discriminatory or suggests intolerance of a particular race, religion, gender or sexual preference, national origin, associated with groups that advocate such thoughts, or is recognized as a symbol of a gang or group known or suspected of criminal activity. Civilian personnel are permitted more latitude regarding visible tattoos so long as tattoos do not violate the parameters above. Tattoos located behind the ear or on the back of the neck are permitted. All other tattoos on the face, neck, or head are prohibited. Personnel will be required to cover hand tattoos, other than a wedding ring on the traditional finger, with an agency approved garment or by using tattoo-concealing makeup for specified events such as court appearances, community outreach activities, photographs or video for media or social media, or when directed by a Command Staff member. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.