Public Safety Dispatcher

Dispatcher Performs highly responsible communications work in receiving and dispatching police and emergency calls and messages to the appropriate authorities and personnel. Maintains and retrieves records and file information for dissemination to patrol units and other department personnel. Operates and monitors a variety of communication and alarm system equipment including telephones, radios, computer terminals, closed circuit video system and SPOTS. Receives requests for police and other emergency assistance. Ascertains the nature of requests and dispatches the appropriate service units in accordance with established protocol. Determines the urgency of the call and elicits the necessary information from the caller. Exercises tact and judgment in dealing with emergency situations. Relays and receives further instructions from police, fire or ambulance personnel at an emergency scene. Maintains a record via the in-house computer system of all calls for service requested as well as the units sent, arrival time and cleared time. Monitors the closed circuit television system in order to ensure station security and the proper supervision of confined persons. Disseminates information concerning wanted persons, stolen vehicles, missing persons, and other police information as may be received by SPOTS, telephone or other means. Performs other related duties as required. Dispatchers work in the headquarters building under a rotating shift schedule. Must work nights, weekends, and holidays as required. Dispatchers work under extremely stressful situations, which vary greatly and change at a moment's notice. Must be required to work under such diverse situations as complete boredom with no activity occurring, to handling as many as three or four emergencies requiring handling by several departments for each emergency at any given time. Dispatchers must be able to handle these varied situations with efficiency, dedication to documentation and compassion towards the public. Pay Scale: Dispatcher I - is an entry-level position. Dispatcher II - After one consecutive year of service as a Dispatcher I, an employee must meet the following requirements to attain Dispatcher II status: Enjoy successful performance evaluations. Be certified as a SPOTS operator (State Police On Line Telecommunications System). Be Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certified. Dispatcher III - After two (2) years of consecutive service, including Dispatcher II status, an employee must meet the following requirements to attain Dispatcher III status: Complete appropriate training for, and has been certified as a "Public Safety Dispatcher", as provided for through the "New Hampshire Emergency Dispatch Association", -or- "The New Hampshire Dispatch Academy", -or- The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials"; or another equivalent "Public Safety Dispatcher" certification program as determined by the Chief of Police. If another program is chosen by the Chief, the name of the program will be provided to the Union and the Town. Has been approved by the Assistant Communications Supervisor to administer the "Communications Field Training Guide" to probationary employees; Is not currently on "probation"; Working knowledge of the principles involved in the operation of the radio, telephone, and related communications equipment; Knowledgeable of the street system and geography of the town; Ability to speak clearly and concisely. Ability to think and act quickly, calmly, accurately in emergency situations; Ability to develop within a reasonable period of time, skill and speed in the operation of the communications equipment and to demonstrate as knowledge of public safety practices and procedures; Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with computers, office equipment and communications equipment is desirable.