Communications Officer (DPS)

Job Title Communications Officer (DPS) – Agency 585 – Department of Public Safety Basic Purpose Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities involving the operation of communication equipment in a Department of Public Safety communication center and in providing information to law enforcement officials, other agencies and the general public. Responsibilities Operates radio communication equipment and receives and dispatches radio messages on an assigned shift; provides a communications link for personnel in the field or agency headquarters, other law enforcement officials and related emergency services. Operates teletype and computer system to obtain information through the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (OLETS), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) or National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Interprets and relays information to field personnel concerning wanted persons, violations of laws and other criminal activities. Researches criminal history information as required, including INTERPOL data available through the various systems. Makes immediate decisions on a wide variety of information received through various sources and disseminates to field personnel, agency officials and other law enforcement agencies as appropriate. Maintains written records and logs of shift activities. Composes and releases messages concerning accidents, emergencies, hazardous materials, incidents, weather conditions and similar situations to field offices, news media and other law enforcement, civil defense and emergency services. Plans, organizes and directs communication center operations and programs; assists in the development of agency rules, regulations, and policies concerning the use of communications equipment, staff, and systems. Coordinates operational and administrative matters with other divisions and agencies, including Highway Patrol troop commanders, civil defense officials, the Department of Transportation, and local law enforcement officials. Conducts on‑site inspections of communications centers to evaluate operations and personnel and ensure compliance with established policies and procedures. Develops and conducts training programs in communications procedures and requirements; collects, prepares, organizes, and edits instructional materials such as manuals, overhead transparencies, course outlines, and cassettes. May serve as a member of screening boards in matters related to promotions, hiring, reinstatement and disciplinary actions; represents the agency in matters concerning user agreements and accountability for the operation and security of terminals and use of information. Monitors security within the communications center or the facility. Career Level This is the career level of this job family where incumbents are assigned responsibilities at the full performance level as a Communications Dispatcher, performing highly responsible work in the operation of communication equipment in a Department of Public Safety communication center. Incumbents at this level may be assigned highly independent work as the only operator on an assigned shift. Education and Experience No person shall be appointed unless the person is a citizen of the United States of America, of good moral character, and: (b) is at least eighteen (18) years of age and possesses a high school diploma or General Education Development equivalency certificate. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies Knowledge of Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations concerning radio communications; of OLETS, NLETS, and NCIC operating manuals; of state and federal laws concerning use of criminal records; of agency communications policies and procedures; of office practices and procedures; and of spelling, punctuation and grammar. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; to operate radio and telecommunications equipment; to maintain operating efficiency under emergency and stressful conditions; to maintain effective working relationships with others; to follow complex written instructions; and to type accurately from plain copy at the rate of twenty‑five words per minute. Special Requirements Prior to entry on duty, final candidates will be scheduled for hearing tests by the hiring agency. Statutory Requirements For positions with the Department of Public Safety, upon initial appointment to the position of Communications Dispatcher, the appointed employee shall be required to serve an initial probationary period of twelve (12) months. The Commissioner may extend the probationary period for up to three (3) additional months. Justification This is an emergency communications officer position. It is required to meet 24/7 emergency communications center staffing for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The Department of Public Safety has determined that this is a safety sensitive position as defined by63 O.S. §427.8. Equal Opportunity Employment The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr 585 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY