Communications Officer - 911 Dispatch

Job Title

Under direct supervision of a Communications Shift Supervisor, operates equipment and coordinates all emergency and non-emergency calls coming into the Police Department for Police/Fire/EMS services. Position requires constant contact with the public in stressful situations that require the ability to remain calm, think clearly, use good judgment, and have clear, understandable speaking skills.

Essential Job Functions

Answers 911 emergency phones lines and non-emergency lines; obtains necessary information about emergencies or complaints; determines what Fire or Police equipment is needed on the scene; contacts police officers and fire personnel in the field via two-way radio and relays emergency information and pertinent data. Monitors various Police, Fire and City radio frequencies; operates a Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD) to maintain accurate dispatch records; transmits relevant information to field officers as requested; notifies off-duty and on-call personnel when additional manpower is needed. Monitors teletype for severe weather bulletins; broadcasts warnings over radio channels. Monitors city alarm systems; performs periodic tests on police and fire radio and warning equipment; files and maintains various communication logs and records; monitors closed circuit television equipment; updates and maintains various databases in the CAD system. Performs other duties as assigned. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential function of this position, as is the ability to create and maintain professional, harmonious working relationships with others

Minimum Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required; related experience with computer aided dispatch systems in a public safety position preferred. General knowledge of office procedures such as filing and records maintenance; computer skills in Microsoft Office applications; ability to read, interpret and apply operating manuals and other reference materials. Knowledge of two-way radio, multi-line telephone system, Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD) phones, 911 equipment, and CAD; ability to successfully pass a simulated dispatch test with an overall score of 80%, and a minimum score of 4004 keystrokes per hour (KPH); speak clearly and concisely; ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions under stress; ability to effectively communicate with and elicit information from distraught and irate citizens; ability to coordinate a number of activities at the same time under intense stress.

Other Requirements

Valid driver's license required. Must have and maintain a good driving record in accordance with the driving standards as established by the City of Rowlett. Must report all traffic citations to his/her departmental Director or his/her designee within two working days of receipt. Must obtain state dispatcher certification within one year of hire as a condition of continued employment. Must attend in-service training, which includes CPR, 40 hours of annual Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) training, and other mandated courses. Must be able to work a variety of shifts as assigned, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled office environment; physical demands are sedentary in nature and include sitting for long periods of time and constant interaction with a computer.