Police Radio Dispatcher

Police Radio Dispatcher

Salary Range: $52,408.46 - $103,986.74

Police Radio Dispatcher Distinguishing Characteristics of Work:

This police dispatch work requires the operation of two-way radio transmitting equipment in a central communications network. Employees in this classification are responsible for working rotating shift schedules and operating a two-way radio transmitting equipment to dispatch and communicate with law enforcement employees. Duties include relaying orders and information to and from police personnel in the field, managing radio traffic, and operating computer equipment. Work is performed in accordance with prescribed procedures and departmental regulations. Supervision is received from a communications supervisor who review work for conformance to proper procedures and who confers with the employee on unusual or difficult calls. The Police Radio Dispatcher may also be required to train and supervise the work of new Police Radio Dispatchers. This position requires extreme confidentiality and professionalism.

Essential Examples of Duties:

Serves on a rotating shift schedule.

Operates radio and computer-aided dispatch equipment to dispatch police officers to disturbances, crime scenes, accidents or similar situations requiring law enforcement services.

Receives and relays requests for assistance, instructions and information from law enforcement field personnel.

Maintains computerized records of the locations and availability of all on-duty law enforcement units.

Coordinates the movements of multiple law enforcement units engaged in pursuit tactics or responding to life and death situations.

Records information received from police officers concerning crimes or other incidents.

Operates the F.C.I.C./ N.C.I.C. terminals in accoradance with all established policies and procedures.

Operates the telephone switchboard and responds to calls in a prompt and effective manner.

Performs all assigned tasks in compliance with Federal, State, County and City laws and ordinances as well as Departmental rules and regulations.

Reviews and answers requests for information from other law enforcement agencies, ambulance companies, hospitals, automobile wreckers, and the public.

Contacts ambulance services, public safety agencies, utilities and service providers and directs them to the appropriate incident locations when necessary.

Utilizes Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS) programs.

Performs equipment tests on a regular basis.

Originates orders to communications operators either in written form or via a computer aided dispatch system which will result in the dispatch of police, fire, and medical personnel to the desired location.

Telephones automobile wrecking companies to request removal service at the scene of traffic accidents.

Performs clerical duties such as light typing, photocopying, filing and inventory control.

Maintains activity records of telephone calls received and action taken.

Works as Call Back Officer.

Maintains activity records of request for medical, fire, and police service and action taken by entering any required data into the appropriate computer system.

Cleans and performs light maintenance on work stations, computer equipment and other related equipment on a regular basis.

Transmits and receives messages and information by radio, telephone and computer terminals.

Controls all radio transmissions to, from, and between radio units and restrict all transmissions to a necessary absolute minimum.

Accurately and completely record all required information on radio transmission log cards, computer terminals and such other forms or records as may be provided and required.

Must be aware and alert at all times to the status of all mobile units and keep proper authority advised for reason of control and safety.

Will remain alert to incoming emergency alarms on all communications equipment, and installed private alarm systems, and take immediate proper action.

Performs work in accordance with established rules, policies, regulations and orders from competent authority.

Trains new dispatchers when directed by the Communications Supervisor.

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of Federal Communication Commission (F.C.C.) procedures.

Knowledge of radio transmitting techniques and procedures pertaining to the dispatch of mobile law enforcement units.

Knowledge of modern medical, fire, and law enforcement practices, procedures and methods.

Knowledge of the proper legal functions of government agencies.

Knowledge of Police departmental regulations pertaining to complaint and dispatch activities.

Knowledge of the roadways and political boundaries of the incorporated city area.

Knowledge of the organizational structure of City departments and key personnel.

Knowledge of City facilities, local geography, landmarks and jurisdictional boundaries.

Skilled in the use of computer terminals, advanced multi-line telephone equipment, computer aided dispatch system, records management systems, radio communication and related equipment.

Ability to perform a variety of clerical duties including, but not limited to photocopying, filing and inventory control.

Ability to train and supervise new Police Radio Dispatchers.

Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.

Ability to deal calmly and effectively with the public.

Ability to keep simple records.

Ability to hear accurately and speak clearly, using good diction.

Ability to analyze information from a variety of sources, assesses a situation, use sound judgment in drawing valid conclusions and take appropriate action in crises situations that may include life and death decisions.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate files, logs and other written or computerized records and reports.

Must be able to read and speak both English and Spanish with fluency.

Ability to spell correctly and write legibly using correct grammar.

Ability to verify information and solve discrepancies.

Ability to look up information in directories by index or cross reference.

Ability to understand, retain and apply detailed and complex written, verbal and demonstrated procedures, information and regulations to a variety of situations.

Ability to effectively prioritize duties when dealing simultaneously with several functions.

Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing and maintain effective working relations with other employees, outside agencies, and the public by means of radio, telephone or person-to-person contact.

Minimum Training and Experience:

High School Diploma or G.E.D. from an accredited school/institution.

Must type 25 words per minute, as demonstrated in an exam.

Trained in the handling of emergency calls is highly desirable, but not necessary.

Skilled in the use of computer terminals is desirable.

Must be able to obtain certification as "911 Public Safety Telecommunicator" by the State of Florida within one year of date of appointment/hire.

Upon completion of training, must pass test and obtain certification by the International or National Academy of Emergency Dispatch in Emergency Medical Dispatch (E.M.D.), Emergency Fire Dispatch (E.F.D.), and Emergency Police Dispatch (E.P.D.)

Must be able to obtain C.J.I.S. Certification immediately upon being appointed/hired.