Part-Time Dispatcher

Police Dispatcher

The Police Dispatcher is responsible for the operation of the Police Department radio, answering all incoming telephone calls, operating and controlling panel, and other related equipment to dispatch officers and run various checks. The Police Dispatcher is also required to greet visitors, type, file, and operate the City switchboard when required. Above all, the Police Dispatcher must constantly be aware of the whereabouts and activities of each and every individual officer. The Police Dispatcher shall be committed to the mission, vision and values of the City and demonstrate such through ethical conduct, community stewardship, individual initiative and responsive service. The Police Dispatcher shall demonstrate leadership through effective communication and collaboration, proper use of team resources, progressive decision-making, personal accountability and responsibility.

General Duties:

• Answer all incoming calls on the police telephone (emergency and non-emergency); determine priority and dispatch units.
• Operate the police base radio and control panels. Dispatch police officers to the complaints, accidents, calls for service and assistance, alarm drops, etc.
• Provide preliminary contact with the public and answer routine questions or refer them to the proper personnel.
• Operate the UTS 20 Terminal (LEADS) to check warrants, registrations, stolen vehicles, missing persons, etc. Use the LEADS machine to assist other cities police departments.
• Validate all entries in the LEADS machine which includes missing persons, wanted persons, stolen guns, stolen vehicles, etc.
• Monitor all alarms (panels and telephone), and the radios of Oberlin College and Oberlin city utilities. Notify the proper department (power outages, storm damage, water main breaks, etc.) and/or dispatch officers in emergency situations.
• Perform general typing of various reports, day sheets, complaint records, arrest cards, court related reports, etc.
• Act as Deputy Clerk for the Oberlin Municipal Court; take waivers and bonds, sign all court-related forms which require a Deputy Clerk's signature, secure and retain all money taken in for the court and be responsible for the same.
• Maintain the filing system and update business cards.
• Keep up-to-date records (daily) of all radio transmissions, complaints, and reports received and transmit same to daily log which is kept current for each shift.
• Secure and retain certain master keys at the Police Department.
• Keep records of all items (lost and found) that are turned into the department.
• Act as a jailer when prisoners are being held or housed including physical contact with prisoners (frisking).
• Responsible for maintaining jail security; operate all electronic security equipment within the secured area of the building, as well as monitor male and female cells when prisoners are being held.
• On occasion, takes criminal complaints and police reports from citizens if a sworn officer is unavailable.
• Schedule and dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles to appropriate locations according to customer requests, specifications, or needs, using radios or telephones.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent; type at a rate of 40 words per minute, good grammar and writing skills required. Should be even tempered and have a pleasant personality for dealing with the public. The ability to concentrate and communicate under stressful situations when time is of the essence and the life/safety of an officer or citizen may be involved. Must have the ability to use critical thinking in prioritizing and assigning calls and have a good working knowledge of the City/County agencies as well as criminal and civil law.

Must be able to pass a hearing evaluation prior to hire, must have a telephone at place of residence, and must be able and willing to work any shift and special shifts as assigned. Must pass a police criminal convictions records check, background investigation, psychological exam and polygraph exam, and pre-employment drug and alcohol test prior to hire.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems, such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Knowledge of software sufficient to enter, retrieve, share, and appropriately utilize data.
• Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to think quickly, work under emergency or stressful situations and demonstrate emotional self-control
• Ability to actively listen, obtain appropriate information, identify problems and appropriately respond
• Ability to multitask, effectively prioritize situations and make decisions based on the information received
• Knowledge of various local, state and federal laws
• Knowledge of current trends in law enforcement and community safety
• Knowledge of City geography, streets, neighborhoods, business locations and landmarks
• Knowledge of department records retention procedures and regulations
• Knowledge of the City of Oberlin Police Department policies and procedures
• Knowledge of criminal justice methods, procedures and programs
• Ability to operate standard office equipment
• Ability to read, understand, code and enter data from various reports and other sources of information
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, representatives of various private and public entities, and the general public