Police Dispatcher

Police Dispatcher

The Police Dispatcher serves as a vital link between the public and emergency responders. This non-supervisory position operates under the general supervision of a Dispatch Supervisor. They will receive, evaluate, and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls from the public requiring law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical services. The role is responsible for dispatching police units, monitoring their status, and maintaining accurate logs of all calls, incidents, and radio communications. Dispatchers utilize a wide range of complex technical systems and equipment to coordinate timely and effective responses. This position requires a high level of professionalism, emotional composure, and sound judgment to support callers during critical situations while delivering excellent customer service.

Essential Job Functions and Other Important Duties:

• Receives, records, and prioritizes emergency and non-emergency calls via phone and radio.
• Assesses calls and dispatches appropriate responders; routes non-emergency calls to proper staff or agencies.
• Monitors a multi-channel radio system and maintains awareness of field unit status.
• Assists the public with information and directions.
• Enters and maintains warrants, property records, and related data in state and national systems.
• Conducts record checks on individuals, vehicles, locations, and property; verifies warrants, licenses, and stolen items.
• Completes required forms and reports; maintains logs, reports, maps, and activity records; performs routine data entry.
• Operates emergency and non-emergency call recording and playback systems.
• Provides TDD assistance to deaf and hard-of-hearing callers.
• Runs equipment diagnostics and coordinates technology issues with IT.
• Manages records for repossessed and private-property-impounded vehicles.
• Communicates and coordinates with other departments, agencies, and the public via phone, radio, teletype, and computer.
• Performs basic housekeeping and upkeep of Communications Center equipment and workspace.
• Remains accessible via personal cell phone to address job-related issues or emergencies using City applications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications:

Formal Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Relatable Work Experience: One (1) year of customer service experience involving heavy phone contact, data entry, complaint resolution, or order processing.

Training, Licenses, and Certifications:

• Eligible for a Texas Basic Telecommunicator License (TCOLE); must obtain within 12 months of employment, agency will coordinate.
• Eligible for TCIC/TLETS certification; must obtain within 6 months of employment, agency will coordinate.
• Eligible for CJIS certification; must obtain immediately upon hire, agency will coordinate.
• Must obtain CPR certification as required by TCOLE, agency will coordinate.
• Must obtain TDD certification within one year, agency will coordinate.
• Valid Texas driver license.

Preferred Qualifications: Previous public safety communications or law enforcement experience.

Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is define as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed & Environmental Factors and Other Physical Requirements:

• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills, including active listening, courtesy, and sensitivity when interacting with others.
• Strong time management, critical thinking, and decision-making skills, with the ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to learn, retain, and apply new information, procedures, and technology.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information in accordance with department policies, CJIS requirements, and applicable laws.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships and remain calm and professional in high-stress or public safety situations.
• Ability to operate two-way radios, communications systems, computers, and standard office equipment.
• Accurate typing skills of at least 30 words per minute.
• Work is primarily performed at an adjustable workstation with periodic changes in posture encouraged.
• Audio perception is required through a headset, verbally and through speakers and handheld radios.
• Must be available to work assigned shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, occasional overtime, and participate in an on-call rotation or emergency callback, as required.
• Must successfully meet all required physical, psychological, drug-testing, and background investigation standards, including criminal history requirements for access to criminal justice information systems.
• Must obtain and maintain eligibility for CJIS access and all required licenses and certifications throughout employment.

Benefits:

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month.
• 8 hours of sick leave per month.
• Medical insurance and benefits provided at zero premium cost to the employee.
• 50% employer dependent health benefits premium contribution.
• Dental benefits are provided at zero premium cost to the employee.
• 24 hours of paid personal holiday leave each fiscal year.
• 10 wellness hours each fiscal year.
• Retirement plan includes a 7% contribution of an employee's gross salary to the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) with a City contribution match of 2 to 1 (14%) at retirement.
• Military leave.
• Education reimbursement assistance.