Police Emergency Communications Officer

Police Emergency Communications Officer

Fast paced, highly technical work involving automated systems in the receipt, transmission and dispatch of emergency calls, information and messages and the dispatch of school police personnel and equipment. Work is learned through extensive training that consists of several phases of classroom and on-the-job training. Communicates with the public and First Responders and determines the effective course of action; adjusts quickly to changing situations while assessing time and sensitive information; performs several tasks at the same time and assigns appropriate priorities, signals, and codes to incoming calls for services while monitoring multiple radio frequencies, answering telephone calls, and viewing multiple computer/camera screens. Hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Maintains frequent contact with the public, police and emergency service providers, and occasional contact with other federal, state, and local government agencies. This entrance level class lies below that of Police Emergency Communications Supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Visually monitors computer screens and listens to audible alarm activations occurring within a system. Analyzes information received and takes appropriate action to resolve activations of the alarm system, which may include contacting police or fire personnel or school employees or administrators.
• Operates a radio console and computer terminal in receiving and transmitting voice and/or data messages and in dispatching school police and after hour maintenance personnel and/or equipment in accordance with prescribed patterns and needs.
• Records information regarding emergency services and maintains status of school police units and equipment by use of computer keyboard.
• Maintains up-to-date status of all units within dispatch assignment.
• Monitors radio frequencies as assigned in order to coordinate appropriate response.
• Establishes, updates, maintains, and/or provides reports on security and fire alarm printouts; lists of personnel who have access to schools with alarm systems; chronological logbooks; and incident reports.
• Notifies superiors, schools and alarm service regarding problems or repairs needed in a system.
• Responds to questions and inquiries from employees regarding security and fire alarm problems and after hour emergencies.
• Maintains information in the FCIC/NCIC data base.
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

Open Requirements: A one (1) year combination of education, training, and experience in a multi-task environment communicating directly with the general public, which includes prioritization of tasks, and quick decision making, preferably in a law enforcement work environment. Florida/National Crime Information Certification (FCIC/NCIC) and State of Florida Certification as a 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator are preferred. Requires the ability to work overtime with little or no notice, shift work, weekends, holidays, evenings, and nights. Hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong word processing, spreadsheet, and database skills
• Knowledge of school police communications center operating procedures and equipment.
• Knowledge of the DCPS school locations
• Strong police emergency communications radio equipment operating skills
• Strong two-way radio console (with headset) operating skills
• Strong interpersonal skills in diplomacy, tact, and/or discretion
• Strong computerized security and fire alarm systems monitoring and operating skills
• Strong multi-tasking skills to simultaneously communicate, interpret communication, and enter data into a computer
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to comprehend and apply law enforcement and public safety operation procedures
• Ability to maintain an efficient and calm demeanor in handling adverse or stressful situations for an extended period of time in a high volume public safety work environment
• Ability to detect alarms by sight and sound
• Ability to identify security problems with the alarm systems and report such for service and repair in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Ability to instruct other school personnel in alarm system procedures
• Ability to prepare logs and reports and maintain accurate records
• Ability to utilize telephone equipment associated with computerized security and fire alarm systems
• Ability to maintain control of conversations under stressful situations and speak English rapidly, clearly and concisely
• Ability to exercise judgment and initiative in dispatching emergency calls and other requests under time constraints
• Ability to read computer screens for extended periods and to listen attentively under adverse conditions
• Ability to learn and recall signals, codes and computer commands
• Ability to comprehend data quickly, and make decisions quickly in accordance with procedures
• Ability to read, understand, and apply job-related instructions, policies, procedures, and information
• Ability to give clear and understandable instructions and follow directions quickly
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to touch type