Police Telecommunicator I

Police Telecommunicator I

The City of Clearwater is an equal opportunity employer. Entry salary: $53,662.26. Under general supervision, the Police Telecommunicator I receives and takes both emergency (including 911 and text-to-911) and non-emergency calls, inputs information into computerized systems and communicates information to emergency personnel in the field. Coordinates the response of law enforcement officers to emergency and non-emergency situations. Manages the activities of numerous officers and prioritizes incidents in a stressful, fast-paced environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential functions:

• Aides, assists, and coordinates the activities of police officers working incidents and situations within the City; answers 911 line, engages with citizens, and dispatches personnel where needed.
• Answers and receives emergency and non-emergency calls; dispatches calls for service based upon call prioritization; disseminates and communicates information to officers using a police radio and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Monitors and manages officers location and status; checks locations officers are being sent to for cautions or hazards and advises officers; maintains communication with officers while on calls to ensure safety and dispatches back-up officer(s) if needed or requested; provides assistance and support for officers in the field.
• Answers, responds, and engages with various callers; gathers vital information for officers from callers in various stages of emotional distress; communicates with victims of crimes and maintains composure, tact, and professionalism when handling challenging situations and gathering critical information.
• Provides professional and effective communication between multiple agencies in split jurisdiction situations; assists with information gathering and communication and facilitates teamwork.
• Runs checks for warrants and other required information for field officers utilizing the FCIC/NCIC system; provides information on stolen vehicles, stolen articles, missing people and other field requests.
• Contacts local, state, and national law enforcement agencies to provide or receive information.
• May provide training for new Telecommunicator personnel; monitors training activities and tracks performance and evaluates skill; completes necessary paperwork to track training activities performed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Licenses, certifications, and equipment: A valid State driver's license is required. State Mandated 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Certification within a one-year period. FCIC/NCIC Full Access Certification within six (6) months. Employees selected for this position must meet FDLE guidelines in order to access sensitive and/or confidential information. Applicants with arrest histories for felonies or serious misdemeanors may be denied access to this information and as such, will not meet the minimum qualifications for a position with the City of Clearwater. Education and experience: High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate AND Six (6) months of customer contact or multi-line call-handling in public safety, healthcare, utilities, transportation, or similar high-volume environment; or completion of an agency-approved telecommunicator academy; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.