Police Communications Specialist

Join Our Team as a Police Communications Specialist!

Are you ready to make a difference in your community while working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? As a Police Communications Specialist with the Albany Police Department, you'll play a critical role in public safety by:

• Responding to emergency and non-emergency calls with professionalism and efficiency.
• Dispatching police units to ensure timely and effective responses.
• Assisting the public with inquiries, providing accurate information, and fostering community trust.

This is more than just a job—it's an opportunity to be the lifeline for those in need, support law enforcement efforts, and contribute to the safety and wellbeing of Albany. If you're detail-oriented, thrive under pressure, and are ready to serve with dedication, we want you on our team!  No college degree required; on-the-job training provided!   

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Recruitment & Selection Timeline:  The screening process will consist of the following:  

• City of Albany Application Deadline - The initial review of applications will occur between January 20th and 24th. After that, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with initial virtual interviews conducted weekly or biweekly. Applicants selected for an initial virtual interview will be notified by email.
• Virtual (5) Minute Interviews:  This step is completed remotely.
• CritiCall Skills Testing: This step is completed remotely.
• In-Person Oral Board Interviews with Albany Police interview panel
• Pre-Employment Background Investigation
• Pre-Employment Psychological Evaluation
• Pre-Employment Medical Evaluation

Salary Incentives: The City of Albany may offer various incentives, which could include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Starting Salary for Lateral Certified Police Communications Specialists: Determined based on the candidate's qualifications, at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
2. City-Provided Uniforms and Equipment: Includes uniforms, necessary equipment, and uniform cleaning.
3. Bilingual Pay (Spanish):
   • 3% for Intermediate proficiency
   • 5% for Advanced proficiency
4. Education Pay:
   • 3% for an Associate's Degree
   • 6% for a Bachelor's Degree
5. DPSST Certification Pay:
   • 4% for Intermediate Certification
   • 8% for Advanced Certification

Benefits include:

• Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with low monthly out-of-pocket cost. Currently, the employee-paid premium is approx. $51/mo. for employee-only coverage up to a max of $140/mo. for family coverage.  
• City-paid contribution to a VEBA Trust account for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.  Currently, the annual contribution is $1,000 for employee-only and $2,000 for employee plus dependent(s).
• Paid time off –
  • 8 hours of sick leave per month
  • 10 hours of holiday pay per month
  • 8 hours of vacation leave per month, with progressive increases based on years of service. 
  • For successful lateral candidates, the City will consider front-loaded vacation and sick leave accruals of up to 40 hours per bank, based on relevant experience.
• Excellent retirement benefits - 
  • City-paid participation in the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (OPSRP and IAP) 
  • City-paid contribution (2%) into pre-tax deferred compensation plan 
• In addition, other benefits such as education reimbursement, employee assistance program, basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and childcare expenses.

The duties listed are intended only as Illustrative examples of the various types of work that may be performed by individuals in this classification. Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents and do not include all specific essential functions and responsibilities the incumbent may be expected to perform.

1. Answers all incoming 911 emergency telephone calls requesting Albany Police Department assistance. 
2. Elicits and evaluates pertinent call information to determine the incident location, nature of the incident, severity (priority), and other information to relay to police personnel via radio communications.
3. Dispatches the appropriate police using radio tone paging, Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), computer-aided dispatch (CAD) text messaging, VHF or 700 MHz radio system, telephone, or other telecommunications devices and software as needed.
4. Operates the CAD system to maintain an accurate accounting of officer locations, calls, and times and to document all calls for service received by the department.
5. Maintains availability by radio, MDT, and/or telephone for response while on duty.
6. Performs various computer operations to access sensitive and restricted law enforcement information systems; correctly disseminate the information and carry out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances.
7. Receives, screens, and evaluates non-emergency calls; provides information, instructions or refers caller to proper public resource or agency. Interprets whether a situation is a criminal or civil matter.
8. Monitors all radio communications and responds promptly with accurate information when necessary. Monitors surrounding agency radio frequencies for situations that may require agency involvement.
9. Monitors closed-circuit television system and designated alarms.
10. Performs police records functions inputs data on a computer keyboard from police incident reports into the Police Department database.
11. Routes police reports to other agencies, departments, and/or divisions; files reports, citations, and other paperwork needing retention as police information.
12. Distributes police-related information to other law enforcement agencies via telephone, radio, and/or computer communications systems.
13. Represents the City of Albany by responding to the public, citizens, its employees, and others in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner while continuously maintaining a positive customer service demeanor. Regards everyone, internal and external, as a customer and deliver the best service possible in a respectful and patient manner.
14. Works to create a high-performance work culture by demonstrating a positive attitude and modeling the City’s mission, vision, and values. Conducts self with high integrity, proactive in conserving City resources, and seeks and incorporates customer feedback for ongoing performance improvement. Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
15. Serves as a member of various City committees as assigned.
16. Assists other staff in the performance of their duties as assigned; and may provide training and orientation to new assigned personnel.
17. Maintains regular job attendance and adherence to working hours.
18. Adheres to appropriate attire, grooming, and hygiene standards established for the position.
19. Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Works under the direct supervision of the Communications Supervisor.  

This is a non-supervisory position. Lead work/coordination of the work of others is not a typical function assigned to this position. Incumbents in this position may provide training and orientation to new personnel as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Experience with fast paced customer service, radio, and telephone communications preferred; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

1. Must be able to pass standardized skills test with negligible errors on a computer keyboard.
2. Must be able to read, speak, and write the English language; preference may be given for bilingual skills proficiently and effectively.
3. Must be available to work all rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed to cover 24-hour public safety operations.
4. Must pass a thorough background investigation and integrity interview. Any conduct that could compromise the integrity of the department or the city will be closely evaluated. Felony convictions and disqualifying criminal histories are not allowed.  
5. Must successfully complete a comprehensive medical and psychological examination prior to employment.
6. Must meet the State requirements including training, vision, hearing, and background standards for basic telecommunicator certification with the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training within one year of job placement.  
7. Must successfully obtain CPR/First Aid certification within one year of job placement.
8. Must successfully pass Criminal Justice Information Services security check and complete Law Enforcement Data System Certification requirements within six months of job placement.  
9. The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Knowledge of: the primary functions and operations of a police communications unit; local, state, and federal laws, regulations and ordinances, relating to emergency dispatching standards and practices; supervision theories and principles; Oregon Public Records Law and reporting responsibilities to regulating agencies; the operations and terminology of computers which includes software, hardware, and any other approved department computer-related systems. 

Skill in: operating multi-line telephone systems, radio dispatch equipment, standard office equipment, including copy and fax machines; operating computer keyboards for data entry, word processing, and spreadsheet programs with accuracy and speed; effectively communicating orally and in writing; and multi-tasking/divided attention skills, phone and direct customer service preferred.

Ability to: respond rapidly and effectively to emergency situations while maintaining composure; exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions; possess ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously while using divided attention skills; learn and follow the applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations; learn and remember the city's geographical details, public buildings, and common landmarks; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; understand and carry out written and oral instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public. 

Work Environment:
In the performance of the job duties, the employee will work indoors at a computer terminal with multiple distractions such as radio transmissions, printers, people talking, and telephones. Must remain at the dispatch terminal for extended time when no others are available. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to quiet.

Physical Demands: 
The factors described herein are representative of, but not all-inclusive of, those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Detailed information may be available in a supplemental Job Task Analysis document.

While performing the essential duties of this position, the employee is primarily required to sit for extended periods, with occasional standing, finger dexterity, speaking, hearing, and repetitive motions. This role is predominantly sedentary, with occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and/or minimal force on a frequent or constant basis for tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving objects. Close visual acuity is also required for the role.

Tools & Equipment Used:
In the performance of job duties, the employee will use police radios, mobile data computer, multi-line phone system; cellular phone; telephone device for the deaf (TDD); recording equipment; various computer systems with multiple display screens and associated software; copy and fax machines; and other office related tools. 

Safety Equipment:
Develops safe work habits and contributes to the safety of self, co-workers, and the public.

Salary : $1,000