Communications Operator

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Communications Supervisor, this position will receive incoming calls for police and emergency assistance and dispatch necessary units; perform a variety of general support duties related to dispatch activities including record keeping, typing, and filing; and monitor teletype communications. Cross-train in other non-sworn positions in the Police Department (job description of cross-trained positions will apply when performing those duties).

Essential Job Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Dispatch
• Answers emergency and non-emergency telephone lines at the Police Station.
• Gathers information from callers including nature, severity, location and status of emergencies.
• Assesses need for response and dispatches services accordingly.
• Assists Police Officers and first responders by relaying information regarding calls for service.
• Dispatch all ambulances as required and requested.
• Dispatch police units to all fire and ambulance calls within the City to assist.
• Enters, maintains, updates and researches information into TCIC/NCIC (Texas Criminal Information Center and National Criminal Information Center) and TLETS/NLETS (Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System/National Law Enforcement Telecommunication System) databases.
• Researches and responds to inquiries from other law enforcement agencies and departments.
• Dispatch Animal Control and Code Enforcement as requested.
• Assign case numbers to officers over the radio.
• Answer maintenance service emergencies on weekends and holidays.
• Answer incoming phone calls; screen calls and route to appropriate person or office.
• Answer all incoming phone calls for the Fire Department and route appropriately.
• Enter and respond to regional and broadcast messages.
• Answer all emergency calls efficiently and effectively.
• Unit Status
• Maintain contact with all units on assignment, including status and location of police field units.
• Data Entry
• Enter, update and retrieve information from teletype networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles and other information.
• Enter and confirm warrants and criminal trespass warnings into appropriate computer systems.
• Recordkeeping
• Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing, and other general clerical work.
• Maintain a variety of logs relating to public safety and activities.
• Print information for Officer’s reports.
• Equipment Maintenance
• Reset and inspect equipment as required.
• Cross-Train
• Cross-train to perform other non-sworn duties as assigned (job description of cross-trained position will apply).
• Other Duties
• Perform duties in support of other desks within the department.
• Assist with training new employees.
• Assist walk-in complaints, inquiries and requests.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

A High School diploma or equivalent is required. Experience in previous dispatch is preferred, but not required.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Telecommunicator Certification is required, or the ability to obtain within 6 months from the date of hire.

A City of Bellmead Employment Application is required to be considered for this position.