Public Safety Dispatcher

Description

Job Summary

This is a highly responsible shift work position, involving the operation of modern communication equipment, including computers, radios, and telephones.  Employees receive emergency 911 calls, complaints and inquiries from the public, evaluate and dispatch police, fire and emergency services.  The work of this division is maintained 24 hours per day, 7 days a week that includes weekend and holidays.  Employees are assigned to work 12 hours shifts (days and midnights); lunches are consumed at the workstation and breaks can be taken away from the console (workload permitting). Dispatcher will not leave premises during an assigned shift.  This is sedentary work.

Nature of Work Duties

• Answer police, fire department E911 telephone calls for service and the TTD telephone
• Provide general information to citizens
• Minimum clerical duties including the processing of tickets, vacation checks, LEIN entries, and validating records, etc. 
• Enter police, fire and rescue calls for service into the department computer CAD system
• Keeps shift supervisor updated on all significant events
• Provide emergency medical information to callers as required per protocols
• Fire/Rescue dispatcher duties:
  • Monitor and dispatch fire and rescue calls for service and record information into the computer CAD system
  • Enter fire and rescue related “BoLo” and emergency information in the computer CAD system 
  • Recall “BoLo” emergency and revise history on all locations when available
  • Monitor Fire Department, Police Department, Inter-City, and Mutual Aid radios at all times 
  • Answer dispatch phone lines and assist call taker in answering incoming calls
  • Keeps police dispatcher and supervisors updated on significant events
  • Maintains and updates all dispatch related files
  • Monitors equipment for general maintenance and notifies the proper authority on damaged, broken or lost equipment
  • Assists with general clerical duties and works shift assignments including frequent weekends and holidays

• Police Dispatch duties:
  • Monitor and dispatch police calls for service
  • Assist fire/rescue dispatch when necessary
  • Enter all related “BoLo” and emergency information into the computer CAD system
  • Keep the shift supervisor updated on significant events
  • Enters police related activities into the department computer CAD system
  • Monitors E911 alarm statuses on dispatch console
  • Keeps the work area clean and reports any necessary repairs
  • Runs LEIN requests for the road patrol units and other authorized personnel
  • Cancels warrants, enters and cancels stolen vehicles missing persons and other items into LEIN  Process and log all necessary LEIN work and maintains as well as updates LEIN records and communication bureau related files    

Environmental Conditions and Equipment Used

• Works in indoor environments and is exposed to a moderate level of noise
• Uses tools and equipment that are relative to the position, including computers, telephone, files, dispatch equipment, etc.    

Specifications (Skills, Mental and Physical)

• Must have the ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve problems and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form
• Must be able to read at a level to understand procedures and methods related to the job, as well as communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Must have math ability that includes basic math skills
• Must be able to complete sedentary work that involves primarily sitting for long periods of time, but also includes walking or standing for short periods of time
• Must be able to complete work duties that include reaching, handling, fingering, feeling and repetitive motions
• Must have hearing to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and receive detailed information through oral communication and/or make fine distinctions in sound
• Must have visual acuity for determining accuracy, thoroughness of work and observation of general surroundings and activities
• Must be able to adapt to changing situations, work well with others and participate in a team-oriented environment
• Must be able to be customer oriented and maintain excellent customer service   

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, not construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that could be performed by a person in this classification.

Qualifications

 Minimum Training, Licensing, Education and Experience

• Must have relevant work experience and preferably have earned 24 or more college credit hours
• Must be able to use a computer and be able to complete and pass all City testing requirements Must pass a pre-employment offer psychological and physical exam
• Will be subject to a screening that includes driving record, drug screening, criminal history and background check
• Must be able to type 30 WPM and pass a written and oral examination with a minimum score of 70
• Must meet all federal and state standards for LEIN operators in order to maintain employment