Communications Officer 1

A Communications Officer 1 will receive training in law enforcement and emergency communications operations and procedures, transmitting, receiving, and relaying information concerning public safety and law enforcement activities to, from, and between State Patrol mobile units and stations, other State, county, and Federal law enforcement agencies, and the public by means of radio, multi-line telephone systems, computer terminals, private line intercom systems, and other telecommunications devices.
 
In a Communications Center, a Communications Officer 1's primary responsibility is to to efficiently multi-task technologies answering emergency 911 and business phone calls, entering and updating calls for service and self-initiated activity into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Computer system and transmitting and receiving radio communications from field personnel.
 
These critical responsibilities are the lifeline for officers in the field and the first contact with the public who report emergency situations requiring police, fire or medical response.


A Communications Officer Assistant's primary responsibility is to efficiently answer emergency 911 and business phone calls and enter/update calls for service into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.  

About the Division:
The Communications Division employees are true first responders and are the lifeline for our Troopers and many contracted agencies.  Located in seven communications centers throughout Washington State, Communications Officers provide around-the-clock professional emergency support to the WSP, federal, state, local and tribal agencies.  Communications Officers answer 911 calls and initiate emergency services to meet the needs of the public and officers in the field.Successful Communications Officers come from many backgrounds. We emphasize strong communication skills, the ability to build effective working relationships, and a strong desire for professional development.
 
Required Experience & Education:

• High school graduate or GED equivalent.
• Typing speed of 40 wpm

Performance Standards: 

• Work weekends, days off, holidays, and rotating shifts; e.g., continuous five-work-days-per-week shifts that rotate each 28 days to a different schedule of regular days and hours per week.
• Have dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment, including a computer keyboard.
• Ability to respond to visual and sound stimuli with a high degree of accuracy in a timely manner.
• Ability to distinguish colors.
• Have adequate hearing and visual acuity to successfully perform the essential job functions.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally (using radio equipment) and in writing.
• Ability to effectively communicate with and assist upset, confused, or otherwise distressed customers due to heightened emotions.
• Willing to work long, extended or adjusted hours and respond on short notice to work.
• Accept counseling and guidance from supervisors.
• Accept responsibility for issued equipment.
• Refrain from lying, cheating, or stealing.

Residency Requirement:
Because of the nature of the Communications Officer 1 duties this position may be subject to emergency call-out. As a result of this, Communications Officer 1's are required to live within seventy-five (75) miles from their assigned duty station.

Drug Standards:
Drug possession/usage beyond these standards disqualifies you for employment with the WSP.
 
"Possession" is defined as having actual physical control of any illegal (non-prescribed) drug for personal use with the intent to commit a crime.
 
"Use" is defined as trying, testing, or experimenting, which includes, but is not limited to, tasting, smoking, injecting, absorbing, sniffing, or inhaling.
 

• No use or possession of any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs (except for Cannabis) over five (5) times combined within the last 10 years.  This standard applies to synthetic versions of Schedule 1-5 drugs
• No use or possession of any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs (except for Cannabis) in the last three (3) years.  This standard applies to synthetic versions of Schedule 1-5 drugs
• No use or possession of Heroin or its derivatives, regardless of time frame
• No injection of any non-prescribed illegal drugs, regardless of time frame
  • Use of non-prescribed medication for medical-related purposes may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Human Resource Division (HRD) Commander
• No knowingly trafficking, selling, offering to sell, or transporting for sale of any illegal drug after age 13, regardless of time frame
• No drug use or possession of any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs (except for Cannabis) after submitting any law enforcement application
• No drug use or illegal possession of any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs while employed by a law enforcement agency (including military law enforcement)
• No intentional inhalation (huffed) of any aerosol or substance (nitrous oxide, whippets, paint, glue, DXM, etc.) in the last three (3) years

 
Examples of Schedule I-V Drugs include, but are not limited to:

• Schedule I (RCW 69.50.204) – Examples could include: Codeine, Heroin, Morphine, Ecstasy, LSD, Peyote, GHB, Methaqualone, Cannabis, etc.
•  Schedule II (RCW 69.50.206) – Examples could include: Opium, Cocaine, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, Depressants, Hallucinogenic substances, etc.
•  Schedule III (RCW 69.50.208) – Examples could include: Stimulants, Depressants, Hallucinogens, Ketamine, Anabolic steroids, Hallucinogenic substances, etc.
•  Schedule IV (RCW 69.50.210) – Examples could include: Barbital, Diazepam, Fludiazepam, Halazepam, Lorazepam, Phenobarbital, etc.
•  Schedule V (RCW 69.50.212)

 
Conviction Standards:
Any conduct deemed to impede the ability of the WSP to effectively fulfill its responsibilities; causes a lessening of public confidence in the ability of the WSP to perform its mission; or does not equate with the high ethical standards expected by the public of law enforcement agencies will result in disqualification.

• Have no felony convictions
• Have no misdemeanor convictions involving use or possession of firearms in the commission of a crime, crimes of violence (i.e., domestic violence, assault, sex crimes, etc.), or controlled substances.
• No conviction of DUI within the last 10 years.  No more than 1 total conviction for DUI regardless of time frame. This includes reduced charges related to DUI convictions.
• Other than those identified above, misdemeanor convictions over the age of 21 may be considered on a case-by-case basis, provided they did not occur within the last three (3) years.  Final approval will be determined by the HRD Commander
• Misdemeanor convictions under the age of 21 may be considered on a case-by-case basis provided they did not occur within the last three (3) years.  Final approval will be determined by the HRD Commander
• No more than two (2) convictions of major moving violations (Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving 2nd Degree, etc.), within the last five years

For this purpose, the term "conviction" shall include any disposition adverse to the subject, except a decision not to prosecute, a dismissal, or acquittal; provided, however, that a dismissal entered after a period of probation, suspension, or deferral of prosecution or sentence shall be considered a disposition adverse to the subject.
 
Any applicant with a history or conviction of domestic violence shall be eliminated as an employee candidate.

Salary : $3,956 - $5,277