Police Dispatcher

JOB SUMMARY
This position consists of critical communication and dispatching work in the delivery of Police services. Work involves receiving, assessing, and documenting urgent telephone calls requesting emergency Police service by efficiently routing and dispatching emergency and non-emergency messages through the use and operation of a computer-aided dispatch system and multiple frequency radio communications equipment. Employees are required to determine the priority of each situation to ensure a timely, efficient, and effective response by emergency service personnel.   In addition, employees must quickly secure accurate and complete information, often under emergency and stressful conditions, and dispatch information to Police personnel. Employees in this position are expected to be able to perform any and all work tasks assigned and comply with any work schedules, attendance, or duty requirements which may be established by Town or department rules, or applicable union contracts.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Note:  These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed in this classification.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position.

• Answers incoming calls of an emergency and/or non-emergency nature which are received on the 911 emergency number or on other incoming lines.
• Rapidly and accurately assimilates information in real-time and forwards for dispatching to officers, often during in-progress emergencies in which information is received and forwarded as events unfold.
• Transmits messages and departmental information by radio or computer, dispatching the proper number of available police units closest to the location of the call.
• Receives, reads, and records complaint information to include the exact name, address or location; relays descriptions and other information to police field units concerning wanted persons, missing or lost persons, stolen vehicles, or other items, and for the arrest of specified individuals.
• Coordinates the movement of police personnel when establishing crime scene perimeters; assists Lantana police units and other agencies in communicating with each other.
• Monitors radio transmissions and records and maintains records of assigned units as to time, location, availability, and type of equipment, units dispatched, and their time of arrival.
• Inputs and queries information in local, state, and national crime information databases requiring complete accuracy and precise, professional interaction with other law enforcement agencies.
• Transfers information from other jurisdictions to the appropriate receiving agency or refers calls of an administrative nature, within Town jurisdiction, to the appropriate telephone number.
• Answers routine questions and refers other non-emergency calls to proper officials or agencies.
• Complete all established departmental job training programs for call-taking, communications, operations, and police radio dispatching, within specified time frames. 
• Interact with the public in a variety of ways including face-to-face contact with the public, other government agencies, and other Town personnel.  
• Maintain all Law Enforcement CJIS (Criminal Justice Information System) Certifications, FCIC/NCIC, and other certifications as necessary.
• Performs related work as assigned.

• Ability to work under pressure, remain calm in emergencies, use good diction, speak clearly and concisely, react quickly and calmly; and to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions.
• Knowledge of the efficient operation of an N911 phone system and computer equipment used in a major emergency communications network.
• Knowledge of the proper operation of police communications equipment, including radio receiving and transmitting equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of the geographic boundaries of the Town, including the location of streets, subdivisions, important buildings, and major landmarks.
• Knowledge of applicable state laws and municipal ordinances necessary for the completion of duties.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and to sit for long periods of time and maintain alertness.
• Ability to obtain, remember and accurately record the names and locations of persons calling, who may be under unusual stress because of an emergency situation, and to use proper telephone etiquette.
• Ability to maintain records neatly and accurately and to write legibly under the stress of emergency conditions.
• Ability to gain and maintain a working knowledge of rules, regulations, and procedures; and to understand, retain and follow such written rules, regulations, and orders.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with, and to effectively communicate with coworkers, Town officials, other agencies, and the public; ability to testify in court proceedings.
• Ability to demonstrate cultural competencies, work standards, quality work product, productivity, and job knowledge.  
• Core Competencies of a professional in this role include adaptability, flexibility, collaboration, communication, interpersonal skills, conflict management, customer service, decision-making, problem-solving, safety focus, and teamwork.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Candidate must possess a High School diploma or equivalent and a minimum of one (1) year of personal computer/data entry experience.

Candidate must possess or be able to obtain the Florida Department of Health 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator certification within six (6) months of employment. (Candidates who already possess certification will qualify for a higher salary range).

Experience in Public Safety operations preferred.

On a rotational basis, employees are subject to work weekends, holidays, and overtime, and may be directed to return to duty to ensure the continuation and restoration of services, maintain safety and fulfill the Town’s responsibility to its citizens.  

Candidate must obtain and maintain all Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Certifications within six (6) months. 

Must have abstained from the use of illegal substances and must be drug-free (including marijuana) for a minimum of the last three consecutive years.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
A condition of employment is that the incumbent must have and maintain suitable and dependable means of communications/transportation available whereby contacts can be made by management.

Where an emergency impacts the Town of Lantana, all employees are subject to work or return to duty as directed to ensure continuation and restoration of services, maintain safety and fulfill the Town’s responsibility to its citizens. Employee may be required to assist in duties unrelated to regular duties during emergencies.

Employee is subject to pre-employment, random, and reasonable suspension drug testing under FL State Statutes 440 Drug-free workplace program requirements.

Physical Requirements	Working Conditions
Light lifting, under 15 pounds Light carrying, under 15 pounds Use of fingers Walking (occasional) Standing (occasional) Seated (11-12 hours) Kneeling (occasional) Hearing (aid permitted) Vision (correction permitted)	Inside/Office Environment Outside (occasional)

Salary : $50,419 - $66,331