Communications Dispatcher ; APD E911

Radio Communication Dispatch And Telecommunication

Position open until 7/31/2026

Salary: $21.29 hourly

General Description and Classification Standards

Performs radio communication dispatch and telecommunication duties for the Atlanta Police Department. Works under direct supervision and follows standard procedures and written instructions to accomplish assigned tasks.

Duties include but are not limited to receives and processes calls from the public in the 911 Center. Determines the nature and location of the emergency and passes information to the appropriate dispatcher for action (fire, police, medical, other public safety). Provides information and instructions to the caller depending on the emergency circumstances. May remain in communication with the caller if needed for liaison.

Keeps notes, recordings, records, etc. as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

• Performs multiple tasks simultaneously; takes appropriate action when presented with a stressful life/death situation; remains calm under all circumstances.
• Answers multiple telephone lines; handles all 911 calls within the Atlanta Police Department jurisdiction and processes information for dispatching as required or transfers calls to appropriate agencies. Communicates effectively and coherently with all callers to address public safety needs and provide responses as required.
• Maintains contact with distressed callers until officers' arrival to assist; calms caller and takes control of conversation.
• Works assigned shifts. Contacts various utility companies to resolve problems such as gas detection, power failures, etc.; contacts telephone companies for assistance in obtaining address of distressed callers.
• Maintains field unit status at all times to ensure safety of police officers and firefighters performing activities including working accidents, hazardous incidents, traffic control, pursuits, calls in progress, working incidents, etc.
• Communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement and police radio channels initiating and responding to calls; issues case numbers; notifies others, such as animal control, wreckers, cabs, and utilities, when services are requested/required.
• Dispatches emergency calls for Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and provides communications support to all Atlanta Fire Rescue units engaged in emergency and non-emergency activities.
• Provides the general public with directions and referrals, answers to citizen complaints and concerns, and any other information requested regarding the community or situation.
• Contacts various utility companies to resolve problems such as gas detection, power failures, etc.; contacts telephone companies for assistance in obtaining address of distressed callers.
• Determines correct location and which units to dispatch on calls; confirms field units are responding as requested and in a timely manner.
• Notifies agencies required to handle incident ambulance, fire, public utilities, etc.
• Notifies supervisor of critical situations and of problems with communications equipment.
• Maintains current field and code manuals, policy and procedures, employee handbooks, various maps, etc., for reference and/or review.
• May perform general administrative duties as replenishing various forms, making copies, forwarding information to various departments, performs other administrative clerical tasks assigned by supervisor.
• Uses an operator's control console, automatic number and location identifier boxes and telephones when receiving emergency and non-emergency calls; operates call playback equipment recording all calls; may change recorder tape and clean the unit.
• May operate telecommunications device for the deaf and various radio devices for communications.
• Responsible for monitoring a web-based platform to manage emergency and/or non-emergency entries via text, photo, and video, and efficiently accessing and relaying multi-media content pertinent to police, fire, or medical response.
• Utilizes a computer, printer, etc., to enter, store and retrieve data, to type…