Communications Officer - Police Dispatcher

Overview

Serves as a vital communications link with the citizens of the community, officers of this department, and personnel of other departments and agencies.

Works under the direction of the Lead Communications Officer and the indirect but immediate supervision of the Patrol Supervisor.

• Promotes and follows the Department's mission statement, values, and expectations.
• Regular attendance at work as scheduled by the department.
• Maintain strict confidentiality concerning information learned while performing the duties of the job.
• Dispatches police officers, fire, and EMS in response to calls and emergencies.
• Relays instructions, orders, and information requiring knowledge of department policies, practices, procedures, and reporting relationships.
• Receives, records, and services all incoming calls from officers, fire, EMS, staff, and the public calling for assistance or general information.
• Secures information from callers, dispatched officers, fire, and EMS.
• Coordinates response to calls during high volume periods or in cases of reduced staff.
• Monitors and responds to fire and security alarm systems and to emergency calls.
• Uses computer aided dispatching equipment to input and retrieve data and to generate reports quickly, effectively, and accurately.
• Maintains various documents related to police and security activities.
• In the absence of the Communications Supervisor or Lead Dispatcher, may be placed in charge of supervision of a dispatch shift.
• Participates in the development of effective training programs, provides or oversees the training of new dispatch personnel.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other city employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Maintains contact with all units on assignment through computer aided dispatch including the status and location of police, fire, and EMS field units.
• Maintains computer records of traffic stops and other officer-initiated activity.
• Provide high quality dispatch services to the community.
• Identifies problems and recommends solutions to the Communications Supervisor or Lead Communications Officer.
• Serves as a resource to dispatch staff on problems and issues related to computerized equipment and systems, complicated dispatch issue, and emergency situations.
• Handles other duties as assigned.
• Must maintain annual evaluation at an acceptable level.

• Ability to perform work in rotating shifts as scheduled by the department.
• Ability to handle stressful situations competently with calmness and appropriate speed.
• Ability to competently handle several situations at once.
• Must have ability to type 40 words per minute on standard computer keyboard.
• Essential knowledge of typing, spelling, vocabulary, office procedures and techniques, analytical abilities, and good knowledge of all office equipment.
• Knowledge of local geography, emergency communications equipment, standard broadcasting procedures, and rules.

• Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent (GED).
• Must maintain Utah POST Certification as a Dispatcher (provided during training).
• Must maintain current EMD, CPR, and BCI Certifications (provided during training).

• Ability to sit for long periods of time in a chair at the Dispatch Center.
• Ability to speak clearly on the radio and telephone so as to be easily understood by the other person.
• Ability to properly hear and understand telephone conversations and radio transmissions.

• Must maintain a valid Driver's License.

Computer, mobile data terminal, telephone, radio equipment, copy machine, and fax machine.

• Proficient in operating computers and using a variety of software programs to perform tasks efficiently.
• The ability to multi-task effectively in a fast-paced environment is essential, as the role requires managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Flexibility and the capacity to adapt to a constantly evolving work environment.
• Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail.

Must be able to successfully pass in-house skills test, background check, a driving record check, and a pre-employment drug test.

Benefits begin on the date of hire. Bountiful City offers Select Health and PEHP networks, with the choice of Traditional or High Deductible plans on either network. Bountiful pays 100% of the premium for employees (single coverage), 95% of the premium for two-party coverage, and 90% of the premium for family coverage.

Dental and Vision coverage is provided by Renaissance. This coverage is optional and is paid for by the employee. It is effective on the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Group Term Life insurance coverage of two times the annual salary + $10,000 is provided to the employee, $10,000 for a spouse, and $10,000 per eligible…