Police Dispatcher

Nature of Work

The Communications Operator (Police Dispatcher) is a skilled emergency service position that receives emergency and non-emergency requests for police, fire and emergency medical service assistance, determines the nature and urgency of calls and initiates police or other emergency personnel action using a complex computer aided dispatch system. Maintains close contact with field units to monitor response and needed support requirements. The position requires a considerable degree of initiative and independent judgment within procedural boundaries in responding to emotionally, disturbed and sometimes aggressive individuals in a variety of situations.

The Police Dispatcher is administratively assigned to the Administrative Services Bureau and operationally reports to the Shift Sergeant or the Officer-in-Charge. The Police Dispatcher is the primary link between the Police Officer and the citizens.

Answers the 9-1-1 emergency phones. Receives, and processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service. Determines nature and location of emergency; prioritizes; dispatches emergency units as needed and in accordance with established procedures. Maintains communication with assigned units. Operates a variety of communications equipment including the Computer-Aided-Dispatching system and LEADS computer. Answers Police business phones, assesses needs and directs assistance; receives and transmits messages.

Telephonically assists citizens, victims of crime, business representatives, other Police Agency representatives, local employees and officials, and employees from other Police agencies. Accesses and enters sensitive data in local/state/national databases as necessary for investigative purposes. Assists citizens, victims of crime, business representatives, other Police Agency representatives, local employees and officials, and employees from foreign city departments at the lobby window as the need arises.

Maintains the order, efficiency, sanctity, uniformity and integrity of Police Communications Command Center. Monitors the Police building to ensure all of its doors, hallways, rooms, and jail remain secure.

• Answers the 9-1-1 emergency phones. Receives, and processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Determines nature and location of emergency; prioritizes; dispatches emergency units as needed and in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintains communication with assigned units.
• Operates a variety of communications equipment including the Computer-Aided-Dispatching system and LEADS computer.
• Answers Police business phones, assesses needs and directs assistance; receives and transmits messages.
• Telephonically assists citizens, victims of crime, business representatives, other Police Agency representatives, local employees and officials, and employees from other Police agencies.
• Accesses and enters sensitive data in local/state/national databases as necessary for investigative purposes.
• Assists citizens, victims of crime, business representatives, other Police Agency representatives, local employees and officials, and employees from foreign city departments at the lobby window as the need arises.
• Maintains the order, efficiency, sanctity, uniformity and integrity of Police Communications Command Center.
• Monitors the Police building to ensure all of its doors, hallways, rooms, and jail remain secure.

• U.S. citizen;
• Valid State of Ohio driver's license;
• At least 18 years of age on the date of hire;
• High school diploma or GED certificate;
• Computer literacy, with accurate typing (keyboarding) of at least 30 wpm;
• Verifiable good character and ability to comply with the City's Substance Free Workplace requirements. Able to pass thorough background investigation;
• Must successfully complete L.E.A.D.S. (Law Enforcement Automated Data Systems) training and maintain L.E.A.D.S. certification;
• Must successfully complete C.C.H. (Computerized Criminal History) training and maintain certification;
• Must successfully complete any certifications required by law;
• Must have taken and passed a Civil Service Communication Operator/ Dispatchers examination.

• Must acquire and maintain a working knowledge of Police contracts, rules and regulations, policies and procedures, and State and local laws and law enforcement terminology.

• Excellent organizational, public relations, decision-making, and communications skills.
• Multi-tasking.
• Observing situations…