Public Safety Dispatcher

Overview

The Public Safety Dispatch Center is the processing point for virtually all police and fire department telephone and computer communications entering (or leaving) the police department. The dispatcher has significant involvement with walk-in traffic and processing of written correspondence. The dispatcher has primary responsibility for the initial deployment of public safety personnel and equipment subject to department policy.

• Be thoroughly familiar with the department's procedures relating to the use of radio and other communications equipment and maintain the computerized/manual call for service systems as well as the activity log
• Answer all telephone calls promptly and appropriately, and assist all complainants in a calm, civil, and professional manner
• Coordinate police, fire and ambulance activities at the scene of crimes, motor vehicle accidents, fire scenes, etc.
• Dispatch police, fire and ambulance units as necessary and required
• Evaluate medical emergency situations and provide necessary assistance within the scope of training and procedure
• Be familiar with emergency procedures that relate to matters requiring urgent police and fire attention so as to activate them immediately
• Acquire thorough knowledge of the location and layout of streets, buildings, parks, housing areas and other significant areas to maximize accuracy and speed of dispatch
• Dispatch security, medical alert and fire alarms and dispatch appropriate response units
• Ensure personnel who have been dispatched on calls are fully informed of all facts affecting the safety and efficiency of their response
• Inform the Shift Commander when contact with an officer on patrol cannot be made after a reasonable amount of time
• Monitor closed circuit television systems to ensure station security and proper supervision of persons confined
• Disseminate police information concerning wanted persons, stolen vehicles, missing persons, and other police information as received by SPOTS or other means
• Render assistance to the general public who inquire at Police Headquarters
• Recall off duty police personnel as necessary; recall off duty firefighters as necessary in cases of serious fires or mutual aid
• Report any deployment of Police Officers beyond their regularly assigned route or sectors to the Shift Commander or appropriate Division Commander
• Maintain equipment, especially emergency call lines in working order and report any malfunction or defect
• Record all significant communications as required by departmental procedures and maintain the daily log for accurate recording of calls and events
• Explain departmental policy to the public when related to the provision of police services
• Properly re-route calls for service where the offense/incident occurred in another jurisdiction
• Perform other duties as required by the Chief of Police

Ability to operate complicated computerized communications equipment and utilize computerized dispatching systems under stressful situations. Ability to effectively prioritize emergency situations and requests for police and fire services. Ability to project a calm, confident appearance under stress. Knowledge of the street system and geography of the Dover area as well as the ability to direct individuals to locations within the community.

Ability to speak clearly and concisely and to provide detailed information/instructions to personnel/citizens under stressful circumstances. Possess emotional stability and the ability to work in a stressful, highly responsible environment. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information. Ability to think and act quickly, calmly, and accurately in an emergency situation. Ability to type accurately at a reasonable rate of speed. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of public safety practices and procedures.

Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions. Ability to view monitoring equipment within the communications center. Ability to interact successfully with the news media. Ability to sit for extended periods of time. Knowledge of warrants of arrest and related items sufficient to allow for confirmation of wanted persons. Knowledge of department records systems. Ability to prepare in-depth police reports.

Ability to project confidence to the public. Ability to quickly and accurately evaluate situations and determine proper response.

High School diploma or GED required. A two- or four-year degree from an accredited college is preferred.